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Life model for drawing classes
Pose for drawing, painting or sculpture classes at art schools, municipal workshops or associations, often in 3-hour sessions.
How to get started
- List the art schools, academies, municipal workshops and drawing groups near you.
- Send a short introduction with your availability.
- Before the session, ask about the status offered (contract, freelance session or invoice) and the rate.
- Bring a robe and something to change into.
Skills needed
- No particular skill
Tools and equipment needed
- Nothing in particular
Good tips
- Evening and Saturday sessions let you keep a daytime job.
Watch out for
- Refuse undeclared cash payment: it deprives you of rights.
- You choose your poses; nobody should touch you.
Rules to know
France
There is no specific status: short employment contract, sessional work for a public body, or micro-enterprise if you invoice.
Belgium
Possible as an employee of an academy, as a student job, or as a complementary self-employed worker.
Simplified summary: check the official websites before you start.
How much it pays
Indicative amount, varies with region, experience and demand. Before tax and social contributions.
France
Estimate From €23.13 gross per hour
Hourly rate for sessional models at the City of Paris fine arts workshops since March 2025 (+20%, the first rise since 2009). Elsewhere, rates vary widely from one school to another. Example: two 3-hour sessions a week.
Indicative example: about €600 gross per month for 6 h per week.
Source: Le Parisien: City of Paris raises pay for life models (March 2025) · Checked on 1 Nov 2026
Belgium
Estimate not available
No reliable source found yet: we prefer not to give a figure.