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Figure Drawing Model Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Figure Models

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$15.15 - $27/hr

They pose clothed, draped and unclothed for Department of Art classes in drawing, painting, and ... and the figure model coordinator Must have own telephone, voicemail capability (or answering ...

... models. • Coordinate structural, electrical and mechanical designs and determine a method of ... enter figures on materials lists. • Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures ...

Design EIT/Coordinator (Water)

Saint Louis Park, MN · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Developing hydraulic models using GIS data and as-built drawings * Collecting and assessing field ... Preparing technical reports and master plans, including the development of text, tables and figures

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$91K - $126K/yr

Develop 3D models, detailed drawings, and manufacturing documentation using advanced CAD tools ... Possesses a "figure-it-out" mindset with a passion for developing innovative products from idea to ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Chanhassen, MN · Hybrid

$91K - $126K/yr

Develop 3D models, detailed drawings, and manufacturing documentation using advanced CAD tools ... Possesses a "figure-it-out" mindset with a passion for developing innovative products from idea to ...

Figure Drawing Model information

See Minnesota salary details

$95K

$183K

$242.4K

How much do figure drawing model jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for figure drawing model in Minnesota is $182,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $163,600.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get hired as a hand model?

To get hired as a hand model, you should have well-maintained, clean, and proportionate hands with smooth skin and good nail care. Building a portfolio with high-quality photos of your hands in different poses and applying to modeling agencies or hand-specific casting calls can increase your chances of employment.

What are figure drawing models?

Figure drawing models, also known as life models, are individuals who pose for artists, art students, or classes to help them practice drawing the human form. The model may pose nude or clothed, and typically holds various poses for different lengths of time to allow artists to study anatomy, proportion, and gesture. This work helps artists improve their observational skills and understanding of the body’s structure and movement.

What Does a Figure Drawing Model Do?

As a figure drawing model, you pose for extended periods in a studio or drawing class to allow an artist or a group of art students draw the human form. You may pose for a student-led series or a class that has an instructor. Most figure drawing model jobs are nude or partially nude so that drawers can capture the human body and proper lines. Your responsibilities are to provide a range of gestured and sustained poses, be comfortable posing both nude and with clothing, and maintain an appropriate, focused demeanor throughout the class. Modeling duties can last a couple of hours, so you must prepare before with bathroom breaks and snacks.

What is the difference between Figure Drawing Model vs Life Model?

AspectFigure Drawing ModelLife Model
CredentialsNone required, but some training helpfulNone required, often same as Figure Drawing Model
Work EnvironmentArt studios, schools, galleriesArt studios, schools, galleries
Industry UsagePrimarily in art education and practicePrimarily in art education and practice

Both Figure Drawing Model and Life Model roles involve posing for artists in educational or studio settings. The terms are often used interchangeably, with no significant credential differences. The main distinction is that 'Life Model' emphasizes the live, unposed aspect of modeling, while 'Figure Drawing Model' highlights the purpose of drawing practice. Overall, they serve similar functions in the art industry, with overlapping environments and requirements.

How much do figure drawing models get paid?

Figure drawing models typically earn between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and the setting such as art schools, studios, or workshops. Pay rates can vary widely, with some models working part-time or on a freelance basis, and may also receive compensation in the form of class credits or other benefits.

What should I expect in terms of work environment and session structure as a Figure Drawing Model?

As a Figure Drawing Model, you'll typically work in art studios, colleges, or community centers, modeling for artists or students during scheduled sessions. Sessions are usually structured with a mix of short and long poses, ranging from 1 to 30 minutes, allowing artists to practice different techniques. The environment is generally quiet, respectful, and focused, with clear communication between the model and instructor about breaks and pose changes. You can expect to work independently on a platform, but you'll collaborate closely with instructors to ensure poses meet the class's needs while prioritizing your comfort and safety.

Is 3D modeling still in demand?

3D modeling remains in high demand across industries such as entertainment, gaming, architecture, and product design. Skilled 3D modelers using software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max are sought after for creating digital assets, visualizations, and animations, with job opportunities growing as technology advances. For figure drawing models, demand is more niche and typically less affected by trends in 3D modeling.

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

To thrive as a Figure Drawing Model, you need strong body awareness, the ability to hold poses for extended periods, and a reliable work ethic, with no formal education required but often some prior experience or training in modeling or the arts. Familiarity with basic art studio protocols and the use of props or timed posing systems is typical in this role. Reliability, professionalism, strong communication, and comfort with body positivity are standout soft skills. These qualities ensure productive sessions for artists, maintain a respectful studio environment, and support the creation of high-quality artwork.

How much do you get paid as a life drawing model?

A figure drawing model typically earns between $15 and $50 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and the type of session. Rates can vary for private versus group classes, with some models earning higher fees for specialized or professional settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Figure Drawing Model jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Figure Drawing Model jobs in Minnesota are:
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What job categories do people searching Figure Drawing Model jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Figure Drawing Model jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Figure Drawing Model jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Figure Drawing Model job openings:
Infographic showing various Figure Drawing Model job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $182,964 per year, or $88 per hour.
Figure Models

$15.15 - $27/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

About the Job
 

The Department of Art in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota invites applications for casual Figure Models. This posting establishes a pool of models who will be selected on an as-needed basis annually. Artists models hired by the department work on a part-time/as-needed basis during the academic year and summer sessions. Individuals will remain in the pool on a continuing basis pending satisfactory performance. Admission to the pool does not guarantee employment.  The Department of Art is committed to building an intellectually vibrant, culturally inclusive, and academically diverse department. We seek studio models with a strong record and expertise as artists figure models. 


Job Responsibilities:
Artists models pose for classes in a professional manner as instructed by the faculty member. They pose clothed, draped and unclothed for Department of Art classes in drawing, painting, and sculpture. Class sessions are primarily Monday-Thursday between 8:30 and 4:30. There are infrequent Friday, Saturday and weeknight sessions. Some available sessions include multiple models, but models can accept sessions that meet their preferences.

Qualifications
 

Required Qualifications:
High school graduate or equivalent
Previous figure modeling experience
Able to maintain specific positions for periods of time required for proper instruction (at least 20 minutes)
Effective communication of availability with professors and the figure model coordinator
Must have own telephone, voicemail capability (or answering machine) AND email capability
Able to arrive at the classroom with enough time to prepare for duties
Must be willing and able to assist with setting up and taking down props and equipment as needed
Current University of Minnesota students and employees will not be considered for this position.
 

Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge and understanding of classic art modeling poses
Experience in a university or art school setting
Comfortable posing in athleisure or costumes for some sessions
 

About the Department
 

The Department of Art strives to develop the artistic awareness of its students through the excellence of its facilities and the highest professional standards of its faculty. The faculty of the department are engaged in the creation of new work, writing, and pursuing research on local, national, and international levels, providing the insight necessary for the critical discussion and evolution of student ideas.  Please visit our department website at http://art.umn.edu for further information about our facilities, activities and faculty.

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpointsso that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

 

Working in CLA

The Benefits of Working at the U

Pay and Benefits
 

Pay Range: $15.15 - $27.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.


Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply
 

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity
 

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
 

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota
 

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of Americas Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).