Expert: DJ Murphy - 7/7/2007

Question
Hello there,

I recognize this is perhaps far afield, but I'm hoping you can help me.  I have previously worked as a figure model for a university art class, and am interested in continuing in the field.  However, I have relocated to New York City, and am unclear on how to find this kind of work.  I have sent an email to the director of every art school in the city and received no response, and this kind of work is not listed at any of the job listing sites or papers I have seen.  I am uncomfortable with the idea of just posting a classified ad (it seems unsafe).  I have found numerous guilds and online sites for figure model networking for various cities in the U.S., but none for NYC.  As this is such a huge artist location, I do not believe this work is unavailable, just that I am incapable of finding it.  Do you have any suggestions on how an experienced by green figure model can find safe work in New York?

Thank you.

Answer
Hello Kimberly,

If you were closer to my studio in NJ, I would hire you......but to your question.  I don´t know of a central casting type of place for artist models.....but you could try a blind craigs list ad and see what kind of response you would receive.....under the "attn: artists" type of headline.  Also check with a few galleries in chelsea and see if the staff might have a lead or two. Check  also  with a few ad agencies to see if they can give you any leads (ie in the modeling category). I know ads are kind of dicey.....but don´t have any brilliant suggestions for you either.

All the best,

dj murphy
galleyonemain.com