Modelling FAQs

Everything we do begins with you. Jamie’s artworks require the collaboration of literally hundreds of strangers to turn up and lend themselves to his work. We literally can’t do it without you. People the world over suffer with the same genital anxieties. The more of these artworks there are out there the more people can benefit.

Our models get involved because they believe in what Jamie is doing with his work. Also some people are are just curious about our processes and some do it just for a dare! We’ve been told that the process of modelling for the work can be very healing.

1. Where do you do it?
   We have studios in Brighton UK and Fort Lauderdale, Florida and we set up temporary studios when we travel so if you can’t come to us do please get in touch anyway.
2. Who does the casting?
   As the lead artist, Jamie usually takes the moulds himself. He also has several female assistants who help as necessary. Let us know if you have a preference.
3. Is it discreet?
   Discretion is at the heart of what we do. Nobody will ever know you have been cast unless you tell them. You may also anonymously add your cast to our Labia Library or Vulva Galleries if you would like to.
4. Does it cost me anything?
   No it’s completely free to model for use.
5. Do I get paid in fact?
   Because we need hundreds of people for these pieces it has to be voluntary. We simply couldn’t afford to pay out. These pieces can take several years to finish and in many cases won’t even be for sale. It’s a labour of love and we really do honour all the very lovely people who just want to do it because they believe in us.
6. What do you use?
   We use a medical grade, skin-safe material called alginate to make the moulds. It is the same as dentists use to make moulds inside the mouth. It is a seaweed-based powder that when mixed with water sets into a rubber in a few minutes.
7. How does it work?
   We carefully but quickly apply the moulding materials to your body as a liquid, before it sets. Over that we apply a layer of plaster bandage. When this has hardened we remove the whole mould and make the cast from inside it. To see the process click the link below.
8. How long does it take?
   It’s very quick! It takes only around ten minutes to make the mould.
9. Does the plaster pull out any hair?
   Not usually. We don’t use plaster directly on the body and we also use a release agent to stop that happening as much as possible. If you are very hairy it would be better to use clippers to make it as short as possible. We can cast hair but the results are less detailed. The hair has to be flattened down and can look a bit matted. You can see hairy examples on the Education page
10. Does it hurt?
    Not at all. Most people describe it as an unusual or interesting sensation, bordering on pleasant!
11. Is it safe?
    Alginate is designed to be used inside the mouth and is thus completely skin safe. Nobody has every reported a reaction and we use a barrier cream on the skin first anyway.
12. Do I need to make an appointment?
    Yes, you will need an appointment. Use the link below to let us know with as much detail as possible what you’d like to model for, where are and when you’re available to come to one of the studios.
13. There’s a few of us. Can we do it together?
    Yes certainly. People often come in pairs or groups.
14. Can I bring my partner?
    Of course. You can bring anyone along you like.
15. What should I wear?
    Ideally wear loose-fitting clothes appropriate for a workshop. Tight clothes can leave elastic marks in the skin which may show in the cast so best to avoid those.
16. Do I get a copy?
    We can create a copy of your cast for you if you wish. We have to change a small amount to cover our time and the cost of materials. So basically we’ll give you 50% off the cost of your cast in plaster.
17. How do I pay?
    Payment can be made by card in the studio or we can send you a secure link. You can also pay via Wise (a bank transfer in your local currency) or with cash.
18. How long does it take to get my copy?
    That depends on how busy we are and what material you choose. Most things take between four and eight weeks at the moment. If you have an urgent deadline or have just left it very late we can often accommodate you if we have capacity so do feel free to ask.
19. Can’t I just cast myself and send it to you?
    Anyone can make a cast. Follow the link below to see the process. We even produce a kit you can buy to do it yourself at home. You can then upload an image of your cast to the new Vulva Cast Gallery. The difference is that to participate in Jamie’s works we have to do the casting or it’s not our art! So we can’t include your home made cast in Jamie’s artworks, just online.