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Artist Figure Model Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Kansas City Art Institute

Artist Model

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$16.50/hr

NARRATIVE GENERAL DESCRIPTION Posing for figure drawing, figure painting or sculpture classes as part of the creative process. Artist models pose either in the nude or clothed to provide the human ...

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$23

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How much do artist figure model jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for artist figure model in Missouri is $23.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $26.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an artist figure model?

An Artist Figure Model poses for artists, sculptors, or photographers to help them study the human form. Models may hold various poses, often for extended periods, to allow artists to practice proportion, anatomy, and expression. They may work for art schools, individual artists, or photography studios. The job requires patience, the ability to stay still, and sometimes nudity, depending on the assignment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the artist figure model position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Artist Figure Model, you need the ability to hold poses for extended periods, a strong sense of body awareness, and reliability in maintaining scheduled commitments. While no formal certifications are usually required, familiarity with studio settings, posing props, and relevant safety practices is helpful. Professionalism, punctuality, and effective communication are important soft skills for building trust with artists and instructors. These qualities help ensure a productive art session, promote positive working relationships, and support the artistic process.

What is a typical work environment like for an artist figure model?

Artist Figure Models usually work in art schools, colleges, private studios, or community art centers, providing live reference for drawing, painting, or sculpture classes. The setting is typically respectful, quiet, and collaborative, with instructors guiding the session and artists focusing on their work. Models often rotate between short and long poses and may work with prop setups or themed assignments depending on the class focus. You’ll often collaborate closely with instructors to understand pose requirements, and there may be opportunities to work solo or alongside other models, depending on the session. This environment allows for a blend of independence and teamwork within a creative community.

What are the most commonly searched types of Artist Figure Model jobs in Missouri?

The most popular types of Artist Figure Model jobs in Missouri are:

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For Artist Figure Model jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Artist Figure Model jobs in Missouri are:

Artist Figure Model jobs near you
Infographic showing various Artist Figure Model job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,085 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Artist Model

Kansas City Art Institute

Kansas City, MO • On-site

$16.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Artist Model

Part-time, Non-Exempt

The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI), a national leader in visual arts and design education, is seeking applications for the position of part-time Artist Model. This position pays $16.50 per hour and hours vary.

Our Mission: Preparing gifted students to transform the world creatively through art and design.

Our Vision: To be an innovative leader in art and design education.

NARRATIVE GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Posing for figure drawing, figure painting or sculpture classes as part of the creative process. Artist models pose either in the nude or clothed to provide the human figure in a work of art.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Arrive 15 minutes before class is to begin
  • Speak with the instructor as to what poses are required
  • It is the responsibility of the model to inform the Instructor when a pose becomes painful or if a Model is uncomfortable during a pose, or if the room temperature is not appropriate for nude modeling.
  • At no time is a Model to work without substantial padding or cushions.
  • All classes should be properly monitored by a Faculty member when you are working. If you report to a class and this is not the case, you need to contact the Model Supervisor for direction.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

There are five (5) major types of poses: gestures, portraits, standing, sitting and reclining:

  • Gesture Poses – These poses are short in length. They can run from ten (10) to five (5) minutes. Gesture poses are action poses: such as dancing, acting, walking, playing, stretching, etc. These poses should be done in a conventional rotation giving each student a different perspective. Be careful that the poses are not over- extended and balance is lost.
  • Portrait Poses – It is important that the head is kept completely still, and the eyes open. Other body parts can be shifted as long as the torso, shoulders, neck and head remain still. A focal point will help keep the head in the correct position. These poses are almost always seated and clothed.
  • Standing Poses – It is very important that the model have adequate padding under foot. A foam pad, plus a model pad is adequate. The maximum length of standing sessions should be no longer than twenty-five (25) minutes without a break. When setting up the pose, try to keep as balanced as possible. The feet should not be placed farther than shoulder width apart. Try not to put too much weight on one leg or hip. Do not lock the knees.
  • Sitting Poses – The things to watch out for are limbs and other body parts that tend to lose circulation and fall asleep. Avoid bending or turning anything to the extreme. Not all sitting poses require a chair. Models will be asked to sit on model stands, stools, blocks and cushions.
  • Reclining Poses – Reclining poses often require a twist or turn in the torso and hips. It is important that the model have adequate padding under the hip. It is not recommended that the model have a raised arm for extended periods. Keep to the model break schedule, and do not be tempted to pose for longer periods of time.

REQUIRED/PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Previous work experience in a collegiate environment preferred
  • Previous experience in performing arts preferred
  • Previous experience in artist modeling preferred
  • Equivalent combination of work and education

About KCAI: The Kansas City Art Institute is a private, independent and accredited college of art and design founded in 1885, and located in the cultural heart of metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri. The college enrolls nearly 600 undergraduate students regionally, nationally, and internationally. For more information, please visit www.kcai.edu.

Applications deadline and procedures:

This position is considered “open” until an offer of employment has been accepted. Career inquiries and resume submissions received during the on-campus finalist stage of the search are not guaranteed consideration.

Kansas City Art Institute is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law.

KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Kansas City Art Institute’s Human Resource Administrator at hr@kcai.edu .

KCAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Females/Disabled/Vets