How To Talk to Models

Did I ever tell you my story about the Nigerian scammers using my name to lure innocent administrative assistants to do their scam banking and shipping? Well, this isn’t that story. I’ll have to save that one for another time, but there is an odd parallel. There was a reason why this international scam operation wanted to use the name Artist Tina Garrett. Or, at least I’d like to think this is the reason:

I have a reputation as a person who does everything I say I will do and I do it quickly, efficiently, affordably and usually with a smile and I pay those who work for me generously. I do make mistakes, as every human being does, and when that happens, I am quick to own my mistakes, take full responsibility, apologize and do more than expected to correct the situation. 

I could give you the example of the painting that arrived broken: While in transit, a forklift found it’s way into the forehead of the subject of the painting and without hesitation I took full responsibility and repaired the painting and gave the collector every penny of the insurance on the painting and a lifetime guarantee on any future (though likely unnecessary) repair needs. 

By now you are wondering what in the world does any of this have to do with how to talk to models! 

Clarity, general respect and generosity has everything to do with how you as an artist successfully communicate and operate with models. This attitude has helped me create a very dedicated pool of models to work with who are happy to show up on time, prepared and eager to work with me and even travel with me on their dime and are really, more than employees, they are my good friends. After all, as a primary figurative and portrait painter, they are an integral part of my process. 

Approaching a new prospective model:

Tons of times I’ve approached people to model for me and I’ve painted some of my most well known pieces from those chance encounters. But sometimes, it isn’t as easy. I often get the frighted look, “Sure you want me to come to your basement so you can ‘paint’ me, yeah, no.” LOL! I think it is easier for women artists, but I also highly recommend having your phone ready to show your art as you begin the conversation. This way they can be wowed by your work and they’ll be more likely to accept your invitation. I also offer them to bring any family or friend with them the first time they come over so that they feel safer. I ask them to look at my website and see that I am a legitimate working artist and give them my cell phone number. This way, they have the power to reach out to me and schedule the modeling session, or not.

Be prepared:

Know what you want to do in your time with your model. Have a vision ready. Don’t waste there time asking them what they think you should do. This is very unprofessional. How do you do create a vision? Look at the great works of the masters, look at the great films, read the great poets and novelists, think, dream, write, sketch, shop for fabulous props and draw from all the amazing locations in the world. If you’re filling your mind with daytime tv and you don’t understand why you have no fresh ideas, well, there isn’t much advice I can give you. Think about how you might costume and makeup the model, light the model, pose the model and have visual aids to show them the mood of what you’re looking for. Be ready with a vision, and also be prepared go with the flow, like water. If an obstacle arrives, aka, they arrive with bright green hair, you might have to consider integrating a scarf or a hat into your plans, or simply use your imagination to change the hair color. We are not camera’s after all. If you want to save yourself for these kinds of surprises, on the day you schedule your model, ask if they’ve made any drastic changes to their appearance before you schedule and ask them not to until you are finished with your painting project. 

Hospitality: 

When a model arrives to the studio, I have everything ready for them. A private room with a comfortable temperature, bottled water, small snack, a pillow for their back or to lay in their lap so that their shoulders can rest. A changing room and a robe if a nude. The costumes and props are clean and ready. Hair pins, lip gloss, and any special jewelry are always in hand. I usually ask my portrait models to come with no make up at all and messy hair, but many times I’ve asked for a smokey eye, etc. and in those cases I send them a text the week before with an image of what I’m looking for so there is no guessing involved. Ask your model if they’ve eaten and offer them a snack if not. I’ve had a model pass out, it is absolutely a great painting killer. 

Model release forms:

When a model arrives I ask them to sign a model release form. I explain that this is the permission I need in order to create a painting and sell it. It is required and if a model is underage a parent or guardian is required to sign as well. The form is simple and it states that I alone own the images I create or take with a camera and that I have the model’s permission to use those images in any way I see fit. You can find a simple photographer’s model release online. Keep them in a folder in your office forever. You never know when you may need to prove to a new spouse that you had permission to make and sell that nude painting of their new bride.

Scheduling:

Reminders help a lot! I always text or call a week ahead and the night before. I know how scattered brained I can be with my own schedule. I often accidentally book things on the wrong day or on top of another urgent appointment. Sending your model a quick reminder can save you a lot of headache. I also schedule a minimum of 3 hours of time to paint from life, 5 hours is perfect!

Canceling:

Be kind! I know, it is frustrating and difficult when your model cancels. But if they have let you know at least 24 hours in advance, understand that everyone has bad days and unexpected life troubles that they cannot control and being cruel or angry will not help spread the word about how fun it is to work with you. If you consistently cannot rely on a particular model to the point that you are now upset, simply stop booking them. I give a model one or two chances to be on time and prepared to work. After that, I simply book someone else. If they don’t call, or heaven forbid, show up drunk and puking and need to leave early, no need to get upset, “Girl, don’t go away mad. Girl, just go away.”

Have a back up or three:

Since life happens, I have gathered such a great list of models that I have several options for backups. I also have ‘emergency models’ in the way of retired family members and close friends. I almost never have to use that list, but having them on the list helps me feel less frustrated and desperate and ready to be gracious in the case of a cancelation. Worst case scenario, paint yourself in a mirror (yuck!) or paint a still life, or go out doors and find a lovely scene, or if you live in a historic home like me, paint an empty interior, all of these are great challenges that can shake you out of your old habits and help you build new skills. 

Lastly, be generous: 

I pay my models well. I pay on the day of service and I work hard, if in a group situation, to make sure everyone knows tipping is expected. I usually recommend $3 to $10 tip for a paint from life session, add an additional $20 if you take even one photo of the pose — and if you ask the model to pose in several different poses and take photos of them on your own, separate from the pose of the day, you owe them $50 more. I often give the model the painting sketch. Sometimes I just know that the painting should be theirs. Trust me, what goes around comes around, so be generous. I practice this principle so strongly that I give my models a bonus check that comes when a substantial painting that features them sells. This can be $100 to $500 and is not part of the contract we have, or the fee they already earned. It is something I really enjoy doing whenever possible. Most of the time my models are young people working to put themselves through school and I am so happy to contribute to their success they way they have with mine. 

If you have any questions about how to talk to models, please leave them in the comments section below.