Purpose of this document
This document exists to support Drawversity life models in navigating the professional, cultural, and ethical realities of working within life drawing spaces. These spaces are often predominately white and middle-class, and while they are frequently well-intentioned, they can at times produce moments of exoticism, othering, or unconscious bias.
My aim is not to create fear or restriction, but to equip models with language, boundaries, and confidence so they remain in control of their labour, their image, and their narrative.
Cultural sensitivity, exoticism & representation
Life models of colour may encounter requests that place emphasis on their race, ethnicity, or perceived “difference”. These moments can be subtle or overt, and may be framed as appreciation, homage, or artistic curiosity.
It is always acceptable to:
• Ask questions
• Request context
• Decline without justification
• Redirect a request to something more neutral or collaborative
When asked to wear “traditional” or culturally specific clothing
Tutors or artists may request that models of colour wear clothing described as traditional, ethnic, or culturally representative. These requests can unintentionally slip into exoticism or tokenism.
Things to consider before agreeing:
• Who is this request serving?
• Is the model in control of how their culture is represented?
• Is this based on research or stereotype?
• Would this request be made of a white model?
Suggested placeholder responses:
• “Can you tell me more about the intention behind this request?”
• “What research or reference is this based on?”
• “I’m happy to model, but I’m not comfortable representing my culture in that way.”
• “I’d prefer to wear something neutral and focus on form rather than cultural symbolism.”
• “I’m open to collaboration, but I want to make sure this isn’t leaning into stereotype or exoticism.”
Models should never feel pressured to educate, perform, or represent an entire culture.
Referencing artists from history
Tutors may ask models to pose in homage to artists from art history. While this can be valuable, it is important that these references are handled with care, particularly when involving bodies of colour.
Before agreeing, it is reasonable to ask:
• Who was this artist?
• How did they depict people of colour?
• Were their subjects’ consenting participants or passive objects?
• Were those subjects in control of their narrative, or were they fetishised, eroticised, or colonised through the gaze?
Suggested language:
• “I’d like to understand how this artist represented people of colour before agreeing.”
• “Were the original subjects’ collaborators, or were they objectified?”
• “I’m not comfortable recreating work that fetishised or erased the agency of its subjects.”
• “Could we adapt the reference in a way that centres autonomy rather than replication?”
It is not the model’s responsibility to carry the weight of historical harm in order to make a class concept work.
Photography & image rights
A model’s image is their livelihood. Photography is not a casual by-product of life modelling; it is a separate and chargeable service.
Although models often work independently and rarely meet collectively, there is a widely shared understanding across the profession that photographs should always be paid for.
General guidance
• Always ask for payment for photographs
• You are entitled to refuse photography entirely
• You are entitled to charge more than the suggested rates
• You are never obligated to agree to nude photography
• If photographs are taken due to poor eyesight, all images should be deleted at the end of the session and this should be shown to the model.
Indicative rates
• £10 per image (typically clothed)
• Nude photography is optional and may be refused or priced higher
• Promotional photography:
£100 per hour as a photographed event
– images must be reviewed and approved by the model before public use
If artists wish to continue working from your image, they should either:
• Book you for further sessions, or
• Pay for the image as a reference
Photography in sessions – wording to send in advance
Models are encouraged to send the following message before sessions to set clear boundaries:
No photographs may be taken during class unless discussed and agreed in advance. If photographs are requested, they will be chargeable and must be discussed prior with myself and the tutor. Please ask students to refrain from photographing their work until the model is fully covered and out of pose.
If your students would like to purchase portrait photos of me on their phone, I charge £10 per photo. You can also add Or you can direct them to my Patreon where I release monthly images for you to draw from at home.
This protects the model, maintains professionalism, and prevents boundary-crossing in the moment.
Final Note
You are allowed to take up space.
You are allowed to change your mind.
You are allowed to say no without explanation.
Safeguarding is not about restriction — it is about autonomy, dignity, and respect.
Drawversity stands behind its models in setting and maintaining these boundaries.
Be sure to read and share: Drawversity Safeguarding, Cultural Awareness & Professional Practice for Tutors
Jade Hylton 
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