Any tips for modeling for an art class?

Nice, Sadie.

Well, in the 8th grade it will be a challenge to get the students to be serious first off, then recognize you as a subject in which will aid them in their drawing skills. It is a must and a standard for all.

Explain to them that drawing the human form, especially with clothes on, is the most difficult for any budding artist or illustrator in order to accomplish. To have the ability to interpret what one sees as folds and shadow on material (drapes, clothing, throws, etc.) can be quite impressive when done as life-like as it can be.

After this, it is important to emphasize the reason for drawing and representing any human form (even life as animal or still life) can lead to better techniques of art expression, sense of design and even understanding engineering or architecture. (And fashion? Duh.)

If not anatomy. Future doctors are required to do this during their times through their education.

Ask about getting a full-size skeleton as a modeling tool next time around. This has been used as well to better understand proportion and structure. That is a real challenge as well. And kinda cool.

Take it from me, I've done this all.

But just relax, be yourself and even challenge your class to instruct you in how to pose for them and you set the pace and form as you please (with the help of your instructor) and get into a 'change' time limit. This is to not only adjust for your own comfort, but add to the 'workout' for those who will draw you.

The better 'artists' will get your stance and position faster than the others, like taking a visual picture, and the result will be a fun time for all. Have someone to time the pose position on the side, as 10 - 20 seconds to a pose. This will speed the whole session along and become a group participation as a whole. (Even for those who don't really care much about being there.)

Make a game of it. Holding still is not just boring for everyone, but too long for any a real study. 15 minutes at the most. Don't you think? Or, you teacher may not agree because of the students' attention levels too.

Oh, well.

I did this in college all the time! I was really nervous too the first time but what helped is I was also an art major. What I realized is they don't see you as a person they see you as forms, tones, shades, hues and masses to be realized onto paper. It doesn't matter if you are fat or fit. They hire all kinds of models. The point it they need a live human that is willing to donate their body to learning art. Tips: 1. Make sure you have a robe. You can slip it on just before and after you pose. This makes you feel much more comforable. 2. They should have a heater for you if it gets too cold. 3. You can use fabric to cover your genitals sometimes for a long pose 4. They will give you gesture poses in the beginning which you will change very often. Be graceful and not to stiff. They will gradually increase the time with each position. 5. If you get a cramp say something and shake it out! Do not suffer. 6. Sometimes you can even nap :D

uhmm... don't drink a redbull?