Interview With A Model

In this blog we have a chat with one of our models and ask all those questions that crop up during our events!

Craig has been a life model for over 10 years and has worked with artists and groups throughout East Anglia.

So what got you into Life modelling?

I went to art college and have a number of friends who are artists. I was asked by one of them to model. I gave it a go and loved it. It grew from there so to speak (no pun intended)

Do you ever get nervous before an event?

No not anymore. I love my job and the groups we work with are amazing. I always like to do the introductions and put everyone at ease. I think some of our attendees are more nervous than me!

Do your friends know you model?

Some do and it's not something I hide. Not everyone shares the same view on life modelling but I love it and am proud to be featured in so many drawings. It's always nice to see the different interpretations of a pose produced from a group. We have so many talented people in our party groups. Some are drawing like this for the first time and you see their confidence and ability improve so much.

Where is the most unusual place you have modelled nude?

Ah, there are so many to choose from!

One of the things I love most about Hen parties is that we are invited to model at some of the most fantastic locations throughout East Anglia. Out of all my venues the most unusual is probably at a former airfield!

How do you get hen groups organised for drawing, it must be a challenge?

Not really, most of the groups end up taking it really seriously once we start drawing. They can become quite competitive as well. Obviously it's all about having fun though and we just want everyone involved to enjoy it. We include some drawing games as well which creates a bit of competition!

Drawing games sound interesting?

Yes they really work well as an ice breaker and help everyone relax into the session. They are a little bit cheeky as well as you would expect!

We usually do 2 to 3 games per session one of which will involve splitting the group into teams. Our version of play your cards right with body parts that have been drawn always goes down well.

As a male model you have the additional anatomy worry?

Haha yes but that's usually more around if the room is cold to be honest than anything else. As a professional model though you do learn to control things down there however there is always the possibility of some movement!

That is one of the questions everyone asks when they find out you life model.

What is the largest group you have modelled for?

Probably 40-50 and that was for a retirement event. The main thing with larger groups is making sure everyone is getting on ok and it takes a bit more effort to set up the drawing games!

What do you enjoy most about modelling?

With art classes it is the satisfaction of seeing the artists work as the end result and knowing that you have done a good job. With the life drawing events it's seeing the group have fun and getting to make some good memories. We get some great artwork from our parties and being able to give guidance to people who haven't drawn before and then see them do so well is really rewarding.

Anything you don't enjoy?

Probably the travel side of things. You end up doing a lot of long journeys and you always want to make sure you are on time so it's the one part that can be a bit of a worry. A lot of venues we go to are out in the sticks as well so always good to plan well in advance as sat navs are not always accurate!

Plans for 2023?

Hopefully another busy year of parties. It's looking like a very busy March/April already. That is always a popular time for events. I always enjoy going to new locations as well as you find some great places to visit.