Life Model Opportunities

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​DARA is currently accepting applications to work as a portrait or figure model in our academic courses and open sketch sessions.

Male and female models of all ages and body types are welcome to apply. Prior modelling experience is helpful, but not required. Models are paid as independent contractors, and no income taxes are withheld by DARA from the model’s pay. Responsibilities expected of models are outlined below.

How to Apply:
​Please complete an application and indicate the types of modelling you are available to be booked for (clothed, fully nude, standing poses, short poses, etc.) and what times you are generally available. There are opportunities for models during both weekdays and weekends, in the morning, afternoon, and evenings.

Some opportunities are for one-off classes of three hours, and if you are a new model, this is typically what we will book you for first. Longer modelling roles of up to 60 hours are available for models we have established a good working relationship with. An instructor or model coordinator will reach out to you if you are a good candidate for the class or open sketch session being booked.
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Submit Application

Compensation

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Model compensation for 2026:

• Portrait models (fully clothed): €17,50 per hour
• Figure models  (fully or partially nude): €24 per hour
• Compensation for travel: Maximum €12 per round trip to/from the studio for models whose registered address is outside of Haarlem. For international models who are only visiting the Netherlands for a short period, this amount applies only if your local accommodation is outside of Haarlem.

Models are paid as independent contractors, and no income taxes are withheld by DARA from the model’s pay.

Payment is rendered at the end of the session for one-off bookings. If booked for multiple sessions during the week, payment is rendered at the end of the week. For poses that extend multiple weeks, DARA can also pay in one lump sum at the model’s request on the final lesson. Cash payments are only possible upon advance request. Models must sign a payslip which indicates the amount paid, course, dates, and hours worked.

Pose Types & Professional Responsibilities

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Explanation of Pose types

​CLOTHED / NUDE

• Fully Clothed: Models are posing fully clothed, typically for portrait classes. For longer poses that extend over many classes, it is important that you wear the same hairstyle, clothing, and accessories each session.

 

• Partially Nude: Models may wear undergarments / limited clothing. This type of booking may include anatomy classes, where students are only studying part of the figure at a time; or “narrative” poses, where you are dressed as a character or archetype.

 

• Fully Nude: Models pose fully nude (no undergarments / socks / etc.) This type of booking includes figure drawing or painting classes, where students are studying the entire body.

POSE DURATION
Classes are three hours. Models get a short break (5 minutes) every 25 minutes. There is one long break (10 minutes) halfway through class.

• Short Poses: This pose type is for nude/partially nude figure. Models change pose every few minutes, which allows for much more dynamic and versatile poses with fuller range of motion. Short poses last up to 25 minutes at the maximum.

 

• Long Poses: Models hold the same pose for the entire duration of class. The position of your feet, hands, props, chair, etc. will be marked on the stage with tape by the instructor, so that you can easily get back into the same pose after breaks. You must be able to memorise and hold the same pose as still as possible throughout the class. Models that we have established a good working relationship with may be booked for poses that last for multiple classes.

  POSE TYPES

• Seated poses: Models sit on a chair or sofa. For portrait models, it’s important that you hold your gaze in the same place.
• Standing poses: Models stand upright, often with a supporting prop to help balance your weight.
• Lying down poses: Models lie down on a sofa or cushions.​

Professional Responsibilities & Studio Policies

​It is the model’s sole responsibility to review DARA's Studio Policies as a condition of employment, and to ensure that your behaviour is compliant with the terms established therein. Models are expected to respect themselves, students, DARA staff and other members of the community, and studio facilities. Models who consistently arrive late, are unable to hold a pose well, or otherwise do not meet the professional expectations outlined below will not be rehired.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• You should arrive to the studio between 5 to 10 minutes before class, and be on the model stand ready to begin by the time lessons start.
• The instructor will use a timer to keep track of the breaks and pose times. You should be ready to resume posing promptly once breaks are over.
• You must be able to memorise and hold the pose as consistently and still as possible. The instructor and/or students may give respectful directions at the start of each sitting if minor adjustments to the pose are needed.
• Both the students and the model should be silent while the pose is in session. Cell phones should be switched off or on silent. You are not permitted to chat with the students while posing.
• Listening to music is discouraged but permitted only if you wear one small earbud that does not cover the entire ear, the music is not audible to others, and you are still able to hear the instructor give directions.
• (For long poses) The instructor will set the pose, working together with you to determine what can be comfortably maintained over a long period. It is important for our students to have the full duration of lessons to work out their drawings/paintings, and therefore you must communicate to the instructor immediately if the pose is not feasible for an extended period.
• (For long poses) If booked for a pose that lasts multiple sessions, you agree to wear the same hairstyle and clothing/accessories (if applicable) for each session.
• (For portrait models) Falling asleep in the chair and/or failing to maintain an alert gaze in a fixed spot in the room is not acceptable.
• (For nude models) You must bring a robe or other garment to cover with during breaks. It is not permitted to walk around the classroom or studio unclothed during breaks.
• Please keep in mind that some students are participating in classes as a beginner. While we hope that you will enjoy all the work that is made in class, refrain from making any insulting or rude comments about a student’s work in the event that you do not like it.

 
TARDINESS / ABSENCES / CANCELLATIONS
If you are running late, please contact the instructor or model coordinator who booked you as soon as you know you will be late. Pay will be adjusted for arrivals more than 10 minutes late. We fully understand that unexpected circumstances arise; however, models who demonstrate a repeated pattern of arriving late will not be rehired.

If you must cancel a booking, please notify the instructor or model coordinator at least 24 hours in advance, so that a replacement may be found.
If DARA needs to cancel a booking for any reason, (instructor falling ill, etc.) we will notify you with at least 24 hours’ notice.
 
USE OF PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

• DARA does not permit its students to record any photos or video of models, and there is clear signage on the model stage that indicates this rule. We also advise students to wait for a break in the pose to photograph their own work, so that there is no confusion for models. If you believe a student has privately recorded a photo of you posing without your permission, please report this to the instructor or model coordinator immediately.
• The instructor or another member of staff may take photos of students working during class to publish on our website or social media. We will always check in with you first, to determine if we have your permission to discreetly include you posing in the background.

 
PROHIBITED CONDUCT FROM STUDENTS & MEMBERS OF STAFF

• As noted above, DARA does not allow students to record photos or videos of models. The only time an exception can be made is if you freely give your express permission for this.
• All students and members of staff are expected to conduct themselves with maturity and professionalism at all times.
• Once the pose begins, classroom doors are closed and students are not permitted to enter the room and disrupt the pose.
• Students who are not participating in class, or any other outside guests, may not enter the room while you are posing.
• Models may never be physically touched. All directions to adjust the pose are always given verbally.
• When corrections to the pose are needed, this should always be communicated respectfully and politely.
• There is a zero-tolerance policy for any insulting, intimidating, abusive, or sexually suggestive commentary or behaviour towards models.

 
CODE OF CONDUCT
In order to ensure a safe and professional working environment, the Code of Conduct establishes guidelines for appropriate behaviour while on the DARA premises. The Code of Conduct applies to all students, staff, models, and guests of DARA. Behaviour which is in violation of the Code of Conduct will result in permanent dismissal from DARA and all future events. DARA reserves the right to refuse admittance to classes, workshops, programs and events based on violation of this Code of Conduct. You may download the full Code of Conduct and other Professional Responsibilities for models here.