kate

EDIT: Forgot how much people on here don't like posts without pictures. Specifically naked pictures.
But you should read this- it's important.

Kate vs the 'Work for Free' culture.
From my tumblr.


Yesterday morning, I received this email that, after first filling me with rage, I felt I should not only respond to it, but also put it online. Yes, I could have just got cross and not given them the time of day, but I felt it was time to let certain organisations know that the way they treat professionals is just not acceptable.

A bit of background first- as some of you may know, I am a working life model, in addition to being an artist. Its not really the kind of work one can do all day, and we dont exactly rake it in, but it is enjoyable, challenging and can be hugely satisfying most of the time. Speaking as someone who also regularly employs life models, I know how important it is to have a good model to work with, who is professional, creative and reliable.

I was compelled to write this after reading a blog my brother wrote, regarding an email he sent back to a pay to play music promoter.

So heres what I received:

Hello!


You emailed us regarding life modeling work- sorry if we didnt get back to you- we are a small organisation and it is not possible to reply to all model inquiries- however!..

Are you up for an unusual and fun weekend this weekend?

We are looking for a professional model to model with us at Nova festival this coming weekend - one of our models is injured so as a result this is a last minute call:

We need someone who is up for a fun weekend with like minded people , who has an open mind, dynamic, flexible and resilient in their attitude- reliable and professional. This is an unusual job- so although we will maintain a professional working environment

- we need people who are prepared to model unconventional class setting, and also weather permitting - outside.

The budget for this event is very small- so we are offering models a free ticket for a friend to go to the festival plus travel paid (travel paid only for the model- not their friend.)

We run various life classes and events all over London- so although this particular job is unpaid- once we have met you we will be able to offer you future paid work in interesting venues and events.

Here is the link to the Nova Festival weekend of the 5-8 July:
http://www.novafestival.co.uk/

The park and grounds look really nice and its small- so 5000 people in all
You will have a free ticket for a friend plus travel paid for for you, not your friend
Modeling will be 2/3 hours Saturday and Sunday afternoon 1-4pm in the grounds of Bignor House
There will be three other models- and we will stagger your modeling- and rotate you all so that at least 2 people will be modeling at any one time.
We would also ask models to wear masks and powder based body paint- there are showers onsite.
We have an indoor space if weather is bad.

Here is more about us:
http://www.londondrawing.com/

Please reply asap with a picture- not necessarily naked- and your mobile number and full name to info@londondrawing.com

-

And here is my response that I sent yesterday:

Hi there,

Thank you for the email regarding unpaid work which I will have to decline.
I have been working as a life model for a few years now, and do not ever
expect to be asked to work for nothing, despite the promise of future paid
work. As someone who also runs life drawing classes in my hometown, I
equally would never ask a model to pose for no pay.

You have asked for a professional model- the definition of a
professional is someone who is paid for their skills and experience,
and so I dont understand why you think it is acceptable to ask
professionals to work for nothing.

Much as I would love to work for you in the future, as your events do seem
very interesting, I feel compelled to ask for you to remove me from your
mailing list, as I do not wish to support an organisation that does not
feel life models deserve to be paid for their hard work.
I am sorry if this in any way comes across negatively, but I must stand up
for for what I do and support my fellow life models.

Best of luck with the event,
Regards
Kate


I am fully aware that someone *will* take them up on their offer (although I hope not!) and that is how businesses like these can continue. Seeing as they promised paid work once Ive worked for them for free (a classic way of making your business look incredibly bad) I know i am never going to work for this company, which is a shame, as I can always do with more work.

Whether it be for artists, illustrators, musicians or life models, this working for free culture must stop. Its getting ridiculous now.

//end of kates soapbox.

....and no, they haven't replied yet.