[aktdrawing]

Another student model, part of an article on unusual student jobs.



When I posed as a nude model for the first time three years ago, I had a strange feeling, mostly because men my age were present in the classes at the European Academy of Art in Trier. But then I said to myself that the students simply wanted to paint me as accurately as possible and therefore needed to scrutinize me for longer periods of time. The students don’t come just to see a naked woman. They could get that cheaper somewhere else. By now, I model once a month alongside my studies. Such an assignment usually lasts seven hours with a one-and-a-half-hour break in between. I earn ten euros an hour.

The students arrange their easels in a circle around a platform in the center. I undress in the middle of the room and then receive instructions from the tutor, for example whether I should lie down or sit. What the pose looks like exactly ultimately depends on me. You can be a bit creative there. It’s especially exhausting when I have to stand for a long time. Once, it was even three hours during which I had to stay motionless. However, that almost never happens. Usually, I don’t have to remain in the same pose for longer than half an hour. I then keep an eye on the clock and let the students know before the time is up. In comfortable poses, I memorize psychological theories or read something on the side. It has also happened that I briefly had to move because my leg had fallen asleep. That’s not a problem, though. The art students are very understanding. Sometimes I also have to be careful not to doze off. In principle, anyone can work as a nude model—even without a perfect body. Artists often find fuller bodies even more interesting. Of course, you need a certain amount of self-discipline and have to be able to sit still.

Most of the time, I look forward to my next assignment. It’s simply a good opportunity to let my thoughts wander, to dream a little, or to plan the next vacation. You usually don’t treat yourself to such a long break in everyday life.

My fellow students and friends know that I work as a nude model on the side. None of them thinks anything inappropriate. My boyfriend didn’t like it very much at first when I told him about my side job. I then explained to him that for the participants it’s only about practice and artistic skill, and that everything is handled very professionally. For me, it’s simply a pleasant source of extra income, and he eventually accepted that. However, his parents must not find out about my job under any circumstances. That would be too uncomfortable for me, as they’re pretty conservative.