Work study positions across campus are filled with students seeking solace for their empty wallets, yet the highest paying job on campus is often avoided by modest students, as it involves nudity.
At $10 an hour, nude models for the art department make the highest wage of any other student worker position at Southeastern. However, not all “nude” models are completely nude; models that are a bit on the modest side may choose to wear tight-fitting leotards or swimsuits, though full nudity is preferred.
“It’s my experience that people who want to model do it because they are comfortable. I would never ask someone to do something outside their comfort zone. I explain to my models beforehand what modeling entails, how long the poses will be held for, etc.” said Katherine Knoeringer, lecturer of drawing.
Despite the accommodations that are often made, many students shy away from the job because of misconceptions about what it is to be a model. These apprehensions lead to a lack of diversity in race and body types among nude models.
“We do have both male and female [models], but they are all white, so there is a lack of other cultural types there. Also, all of our models seem to be so skinny, so larger body types, which I feel are better for form, have not been available at all,” said Benjamin Diller, instructor of drawing. “I would encourage students to break free of these apprehensions by saying that the human figure is the most beautiful, complex and problematic source to do art from. It is an honor to pose, be drawn and to draw/paint/sculpt from the figure for art purposes.”
Art majors have a lot to gain from drawing live nude figures, as anatomy and human expression are presented in a realistic setting.
“These models serve a great role in providing a source of inspiration for students in their drawings, paintings and sculptures. Students can explore the structure, value, proportion and texture, and combine with their backgrounds and environments to create visually engaging works of art,” said Diller.
While nude modeling can be a positive experience for many people, it is not for everyone.
“I would recommend this job only to students that are completely not self-conscious about their looks. Some of the art students may be in their classes, you will see them around campus, and they are drawing you. I have run into people who weren’t even in that class who knew that I am a nude model. So, people that I don’t know, know that I work there,” said William Schmidt, a junior psychology major.
Overall, nude modeling can be a great job for those that have a profound love for art and are not uncomfortable with exposing their bodies.
“I think one of the main benefits though is being able to see the work at the end of classes,” said Schmidt. “In a way, I can see myself with no bruises, no scars, no tattoos and no blemishes. I see myself as God made me through their artwork, and it can be a moving experience, spiritually.”
Student interested in becoming a nude model may email Benjamin Diller at [email protected] or Katherine Knoeringer at [email protected].