How to join RAM

For models based in London boroughs

You need to pose at one of our Bare Facts life drawing workshops, by way of an audition.  This has nothing to do with what you look like or how old you are (but you should be aware that prospective employers don't always have such a liberal attitude!).  We ask you to do a few quick poses and one or two longer one of, say, 45 minutes each.  Most models can make a good job of the longer pose, because it doesn't have to be too dynamic or particularly unusual as long as you can at least keep very still.  Experienced models are expected to know their limits, although it doesn't look very good if you just want to lie down and go to sleep!  It's in the quick poses that a lot of models don't do so well.  Most tutors expect something a bit more dynamic than simply long-type poses made short!

If you've never done any modelling before, don't be put off!  Some absolute beginners who are very lacking in confidence to start with become excellent models within a a few months.  All we ask is that you warn us that you are a beginner, then we can give you advice instead of leaving you to it.  Any appplicant, particularly beginners, may be asked to come back for another try before being admitted to the Register.

 These sessions are public sessions attended by artists.  In fairness to the artists, the workshop leader may warn them that you are a novice, so that they can choose to draw another model, if there is one posing at the same time.

Experienced models are often surprised that the biggest hurdle for some beginners is getting their clothes off for the first time.  The very fact that we are sometimes surprised by this says it all - the first time is the only time it will be a problem.  Even then, it needn't be when you consider how many naked bodies we and our artists see in the course of a year!  You're just one more!  Nobody is going to gasp, either in admiration or horror.  (You militant naturists, on the other hand, should note that there are times, such as breaks, when we had rather you put some clothes on!).

A decision on whether to admit a model to the Register is made by the workshop leader, possibly with the help of other RAM models who may be present.  Relatively few applicants are rejected.  Rejections in the past have been for inability to keep still, having an attitude problem, rapidly becoming unwell as a result of a quite simple pose and getting erections (this can be a great fear in new male models, but it is actually very rare. The life class is about as erotic as a cold cup of tea).

Your first step is to read the Notes for Applicants.  This has links to various forms.  When you have read the Notes, submit the form for London applicants and we will email you about arranging an audition.  By submitting the form, you are acknowledging that you have read the Notes for Applicants.

For UK models based outside the London boroughs

We used to have workshops in many parts of Britain where you could audition, but this is sadly no longer the case.  Instead, two good references from tutors would be acceptable.  The references should mention quality of work, reliability and conduct over a reasonable period.

If you are a beginner, you obviously won't be able to get references.  We have an answer to this.  It's called 'Associate Membership'. In fact, everyone outside London joins as an Associate Member at first, but can convert to full membership at any time later, just by supplying references.  This is explained more fully in the Notes for Applicants.  There are links to the form you need in the Notes for Applicants.  Please be aware that by submitting the form, you are acknowledging that you have read the Notes for Applicants.

Subscription fees and entitlements

Annual subscription for RAM membership, full or associate, is £30, but there is a free 'trial' period for associate members outside London, because there may not be much chance of getting work through RAM membership in some areas.  Membership entitles you to a profile composed by the webmaster, and a password to the contact details for the jobs advertised on the site.  The profile is in the public area, but your contact details are in a password protected area, as are any photos you choose to supply.  You can opt to have just a basic listing in the password protected area instead of a profile on the public area.

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