Becoming an art model is difficult. It’s not because you can’t do it, or that there aren’t enough good opportunities. Becoming an art model is difficult because so few people are interested in it. It seems to be viewed as a secondary career choice rather than a primary one. After all, what draws someone to become an art model? A lot of aspiring artists will shy away from the profession because they don’t see many opportunities. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth pursuing as a second job or a side hustle business opportunity. Becoming an art model can actually be very lucrative for those who are willing to put in the effort and work necessary to succeed at it. There are many places you could look for clients: from auctions and galleries to commercial photography studios and even social media profiles of celebrities who offer gigs for models on their account. However, most people don’t want to deal with the rejection over and over again by potential clients and end up giving up before they even get started. If you want to succeed at becoming an art model as a second job, here are some helpful hints that will help you land your dream job:
Be proactive and always be looking for work
The vast majority of jobs available to models are found through networking, contacts, and word of mouth. Since art is a very small community, you can expect that most of your contacts and network will be fellow models. The best way to find work is to actively look for new opportunities and reach out to galleries, commercial studios, and other models who may have work to offer. You can also check online sites like Freelance Models, ModelMayhem, FimApply, and ModelMeUp for job listings. You can also use sites like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with fellow artists and professionals in your field. You may want to join a professional modeling community or forum that will help you meet people and tap into the professional community in your field.
Network, network, network
Once you start working as an art model, you’ll quickly learn that you need to build up your network. You may find that you have a few close friends who are artists but for the most part, you’ll be working with strangers. You need to be ready for that and also be willing to make some new friends. Most likely you’ll have to put up with some negativity and people who are critical of your chosen profession. You’ll also have people who are supportive and will help you out. Use those networks to find jobs and build your reputation as an excellent model. Make connections with other artists, photographers, and designers. If you’re good at what you do, they may hire you to work on a project together. That’s how you build up your network and find new job opportunities.
Make yourself available to any job opportunity that comes your way
If you want to land a full-time job as an art model, then you’re going to have to spread your wings and be ready to take on any job opportunity that comes your way. You can’t wait for someone to approach you because the only way to get clients is by networking, attending events, and reaching out to other professionals. If a modeling opportunity comes your way and it isn’t one you’re comfortable with, you can always politely decline. You also need to consider the time constraint involved in every job opportunity you take up. If the job isn’t one you’re comfortable with, you may not have the time to put a lot of time and effort into it. Also, that job opportunity may not be your best shot at getting work as an art model.
Stay flexible and be ready to make adjustments at a moment’s notice
When you take a job as an art model, you’re agreeing to do whatever the client asks of you. Most clients will ask you to wear certain items, wear a certain hairstyle, and pose in a certain way. If they ask you to do something you don’t want to do, you’re allowed to respectfully decline. But you shouldn’t be rude or unprofessional about it. There will be instances where you’ll be asked to do something against your morals or beliefs. The best way to handle that situation is to be diplomatic and professional. Explain to the client why you can’t do something they’ve asked you to do. Ask them to try and find someone who is willing and able to do what they’ve asked. Explain to the client that you’re a model, not an artist and therefore can’t create what they’ve asked for. Tell the client that you’ll do anything else they’d like you to do, but what they’ve asked for isn’t your specialty.
Hone your communication skills and master your body language
Communication is key to every business and personal relationship. As an art model, you need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and other people. You need to be able to speak their language. Take the time to learn the lingo and slang used in the modeling industry. There are many websites and communities that will help you with that. You can also sign up for modeling classes to brush up on your communication skills. You can also use Skype, Google Hangouts, or other video-calling services to practice your communication skills. When you communicate with clients, make sure you use clear grammar, avoid confusing words or phrases, and be dressed properly and groomed before you communicate with them.
Build up your portfolio as a form of advertisement for future opportunities
The more work you put in for your portfolio, the more clients are going to appreciate it. The best way to build up your portfolio is to reach out to as many people as possible and ask them for projects to work on. If you don’t have any projects, then find ones that are near completion and work on them until they’re complete. Make sure that the work you do for a client is of great quality. When the work you do for a client is of great quality, it will show up in your portfolio and make it look like you’ve done a lot of work for them. Make sure that you always get your images and content into a professional format as well. By getting your images and content into a professional format, you’re allowing other professionals to see how great you are and what you can do. It’s like an advertisement for yourself and your work.
Conclusion
The truth is, becoming an art model is a big risk. It isn’t easy and there will be moments where you’ll be tempted to give up. But if you stick with it and learn from each experience, you can succeed at it. If you’d like to learn more about the profession of being an art model, you can check out these helpful sites: – Model Mayhem – A site dedicated to helping models find jobs and build their portfolios. – ModelMeUp – Another site dedicated to helping models find work and build their portfolios. You can also get in contact with other models on Facebook groups and forums. You can also reach out to fellow artists, photographers, and designers to see if they’d be willing to work with you on a project or offer gigs as a model.
