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Figure Drawing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Details Position Information Budget Title INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT ASSISTANT Campus Title Figure Drawing Model School/Division Academic Affairs, Division of Department Art & Art History Staff ...

Models are scheduled for three-hour nude figure drawing sessions throughout the semester as needed by the instructor. Each class is 3 hours long -- where you are expected to hold poses from anywhere ...

Drawing Tutor

San Marcos, TX ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of drawing fundamentals including line quality, shading and value, perspective (one-point, two-point, three-point), proportion, composition, figure drawing, still life, and various ...

Drawing Tutor

ID ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of drawing fundamentals including line quality, shading and value, perspective (one-point, two-point, three-point), proportion, composition, figure drawing, still life, and various ...

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Figure Drawing information

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$14

$26

$43

How much do figure drawing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for figure drawing in the United States is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is figure drawing?

Figure drawing is the artistic practice of drawing the human form in various poses, typically from a live model. It is a foundational skill for artists, helping them understand human anatomy, proportion, and movement. Figure drawing sessions often involve quick sketches (gesture drawings) as well as longer, more detailed studies. This practice is essential for developing observation skills and improving overall drawing technique.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Figure Drawing Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Figure Drawing Artist, you need strong observational skills, a solid grasp of human anatomy, and proficiency in drawing techniques, often supported by formal art education or relevant coursework. Familiarity with traditional and digital drawing tools, as well as software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate, is commonly required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to accept and apply constructive feedback are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for accurately capturing the human form and producing expressive, high-quality figure drawings for various artistic or commercial purposes.

What is the difference between Figure Drawing vs Portrait Drawing?

AspectFigure DrawingPortrait Drawing
FocusDepicts the human body in various poses, emphasizing anatomy and movementFocuses on capturing the likeness and personality of an individual, emphasizing facial features
Required SkillsAnatomy knowledge, gesture, proportionFacial anatomy, likeness, expression
Work EnvironmentArt studios, life drawing classes, freelancePortrait studios, commissions, art classes
Common UsageFine art, illustration, animationPortraiture, commissions, portraiture art

While both figure drawing and portrait drawing involve capturing human subjects, figure drawing emphasizes anatomy and movement of the entire body, whereas portrait drawing concentrates on facial features and individual likeness. Artists often choose between these based on their focus area or project requirements.

What are the typical challenges faced by figure drawing artists in a professional setting?

Figure drawing artists often encounter challenges such as working with live models who may need frequent breaks, adapting to various lighting conditions, and capturing dynamic poses within limited time frames. Additionally, collaborating with art directors or clients may require adjustments to style or composition based on feedback. Staying current with industry trends and continuously refining anatomical drawing skills are also key aspects of succeeding in this role.
More about Figure Drawing jobs
What cities are hiring for Figure Drawing jobs? Cities with the most Figure Drawing job openings:
What states have the most Figure Drawing jobs? States with the most job openings for Figure Drawing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Figure Drawing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Figure Drawing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Figure Drawing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,861 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Figure Drawing Model

SUNY Cortland

Cortland, NY โ€ข On-site

$25/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Budget Title
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT ASSISTANT
Campus Title
Figure Drawing Model
School/Division
Academic Affairs, Division of
Department
Art & Art History
Staff Sub-Type
Staff & Administration
Salary Level
SL1
Salary Range
$25/Hr
Salary Determination
Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may include the position's major responsibilities, the applicant's background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university's strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts.
Position Effort
Part-Time (enter FTE below)
If Part-Time, enter FTE:
12
Is this a temporary position?
Yes
If Temporary, enter End Date:
Position Summary
SUNY Cortland is accepting applications a Figure Drawing Model for a drawing course. Two to five hours per week.
What makes SUNY Cortland a great place to work?
โ€ข Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
โ€ข Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
โ€ข SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university's state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor's approval.
โ€ข Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
โ€ข Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region's offerings
Major Responsibilities
Successful candidate will pose and provide a full range of traditional life drawing poses, (from gestures to poses sustained for a minimum of 20 minutes) as required by the instructor and demonstrate professional behavior in an educational environment working with students and faculty.
Functional and Supervisory Relationships
Reports to the figure drawing instructor.
Required Qualifications
Previous figure drawing model experience.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must be professional in an educational environment working with students and faculty.
Model both fully nude and clothed based on assignment.
Be able to take instruction.
Must be punctual and reliable.
Preferred Qualifications
All body types are needed and encouraged to apply.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
About the University
A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine's "Best Colleges for Your Money List," fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.
EEO Statement
The State University of New York at Cortland is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act (AA/EEO/ADA) employer. The university actively seeks applications from women, veterans, individuals with a disability, members of underrepresented groups or anyone that would enrich the diversity of the university.
Job Close Date
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S23031
Review Start Date
Open Until Filled
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/8031