alstaff wrote:
Out of all of these, right now my top one is art modelling, I really want to try it but not sure how to go about it and with the current situation it's even harder.
The art modeling thing shouldn't be too difficult to arrange, although it is true that the current situation limits most opportunities.
As for me, I had been divorced for a couple of years, and was looking for some way to make money as well as possibly make friends and/or get some sort of social life. I called the local university, knowing that they offered drawing type art classes, but not knowing if they used models or how they got them. I did the application thing and was told that I was now on their models list. It was almost a year later that I got called, by which time I had decided that they weren't interested or didn't have a need at the time. My very first time as a model was working with a female, in what was a figure drawing final exam for the semester. The teacher told me to wear bikini type underwear or a speedo type swimsuit; the female would be nude. The art class officer manager was aware of who I was and why I was there when I reported to the class. A couple of days later she called me to ask if I was interested in and available to work for an open figure drawing group. I asked what I was supposed to wear, and she laughed before saying "nothing". I told myself that I knew that this (posing nude) was a possibility, and told myself that if I was ever asked, I would go through with it at least once. Then it would either be a "been there, done that, never again" or a "that wasn't so bad, I'll do it again if I'm asked" type decision. I also guessed that the university didn't use nude male models for some reason.
I was nervous but excited when it was time for me to strip and pose for the figure drawing group, partially because I still had no idea what I was doing. I was simply depending on the group leader to tell me what to do and how to do it. Apparently my efforts were acceptable and I ended up starting what turned out to be almost 30 years (maybe 10 times a year) working for this group, that met once a week. It might have been my third time ever, and second working for the university as an art class model when I was asked about my availability. I asked if it was a nude or dressed assignment, and the instructor seemed to be pleasantly surprised that I was willing to go nude.
Anyway, I'd say call your local university or community college and ask about modeling opportunities. Don't appear to be too eager, and simply say that modeling is something you would like to try. Don't ask about or offer nudity during the call; let them raise the subject. You can express your willingness in an actual job application. Hopefully, in the Spring the situation will be better and you'll find these opportunities. Another option is to contact your local teaching hospital if you have one, and ask about a Standardized Patient program. That's another experience I have, and can share my insights if anyone has questions.