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Art Modeling Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Life Model

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.81/hr

Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a ... Maintains personal space and life modeling etiquette. Observes standard life model practices (i.e ...

Life Model

Portland, OR · On-site

$20.81/hr

Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a ... Maintains personal space and life modeling etiquette. Observes standard life model practices (i.e ...

Blender Tutor

Portland, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Lead Sr Accountant

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Crafting Art, Building Legacies We don't just make products; we sculpt legacies. We are an elevated ... Model & Analyze: Partner with the CEO to coordinate annual corporate budget models (P&L, Balance ...

Psychologist

Gresham, OR · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

This team has established strong integrated workflows under the patient center medical home model ... eclectic art and culinary scenes, sports culture and distinct neighborhood identities. Nestled ...

Act as a positive role-model for students. * Participate in and implement health and safety ... We offer a variety of classes from each STEAM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)

This team has established strong integrated workflows under the patient center medical home model ... eclectic art and culinary scenes, sports culture and distinct neighborhood identities. Nestled ...

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Art Modeling information

See Portland, OR salary details

$28.6K

$73.8K

$128.9K

How much do art modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for art modeling in Portland, OR is $73,761.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $105,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is art modeling?

Art modeling involves posing for artists, photographers, or art classes to help them create visual works such as drawings, paintings, or sculptures. Art models hold various poses, often nude or partially clothed, to provide a real-life reference for studying human anatomy, form, and proportion. This job requires the ability to remain still for extended periods and a professional attitude toward nudity and artistic expression. Art modeling plays a crucial role in art education and creation by providing live inspiration for artists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an art model, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Art Model, you need strong body awareness, the ability to hold poses for extended periods, and reliability, typically with no formal qualifications required. Familiarity with studio environments and understanding basic art concepts or figure drawing sessions can be beneficial. Professionalism, punctuality, and comfort with body confidence are key soft skills that make a model stand out. These skills are important for enabling artists to accurately study and interpret the human form, ensuring productive, respectful, and effective art sessions.

What are some typical challenges art models face during a session, and how can they prepare for them?

Art models often encounter challenges such as holding still for extended periods, maintaining comfortable yet dynamic poses, and adapting to various studio environments. To prepare, models can practice stretching and relaxation techniques to improve stamina and minimize discomfort. Familiarizing themselves with common poses and discussing expectations with the instructor beforehand can also help ensure a smoother session. Communication and self-care are key to a successful and sustainable modeling experience.

What is the difference between Art Modeling vs Life Drawing Instructor?

AspectArt ModelingLife Drawing Instructor
CredentialsNo formal certification typically requiredOften requires teaching credentials or art certifications
Work EnvironmentArt studios, galleries, or private sessionsClassrooms, art schools, workshops
Employer & IndustryArt studios, freelance opportunitiesEducational institutions, art schools
Primary FocusPosing for artists to draw or paintTeaching drawing techniques and art skills

Art Modeling involves posing for artists to create artwork, often without formal teaching responsibilities. In contrast, a Life Drawing Instructor teaches students how to draw from live models, focusing on instruction and skill development. While both roles involve working with live models, Art Modeling is primarily about posing, whereas Life Drawing Instructors focus on education and guiding students through the drawing process.

How do you become an art model?

To become an art model, individuals typically need to be comfortable holding poses for extended periods and may need to register with local art schools, studios, or modeling agencies. Some models build portfolios or attend casting calls, and physical appearance is generally less important than the ability to maintain poses and follow instructions.

How much do art models get paid?

Art models typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of session. Rates can vary for private or group classes, with some models earning higher fees for specialized skills or longer poses.

What are popular job titles related to Art Modeling jobs in Portland, OR?

For Art Modeling jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Art Modeling jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Art Modeling jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Art Modeling jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Art Modeling job openings:

Infographic showing various Art Modeling job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,761 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

$20.81/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Willamette University rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

614th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:

Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon's top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest's oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master's degrees in data science and computer science.

Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, hr@willamette.edu or call us at 503-370-6210.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Life Model serves as a model for a variety of courses at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). This position is part time with flexible scheduling. We encourage all ages and body types to apply. The Life Model supports a diverse range of classes which include: Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Sculpture, 3D Design, and Animation. Life Models are an integral part of PNCA. Models give students the opportunity to work from life and gain valuable skills in observation, proportion, gesture, form, volume, movement, structure, and composition. As a Life Model, you will provide dynamic and inspiring poses for art students and professional artists. Your role will be pivotal in the creative process, offering a range of poses to support various artistic styles and mediums. Pacific Northwest College of Art is actively recruiting for a wide range of ethnicities, body types, age, abilities, etc.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Sustains a variety of nude or clothed poses for art students during classes up to 3 hours in duration. Clothed sessions may include: costumed, street wear, drapery or athletic clothing.

  • Provides a full range of traditional life drawing poses, from gestures to sustained poses, as required by tradition and as directed by the instructor

  • Poses in person

  • Maintains personal space and life modeling etiquette. Observes standard life model practices (i.e., brings own robe to wear between poses, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

  • Comfortable being nude or clothed in front of 20 or more artists for the duration of the pose

  • Ability to appropriately, sensitively, and professionally interact with instructors and students

  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings as needed

  • Ability to keep scheduled commitments and be on time for modeling

  • Models of all ages and all body types are encouraged to apply

Preferred

  • Experience with yoga or dance poses

  • Prior modeling experience

Typical Work Schedule: 9 hours of modeling per month

Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Must be able to hold standing or seated poses for a minimum of 20 minutes. Accommodations can be made as needed.

Salary: $20.81/hour

You will need to upload the following two documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:

  • Cover letter addressing qualifications

  • Current resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Hiring for fall positions and scheduling will begin no later than August 1, 2026.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:

Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments -- listed at the bottom of the page -- must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.


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