Moorparks’ Life Drawing classes can be fun and beneficial to both art students and their paid models.

Stephanie Doidic, 27, is a paid model for the Life Drawing classes, taught by Cynthia Minet at Moorpark College.

“I don’t think of modeling as being nude,” said Doidic, “It’s about the artists and what they create from me.”

The majority of the class agreed that the first session was uncomfortable, but was soon able to get used to the idea of drawing a human figure.

“Drawing a real person doesn’t hide anything,” said Erika Manalansan, age 34, Life Drawing student. “You get to see their lines, curves and muscles without the interference of clothes.”

Doidic, came across the position for modeling through Craigslist, and was then transferred from CSU Channel Islands to Moorpark College.

The Life Drawing classes are host to both female and male models that for up to three hours pose nose, only being clothed twice a semester. “Being in clothes isn’t weird because it’s the same as being without them,” said Doidic. “I don’t notice it; I’m focused on the art.”

While one would think a model feels different than non-models, Doidic is just like any other female.

“Some may think you need a lot of confidence to do this, but I don’t,” Doidic said, “I do this to benefit the people drawing in this class.”

Instructor Minet appreciates that her students are able to use this experience to further develop techniques and styles that would not have had the same effect with a mannequin.

While to some just the word nude makes them feel uncomfortable, 20 year-old fine arts major, Dylan Ramey has another opinion.

“There’s a difference between naked and nude,” said Ramey. “Being naked is an attitude, while being nude is who you are.”