T.A.M.E : The Art Model’s Experience
By Robin Hoskins
A Word from the Content Editor of this website: This blog post originally appeared on our site as an article in 2025. Since then Robin along with other figure models have appeared as clear voices on the realities of working in the multi billion dollar art industry in the epicenter of the global market of New York City. Some may argue that Robin's writing is the experience of one person alone. However I can attest to my own personal experiences and those of many of my colleagues that her testimony rings true as the job has specific demands particular to it. I encourage anyone reading this to examine Hyperallergics article that appeared December 17, 2025 by journalist Isa Farhan to understand the inequities in this field which builds it's very foundation on our workforce. Blue collar workers have long struggled to get and maintain recognition, security and dignity in the workplace. I want to thank Robin again for using her voice to give voice to a silent profession. - Erika in service of NYCAMG July 8, 2026
As I typed the title of this piece, I noticed the first letter of each word spelled out the acronym
TAME. That’s what is expected of us - to be tame, compliant and accepting of injustices as they occur in
our field. To be tame when we encounter low pay, inconsistent pay with no acknowledgment that we
have bills with due dates just like everyone else, no advocacy when bullied, being discriminated against
or even sexually harassed, dressing rooms being used for storage, no light in the dressing room, no step
stools to safely get on and off of the model stands, no mats, no heaters, and worst of all no say. If we
say something, there is usually a good chance we will not be booked in the future.
We’ve been resilient for so long taking these injustices in stride as we’ve created and maintained
inspiring poses long and short for artists of all mediums. And, all the while, being told by those who are
unfamiliar with our profession that we’re lucky because when we’re at work we “just sit there” or “just
stand there” or “just lay there”. These are the same people who most likely are unable to tolerate a
lengthy airplane, train or bus ride. The level of discipline and patience required to hold any pose from
one minute to twenty minutes at a time adding up to several hours per day is comparable to sainthood.
In our experience, we gracefully absorb these misconceptions as we carry out our daily routines
with the physical stamina and work ethic of a devoted athlete or professional dancer. We also embody
the mental stamina and work ethic of a top notch secretary, advocate or accountant. And, I express this
tenderly, we embody from our hearts the passion and creativity of a muse. We are providing a service
from our bodies, our minds and our hearts.
We use our business communication skills as we take direction from and collaborate with artists
from our side of the easel to construct poses. We hold and maintain the integrity of those poses. We
organize our schedules. We map out each of our commutes while carrying loads of work material. We
carry protective mats and padding along with enough props, costumes and garments to fill an entire
backstage department of a theatre on our backs through the subways - sometimes being searched by
the NYPD. As we show the artists all of these garment, costume, prop and accessory options in the
studios, they still ask if we have more. It’s never enough.
In our downtime, we keep up with the regimens necessary to recover and reset, so we can
segway into our next sessions. It’s essential to be refreshed and manage soreness. The clientele we’re
posing for are unaware and generally uninterested in the bodily wear-and tear from previous sessions.
We have our daily stretches to realign our bodies from poses demanding twist and weight bearing limbs.
We rest with elevated feet to treat swelling. We ice our feet from standing poses and take epsom salt
baths. We burn our skin by repeatedly applying tiger balm. We rarely socialize because most of our free
time is spent in recovery. Our dedication is 24/7.
My objective for writing this piece is to bring awareness to our clientele and the rest of the world
what our profession entails. And, yes...art modeling is a profession. I consider every art model near or
far, alive or dead, as my family. I see you. I bring your everyday I bring your everyday struggles to light, and I embrace you all.
March 23, 2025
● We use our business communication skills as we take direction from and collaborate with
artists from our side of the easel to construct poses.
● We hold and maintain the integrity of those poses.
● We organize our schedules.
● We map out each of our commutes while carrying loads of work material including
protective mats and padding along with enough props, costumes and garments to fill an
entire backstage department of a theatre on our backs through the subways - sometimes
being searched by the NYPD.
● In our downtime, we keep up with the regimens necessary to recover and reset, so we can
segway into our next sessions.
● We have our daily stretches to realign our bodies from poses demanding twist and weight
bearing limbs.
● We rest with elevated feet to treat swelling. We ice our feet from standing poses and take
epsom salt baths. We burn our skin by repeatedly applying tiger balm.
● We rarely socialize because most of our free time is spent in recovery. Our dedication is 24/7
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