Hey Iona,
Would you share your thoughts on art model guilds? the good points, the less than good points and what it takes to get into one?

Modeling guilds are what agency's are in the fashion realm.
In the Bay area there are 2 guilds
I belong to the Palo Alto Modeling Guild.

A guild is a collection of models and artists who provide models to local art schools and private artists and group sessions.

Guilds may each be run differently but the idea behind them is that the models are vetted, the clients are vetted, and we have sets of rules that are followed for everyone's safety and well being. The guild also determines how much models are to be paid and a certain percentage goes back to the guild to keep it running.

The two guilds in nor cal both have a rate of 25.00/hr for live sittings.
The bay area guild has a minimum of 3 hours.
All models are to show up on time and not to miss an appointment,(missing appointments can result in you being removed from the guild)
All models pose for up to 20 min then are required to take a 5 min stretch break.

The positives about working in guilds:
All I have to do is find out where and when, the school, person, art group is already vetted so I don't have to do an hour of background checking.
I know how much I'll make at any job and 25.00/hr is a good sitting rate.
I am able to at guild meetings spend time with other models who understand the nekked lifestyle.
I do not negotiate with clients that is already done for me.
We get tips too woot!

Negatives:
Guilds may be hard to get into, they have very strict requirements and only allow very experienced models, models have to go to a interview, rehearsal, and orientation to be considered for acceptance.
Guilds are a bit old fashioned, many of them are not quite in the digital age, My guild still uses phone only and no emails or websites.
If an artist does something that makes a model uncomfortable the model will leave the session, call the guild, and that person will never be able to hire models from the guild again. (this blacklist may seriously hinder an artists from hiring MANY models)
Many jobs do not pay the same day, you have to fill out a voucher and then you get a check sent to you anywhere from 1-3 weeks later.

Art guilds are great resource for local artists they provide experienced models that NEVER flake,and you can even request male female large small and the such.