How to Get Started With Your Own Face-painting Business

If you like kids, craft fairs, festivals, and family get togethers, AND are looking to make a little extra cash you might want to think about getting into face painting. You don't need a lot of artistic experience. Basic fun paintings are the best. I have been doing this for many years and here are some of the things I have learned.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• an awning tent if you are going to be outside
• chairs to sit in
• a small table
• a money pouch
• some start up change
• face paints
• a #6 watercolor brush
• a fine liner brush
• babywipes
• glitter for sprinkling on the facepaintings

1. I began facepainting at craft fairs and festivals many years ago. I has become a great extra income for me, something I can do on weekends and it is alot of fun. You will need to check with your state's tax laws and comply with them. But basically I find that if I keep my designs simple and cute, I can rake in a bunch of cash on a Saturday afternoon.

2. My facepaingings are $1 each. That's it. No extra fancy full face paintings, I keep my designs simple and they are easily painted on a cheek, arm, foot, knee, wherever the child prefers. Over the year I have had many people tell me, "you should charge more!" But I have found that at a craft fair everybody has a dollar. Moms and dads are willing to fork over a buck so the child can have fun while he or she browses the table. Believe me, once you get your simple designs down pat, and add some glitter, your stash of one dollar bills will grow. Sometimes you just can't paint fast enough. I have had lines snaking around my booth waiting for thier turn while at the same time another face painter who is doing much more detailed, time consuming work is crying for business. Kids want instant gratification, they don't want to have to sit for half an hour getting painted.

3. After you have dreamed up your designs, paint them on craft paper. I have found the best way to display them is to place each design in one of those inexpensive sleeves you get for baseball cards. Tac them all to a cork bulletin board and prop it up at your tabe. Computer generated signs can announce your price.

4. Begin scouting your local pennysavers for ads about craft fairs and festivals. Churches and community organiztions have them often. Call the contact number to find out what they are charging for table or space rental. It varies. I have paid anywhere from $15 to $50 a day. Start with the smaller fees until you get into it more, then you can decide if the higher fees are worth it.

5. Get to your even at the time alotted for setting up. Most events require you to set up about an hour before they begin letting the customers in. Be respectful of the person directing the set up. They usually have a plan in mind and they may want you in a certain area.

6. Bring plenty of water with you, both for drinking AND to rinse you brushes in as you go. Keep your rinsing water fresh. No one wants their child painted with water that is murky or dirty. You might also want to pack a sandwich, facepainting does build up an appetite! And there are times when you are so busy you just can't get away from your table!

7. Keep several colors of glitter on hand, believe me this will sell your work quicker than anything. The kids LOVE the glitter and it is cheap. Face paints are availabe at Walmart in the crafting section or you can look online, there are several very good companies that I have ordered from. A little facepaint lasts a very long time.

8. Some of the simple designs I use are cherries, butterfly, lady bug, snail, tractor (they can choose the color) race car, American flag, peace sign (in tie dye colors), and everyones all time favorite, the single eye in the middle of thier forehead, complete with long sweeping black eyelashes. There are many more and you can come up with your favorites just by looking through ads that a targeted to kids.

9. Don't worry about your artwork being perfect. Break you paintings down into steps. In future articles I would like to show some demonstrations as to how I paint the particular designs that I do. Most of mine are originals that I thought up and designed many years ago when I started. I was vewry flattered when I took my grandson to a fireworks display last year and some young girls were facepainting there to raise money for an organization. About 75% of thier designs were ones that I had thought up! I called my hubby and told him, "Honey, these girls are doing my designs!" It was very cute. And I was so pleased.

10. One of the best events I have ever painted at is a tractor pull that is held annually in my area. It is the same every year. I sit with no customers for about the first two hours. I begin to get worried, doesn't anybody want their face painted? Did I waste my entry fee? Am I going to lose money on this? Then it happens. One kid sidles over and shyly looks at my display. "hey! she can paint a John Deere tractor on your face! Mom, can I have a dollar?" Now the kids are starting to get bored. The adults want to watch the tractors but for the kids the thrill has worn off. Kids start lining up at my table. Repeat customers are returning with folded up dollars their parents have given so that they will stay occupied while the adults enjoy the show. Before I know it my dollar pouch is bulging. Kids are laughing, choosing which color glitter they want, I am giggling at their antics and it becomes a very good day.

11. Above all keep a smile on your fave, Have fun with the kids and when a kid sits down in your chairs to get a painting, treat him as if he or she were the only person in the world for that short amount of time. "Would you like your painting on your face, your arm, your leg?" Let them decide where they want it, it makes the process more fun for them. You want to keep things moving because you have other kids waiting but give that child a bit of undivied attention and make him feel special. Have some extra lawn chairs sitting around for the parents who are waiting.

12. Facepainting can be such a rewarding experience, both monetarily and emotionally. You will meet alot of very nice people who will seek you out at the next festival. I hope my tips have given you the nudge to get into it yourself. Thanks for reading my article, and I hope to see you at the next craft fair!

[scarletdreamer]

on 3/20/2009 This is a really wonderful article. I love face painting (used to do it as a Girl Scout fund raiser) but I never thought of adding glitter, Thanks!

[Allyn]

on 3/7/2009 Fun.