The term "Cherish" was not merely a marketing buzzword; it was a manifesto. A Cherish Set in 2021 was defined by three distinct pillars: agency, atmosphere, and intimacy. Firstly, agency meant that models were no longer silent muses but active collaborators. Sessions began with discussions of pose limitations, break schedules, and even the curation of music. Models had the final say on how long they held a pose and whether the focus was on gesture drawing or long-form anatomical study. Secondly, atmosphere replaced the sterile studio. Soft, indirect lighting (often via floor lamps or natural window light rather than buzzing overhead fluorescents) created a "living room" vibe. Studios invested in heated blankets, ergonomic posing platforms with cushions, and essential oil diffusers to combat the sterile smell of fixatives and turpentine.
The year 2021 marked a significant milestone for art and modeling studios, as they continued to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of the creative industry. With a focus on innovation and excellence, several studios stood out for their exceptional work and dedication to their craft. In this piece, we'll explore some of the top art and modeling studios that have set a new standard for others to follow, and what makes their sets truly special to cherish.
The diversity of body types in the 2021 sets broke records. The modeling industry had paused long enough for casting directors to rethink biases. Consequently, the cherished sets feature older bodies, pregnant models, plus-size figures, and trans bodies in ways that previous years lacked. Studios cherish these sets because they captured a more honest cross-section of humanity.
The term "Cherish" implied that these were intended for dedicated collectors who value the artistry of the sculpt over mass-produced PVC figures.
The that licensed their 2021 cherish sets as high-resolution reference packs saw a boom in sales. Artists want the liminal space of 2021—that feeling of being in a room with other humans, breathing the same air, even if just in photographic memory.
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