Art Life Models

The USM Art Department is looking for life models for figure drawing and painting classes where student artists draw and paint from the model under instructor supervision. We seek diverse models of any gender or age, and we welcome all body types. Models are asked to hold a variety of poses at the direction of the instructor for varying lengths of time, up to 20 minutes at a time. Most modeling is nude.

USM Art studio classrooms are located on both the Portland and Gorham Campuses.  Life Models will be paid $25.00/hour. 

Art Life Models work for an entire studio class session. Studio class sessions are 2 hours and 45 minutes long and meet twice weekly. On some occasions models may be required to work for two consecutive classes.  The art department schedule includes morning, afternoon, and early evening classes. The USM Art Department ensures that the comfort, privacy, and dignity of all models is respected. 

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness. 

Required Qualifications:             

• Modeling skills include patience and focus, as well as the ability to hold a variety of poses, which may include short, dynamic postures or extended poses lasting 20 minutes.
• Models should be comfortable with sustained moderate physical activity over a 2h45 minute period.  The USM Art Department ensures that the comfort, privacy, and dignity of all models is respected. 

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae or resume 
• Contact information for three professional references.

Applicants should not send photos. 

Models are hired and placed in a pool to be pulled from as requested by faculty.

We will examine candidate packages on an ongoing basis as they are submitted. 

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.