Models are frequently used for training art students so art schools are a good place to start if you want to get paid work as an art model.  You can also get work from accomplished artists but it takes a bit of work finding ones wanting models and who can pay you.

Throughout the history of Western art, drawing the human figure from living models was considered the most useful way to develop the necessary skills to be a draftsman. In the art school classroom setting, where the purpose is to learn how to draw the human form in all the different shapes, ages and ethnicity, there are no real limitations on which the model can be. In some cases, the model may pose with various props, one or even with other models, animals etc. This can be against a real or artificial background or where the artist’s paints in something completely different later on; using natural or artificial light and so on.

Models for life drawing classes are often entirely nude so you need to be prepared to get all your clothes off. Most models I have seen wear a robe between sittings and as most artists view them as a subject rather than someone with no clothes on, its all quite tasteful and above board. In a job advertisement seeking nude models, nude modelling is often referred to as being undraped or disrobed.

While posing, the model is expected to remain motionless, except for 'moving poses'. Some classes I have done the model changes poses every five minutes, a method used to encourage the artist to be quick and focus on the important features and capture the essence of the form rather than getting carried away with too much detail.  An experienced model will not speak, wriggle, scratch, or re-adjust during the pose. The model's level of experience and skill may be taken into account in determining the length of the posing session and the difficulty of the poses.

Poses generally fall into three categories: standing, seated and reclining. Within each of these there are varying levels of difficulty, so one kind is not always easier than another. Artists and life drawing instructors will often prefer poses in which the body is being exerted, for a more dynamic and aesthetically interesting subject. Common poses such as standing twists, slouched seated poses and especially the classical contrapposto are difficult to sustain accurately for any amount of time, although it is often surprising what a skilled professional model can do. Poses can range in length from several seconds to many hours. Active, gestural, or challenging standing poses are often scheduled at the beginning of a session when the models' energy level is highest. For extended poses in which the model will take one or more breaks, chalk marks and/or masking tape are often used to help the model resume the same pose.

In life drawing rooms of art schools, the platform where the life model poses for the students is sometimes referred to as the dais, similar to the platforms you see mannequins on in department stores.

In most western countries, there is generally no objection to painting or drawing members of the opposite sex. However, this was not always so in the past, particularly prior to the 20th century. In 1886 Thomas Eakins was famously dismissed from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art for removing the loincloth from a male model in a mixed classroom. Similarly, Victorian modesty required the female model to pose nude with her face draped. European arts academies did not allow women to study the nude at all until the end of the nineteenth century.^]

During art school classes or in an academic setting, it is usually prohibited for anyone including the person instructing the class to touch the model. Very close examination or requests for adjustment are typical—with the permission of the model. A few institutions allow only the instructor to speak directly with the model.

The clothed or costumed model is as much in demand as the nude model, especially in commercial art. Nineteenth century models who applied for work at painters' studios were expected to wear and look appropriate in period dress or character costume, and sometimes supply the garments themselves. Today, many art and design schools still train their students to sketch the dressed figure, and often pay more for costume models, who maintain their own wardrobes, than for nude models.

There is a worldwide phenomenon called Dr Sketchy which has come to New Zealand. This is a get together competitive event where artists of all levels get to do sketches of the chosen models for the night and can win stuff like bar tabs etc. It’s a fun event with interesting characters like burlesque dancers, tattoo models, celebrities and so on.

The events are now held in Auckland, Wellington and Nelson and from what I hear are a lot of fun! Check out the original site here -

http://www.drsketchy.com/

And a bit of info on New Zealand Dr Sketchy have a look here –

Wellington

http://www.wellingtonnz.com/event/dr_sketchy_wellington

Auckland

http://drsketchyak.blogspot.com/

Nelson

http://drsketchynelson.blogspot.com/

Final note

Synopsis - The nude figure has been the subject of art for centuries and continues to inspire contemporary artists. Figure drawing is part of the core curriculum at art schools and college art departments. Art models young and old play an important role in this creative process. So how does one learn how to become an artist's model?

The Art Model’s Handbook explains what you need to know to model for art classes and professional artists. You’ll learn about the structure of a figure drawing session, how to come up with interesting poses, costume modeling, fine art photography, professionalism, etiquette, finding work, and security concerns. Awkward but important questions about nudity are addressed. Guidelines for faculty and sample policies are also included.

Figure drawing is a creative collaboration. The model serves artists better by understanding why they draw the human figure. Artists and instructors have a more productive session by understanding the standard protocols. Based on the author's experience plus interviews with male and female models, artists, fine art photographers, and art school management, this is the definitive guide for art models, artists, and workshop leaders.