AniaR
04-30-2012, 08:17 PM
I was going to do this as a tail flip article, but then I realized it would be a very big article and I want it to be a thread that people can continue to contribute to as they find things, so here goes.
Some of you know what Dr Sketchy is, some of you dont. It's one of the easiest mer-gigs you can book regardless of your tail type. It pays well and is something you should seriously consider while branching out as a mer!
So what is it?
Dr Sketchy is a world wide art initiative that brings artists together in a non-traditional setting such as a bar, dance studio, restaurant etc. to sketch models that are anything but the norm! In traditional figure drawing glasses artists would meet in a more formal setting like a school and draw either nude or models wearing skin tight clothing for reference. But with Dr Sketchy, they can eat, drink, chat, occasionally enjoy live entertainment and music, and draw really unique models.
Here is the official Dr Sketchy Website: http://www.drsketchy.com/
One important thing to note is that it's generally a "of legal age" event, but not always- so it's good to check.
Where Is it?
There are many individual Dr Sketchy websites for the bigger groups that meet more regularly:
Vancouver: http://www.drsketchyvancouver.com/
Toronto: http://www.drsketchy-toronto.com/
Montreal: http://drsketchymontreal.blogspot.ca/
Berlin: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DR-SKETCHYS-ANTI-ART-SCHOOL-BERLIN/135562381645?ref=ts
SW Florida: https://www.facebook.com/DrSketchySWFL?ref=ts
Philly: http://www.drsketchy.com/branch/Philly
Ottawa: http://www.drsketchy.com/branch/Ottawa
Halifax: http://www.drsketchy.com/branch/halifax
Anaheim: https://www.facebook.com/drsketchysanaheim?ref=ts
Lethbridge: http://wearesketchy.wordpress.com/
London: http://www.drsketchylondon.co.uk/
Denver: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sketchys.denver
LA: http://www.drsketchy.com/branch/LosAngeles
You can see a more complete list right here on the official Dr Sketchy Website: http://www.drsketchy.com/branchlist but keep in mind as many are starting up or dont maintain their websites they may not be on that list, so searching FB as well as googling for ones near you is always a smart idea. Many have FB pages instead of a website. Or sometimes one artist will create a FB event.
So What Should I know About It?
events generally last between 2-4 hours
you can have anywhere from a handful of people to upwards of 30-40 STARING at you
poses are held for seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, and in some cases 30 minutes.
you're not expected to stay perfectly quiet and still for your entire pose, it's okay to adjust yourself, look around, chat, or shift a bit during a pose
it's generally an "of age" event but there are exceptions depending on the event
they pay you. It depends on how much they charge to get in, and how big the group, and if they are sponsored for how much. My first Dr Sketchy they only hired me, and paid me 15$ an hour so for 4 hours I ended up making 60$. The second time I did Dr Sketchy they were sponsored so they hired me, and Mimi, for 3 hours, and paid us each 70$
At the end of the night you'll be asked to choose your favourite sketch and that artist will receive a prize from the organizer
nights are themed, so don't expect to do more than 1-2 Dr Sketchy gigs a year
artists are under NO obligation to give you copies of work or even let you take photos, so if they do be extra thankful!
artists generally do not take photos, however the organizer usually will or they'll hire a photographer. I have always brought one with me, but I have cleared that with the organizer beforehand
keep poses simple, save more extravagant poses for shorter lengths as your body will start to shake and it'll become hard to hold. Use the easier poses for longer holds
Have someone around to help you move- like an assistant. You dont want to get into your costume in front of everyone, be sure the organizer knows you need a space to get changed and you'll have an assistant with you. They wont pay your assistant so that'll be up to you. Or, be like me and give the boy/girlfriend big ol puppyfish eyes so he'll haul you out on stage haha
dont stress out about makeup and accessories as the artists will generally improvise their own. you certainly CAN use them but if you're a mer with less, no worries.
fabric tails TOTALLY work for these, so dont cut yourself short. Some artists will draw every fold and wrinkle, others will improvise their own style using you as inspiration
Ok Raina, You've sold me, how do I book them?
Find the nearest Dr Sketchy to you or one your able to travel to, send them this information
- You'd like to be a Dr Sketchy model for an event, you think you have a unique look to offer- a mermaid
-Send them links to an online website or FB if you have one
-Include a few screen resolution sizes of images of you in your costume
Once they say "yaaay a mermaid" you then ask
-the length
-the pay
-let them know you'll have an assistant if you're going to have one
-ask about photos
-ask for a copy of the flyer they'll create to advertise you- you'll want to keep this for portfolio purposes
-insist on a private area to change, and if you dont have an assistant that you'll need someone to carry you out
Dr Sketchy can be such an amazing experience, I gained a lot of publicity from mine, and worked a lot on my posing. Here are some photos to get you inspired
Some of my poses:
5 minute pose. Looks easy enough, but the table they had me sitting on was so small compared to my tail I couldnt balance the tail very well. I was shaking and sweating so bad!!!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/485153_393189804049102_1476327220_n.jpg
A 10 minute pose. I chose this to give them a different perspective, plus I had the glass to lean against. No matter how well your tail fits you- be prepared for wrinkles. 1 because you will sweat a lot! They usually have lights on you, all the people make it warm, and your body is creating heat inside the costume in tensing your muscles. 2 because you're trying to hold poses you wouldn't normally hold in the exact way you are if it were a photoshoot or you were performing. Because you're trying to balance you'll end up with unflattering wrinkles. Just go with it- the artists do NOT care :)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527381_393189294049153_1243240645_n.jpg
If you have the chance to model with another model, be it a mermaid, a sailor, a pirate, or whatever- the artists love it when you give them interacting poses. Don't go for anything too hard since they'll want you to hold those poses longer considering they have to draw two of you!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/522137_393191294048953_2047116310_n.jpg
Using pillows and stage props to help distribute your weight is totally fine and ENCOURAGED. Remember, this is NOT a photoshoot. The artists do not care about clutter and supports around you- they will simply NOT draw it. For this pose, it was 15 minutes and there was no way my poor elbow could last on the hard floor that long, even with a pillow underneath it, it was pretty hard.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542903_393191624048920_105824075_n.jpg
A "classic" pose from my 2011 Dr Sketchy Gig, this is one I recommend if you're on a flat service that supports all your weight, it really is a pose the artists enjoy
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543477_391313757570040_1841607908_n.jpg
If your tail is really floppy, dont worry. The artists will still adjust the way they see fit. You can do what I did in this photo, or like in the one right after it you can use tape and tape it to the mirror or wall XD
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562478_388699867831429_1692585726_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249192_212439632124121_1661072_n.jpg
People are going to draw what they want. Dont feel bad or insulted if you're drawn in a different style or if someone omits the mermaid tail totally, like this artist did.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227307_212439672124117_4226899_n.jpg
Stomach rolls. They're going to happen. It doesn't matter how skinny you are, you can't easily suck your tummy in for a 15 minute pose! Many of the poses you will try to do will give you unflattering folds or rolls. Just go with it. Keep your posture, but trust the artists. Sometimes you'll find it's adding those little details to a drawing that actually make it more believable!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/536857_393190687382347_386087796_n.jpg
You dont have to show all your skin. Because my old tail is still too short for Mimi she wore a skin tight orange coloured body suit. So long as the artists can see some natural curves with your costume, they're totally cool! So if you're feeling a little shy and dont want your belly or cleavage or pecs showing, go for a skin tight option like Mimi
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/526764_393190367382379_923582143_n.jpg
Here's some photos of the artists working, and their work from the past two years:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248402_212439338790817_3040645_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522850_393189327382483_1784543672_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/576106_393189354049147_946626244_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380272_393189397382476_88054692_n.jpg
and here is some of the artwork we were sent! You can always ask the artists to send you their work, but also keep an eye on facebook groups and blogs for Dr Sketchy as people tend to post their work right away and you can access them there! Always credit them and link where they ask
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249735_216039668430784_506163_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248696_216135721754512_6260196_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251069_216136708421080_2128116_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247947_216136808421070_3725636_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/255107_216246561743428_5026161_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250402_216246601743424_6767709_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254264_216398905061527_6434888_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255705_216398928394858_7705313_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253819_216398958394855_7458542_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/246893_216398968394854_992602_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/522609_388698154498267_2112447508_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576252_388698187831597_1994667028_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/574568_388698251164924_447686344_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247757_212439578790793_7543460_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/538845_393189104049172_384644591_n.jpg
So what are you waiting for? GO OUT AND APPLY TO DR SKETCHY if you're worried about other mers taking an opprotunity from you, why not team up like Mimi and I did and double model! :D
Some of you know what Dr Sketchy is, some of you dont. It's one of the easiest mer-gigs you can book regardless of your tail type. It pays well and is something you should seriously consider while branching out as a mer!
So what is it?
Dr Sketchy is a world wide art initiative that brings artists together in a non-traditional setting such as a bar, dance studio, restaurant etc. to sketch models that are anything but the norm! In traditional figure drawing glasses artists would meet in a more formal setting like a school and draw either nude or models wearing skin tight clothing for reference. But with Dr Sketchy, they can eat, drink, chat, occasionally enjoy live entertainment and music, and draw really unique models.
Here is the official Dr Sketchy Website: http://www.drsketchy.com/
One important thing to note is that it's generally a "of legal age" event, but not always- so it's good to check.
Where Is it?
There are many individual Dr Sketchy websites for the bigger groups that meet more regularly:
Vancouver: http://www.drsketchyvancouver.com/
Toronto: http://www.drsketchy-toronto.com/
Montreal: http://drsketchymontreal.blogspot.ca/
Berlin: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DR-SKETCHYS-ANTI-ART-SCHOOL-BERLIN/135562381645?ref=ts
SW Florida: https://www.facebook.com/DrSketchySWFL?ref=ts
Philly: http://www.drsketchy.com/branch/Philly
Ottawa: http://www.drsketchy.com/branch/Ottawa
Halifax: http://www.drsketchy.com/branch/halifax
Anaheim: https://www.facebook.com/drsketchysanaheim?ref=ts
Lethbridge: http://wearesketchy.wordpress.com/
London: http://www.drsketchylondon.co.uk/
Denver: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sketchys.denver
LA: http://www.drsketchy.com/branch/LosAngeles
You can see a more complete list right here on the official Dr Sketchy Website: http://www.drsketchy.com/branchlist but keep in mind as many are starting up or dont maintain their websites they may not be on that list, so searching FB as well as googling for ones near you is always a smart idea. Many have FB pages instead of a website. Or sometimes one artist will create a FB event.
So What Should I know About It?
events generally last between 2-4 hours
you can have anywhere from a handful of people to upwards of 30-40 STARING at you
poses are held for seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, and in some cases 30 minutes.
you're not expected to stay perfectly quiet and still for your entire pose, it's okay to adjust yourself, look around, chat, or shift a bit during a pose
it's generally an "of age" event but there are exceptions depending on the event
they pay you. It depends on how much they charge to get in, and how big the group, and if they are sponsored for how much. My first Dr Sketchy they only hired me, and paid me 15$ an hour so for 4 hours I ended up making 60$. The second time I did Dr Sketchy they were sponsored so they hired me, and Mimi, for 3 hours, and paid us each 70$
At the end of the night you'll be asked to choose your favourite sketch and that artist will receive a prize from the organizer
nights are themed, so don't expect to do more than 1-2 Dr Sketchy gigs a year
artists are under NO obligation to give you copies of work or even let you take photos, so if they do be extra thankful!
artists generally do not take photos, however the organizer usually will or they'll hire a photographer. I have always brought one with me, but I have cleared that with the organizer beforehand
keep poses simple, save more extravagant poses for shorter lengths as your body will start to shake and it'll become hard to hold. Use the easier poses for longer holds
Have someone around to help you move- like an assistant. You dont want to get into your costume in front of everyone, be sure the organizer knows you need a space to get changed and you'll have an assistant with you. They wont pay your assistant so that'll be up to you. Or, be like me and give the boy/girlfriend big ol puppyfish eyes so he'll haul you out on stage haha
dont stress out about makeup and accessories as the artists will generally improvise their own. you certainly CAN use them but if you're a mer with less, no worries.
fabric tails TOTALLY work for these, so dont cut yourself short. Some artists will draw every fold and wrinkle, others will improvise their own style using you as inspiration
Ok Raina, You've sold me, how do I book them?
Find the nearest Dr Sketchy to you or one your able to travel to, send them this information
- You'd like to be a Dr Sketchy model for an event, you think you have a unique look to offer- a mermaid
-Send them links to an online website or FB if you have one
-Include a few screen resolution sizes of images of you in your costume
Once they say "yaaay a mermaid" you then ask
-the length
-the pay
-let them know you'll have an assistant if you're going to have one
-ask about photos
-ask for a copy of the flyer they'll create to advertise you- you'll want to keep this for portfolio purposes
-insist on a private area to change, and if you dont have an assistant that you'll need someone to carry you out
Dr Sketchy can be such an amazing experience, I gained a lot of publicity from mine, and worked a lot on my posing. Here are some photos to get you inspired
Some of my poses:
5 minute pose. Looks easy enough, but the table they had me sitting on was so small compared to my tail I couldnt balance the tail very well. I was shaking and sweating so bad!!!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/485153_393189804049102_1476327220_n.jpg
A 10 minute pose. I chose this to give them a different perspective, plus I had the glass to lean against. No matter how well your tail fits you- be prepared for wrinkles. 1 because you will sweat a lot! They usually have lights on you, all the people make it warm, and your body is creating heat inside the costume in tensing your muscles. 2 because you're trying to hold poses you wouldn't normally hold in the exact way you are if it were a photoshoot or you were performing. Because you're trying to balance you'll end up with unflattering wrinkles. Just go with it- the artists do NOT care :)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/527381_393189294049153_1243240645_n.jpg
If you have the chance to model with another model, be it a mermaid, a sailor, a pirate, or whatever- the artists love it when you give them interacting poses. Don't go for anything too hard since they'll want you to hold those poses longer considering they have to draw two of you!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/522137_393191294048953_2047116310_n.jpg
Using pillows and stage props to help distribute your weight is totally fine and ENCOURAGED. Remember, this is NOT a photoshoot. The artists do not care about clutter and supports around you- they will simply NOT draw it. For this pose, it was 15 minutes and there was no way my poor elbow could last on the hard floor that long, even with a pillow underneath it, it was pretty hard.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/542903_393191624048920_105824075_n.jpg
A "classic" pose from my 2011 Dr Sketchy Gig, this is one I recommend if you're on a flat service that supports all your weight, it really is a pose the artists enjoy
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/543477_391313757570040_1841607908_n.jpg
If your tail is really floppy, dont worry. The artists will still adjust the way they see fit. You can do what I did in this photo, or like in the one right after it you can use tape and tape it to the mirror or wall XD
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/562478_388699867831429_1692585726_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249192_212439632124121_1661072_n.jpg
People are going to draw what they want. Dont feel bad or insulted if you're drawn in a different style or if someone omits the mermaid tail totally, like this artist did.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/227307_212439672124117_4226899_n.jpg
Stomach rolls. They're going to happen. It doesn't matter how skinny you are, you can't easily suck your tummy in for a 15 minute pose! Many of the poses you will try to do will give you unflattering folds or rolls. Just go with it. Keep your posture, but trust the artists. Sometimes you'll find it's adding those little details to a drawing that actually make it more believable!
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/536857_393190687382347_386087796_n.jpg
You dont have to show all your skin. Because my old tail is still too short for Mimi she wore a skin tight orange coloured body suit. So long as the artists can see some natural curves with your costume, they're totally cool! So if you're feeling a little shy and dont want your belly or cleavage or pecs showing, go for a skin tight option like Mimi
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/526764_393190367382379_923582143_n.jpg
Here's some photos of the artists working, and their work from the past two years:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248402_212439338790817_3040645_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522850_393189327382483_1784543672_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/576106_393189354049147_946626244_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380272_393189397382476_88054692_n.jpg
and here is some of the artwork we were sent! You can always ask the artists to send you their work, but also keep an eye on facebook groups and blogs for Dr Sketchy as people tend to post their work right away and you can access them there! Always credit them and link where they ask
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/249735_216039668430784_506163_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/248696_216135721754512_6260196_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251069_216136708421080_2128116_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247947_216136808421070_3725636_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/255107_216246561743428_5026161_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250402_216246601743424_6767709_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254264_216398905061527_6434888_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/255705_216398928394858_7705313_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253819_216398958394855_7458542_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/246893_216398968394854_992602_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/522609_388698154498267_2112447508_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/576252_388698187831597_1994667028_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/574568_388698251164924_447686344_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/247757_212439578790793_7543460_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/538845_393189104049172_384644591_n.jpg
So what are you waiting for? GO OUT AND APPLY TO DR SKETCHY if you're worried about other mers taking an opprotunity from you, why not team up like Mimi and I did and double model! :D