We all have tricks up our sleeves for various things in the facepainting business and today I wanted to address the topic of how to keep children still, while facepainting.
It’s one thing to be a painter, but painting on a ‘moving canvas’ is definately another, wouldn’t you agree?
First of all the most important thing is to make sure the child has a comfortable seat to sit in. If they’re uncomfortable they’re more likely to fidget. Make sure the chair is at the right height and close to you so they don’t have to stretch or strain to get be close enough to paint.
But what do you do to makesure the fidgety kids stay still while you’re facepainting? Todays post is an ‘open mic’ post, so that means I want you to share what facepainting techniques and tricks you use to keep children still…
Do you tell stories? Do you use humor? What works for you?
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Can’t wait to hear from you all!
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
I place my hand on the top of thier head. I steadys them and me! Then I work as fast as I can so they don’t have to sit to long.
Great tip, thanks Therese!
I usually tell a story that I make up about the character the child is having painted on them. I googled short stories on the web and found I could adapt them to fit whatever theme I offer at any one time. It only takes a short while to do and is worth the extra time spent researching as it generally keeps the children in the queue quiet as well.
Story telling, that sounds like fun Karen, thanks for your input.
at my last ‘gig’ i painted a detailed dragon design on myself before i left the house. As I painted the kids they all had something to look at and it kept their faces facing me too. It also shows off your talents to parents!
thats a really good idea vicki, thanks for sharing!
I always explain to each child what im doing, like on a tiger i tell them when im about to paint their nose or when i put the stripes on. To keep their attention i get them to guess the next colour il use, this lets them move around a bit inbetween painting.
I let the kids know the more still they are, the better the design will look. Instead of faces, I suggest painting arms & legs of younger children as they seem more comfortable when they can see what’s going.
Corny as it sounds, I sing. Whether the lil’ one is watching me with interest and joins in or is watching me like I just stated Harry Potter is the tooth-fairy, it keeps them still while I finish up. If you struggle with holding a tune, try playing music…my kids always go for the latest hip-hop.
Great tips Hannah and Angel Bug! And how talented are you, Dahleen?… a face painter and a singer? I think thats a great idea!
Thanks for sharing guys, keep it up
For very young children or those who may be getting their first face painting, I paint a “stripe” of plain water so they will be expecting the wetness and texture of the brush
I GENERALLY KEEP REMINDING THEM TO SIT STILL SO THEY WILL LOOK THE BEST BUTTERFLY OR TIGER IN THE PARTY, KIDS ARE REALLY COMPETITIVE FROM AN EARLY AGE SO THIS USUALLY WORKS, MOST OF THE TIMES ITS THE PARENTS SAYING OOOH LOOK AT YOU THAT MAKES THEM TURN SUDDENLY AND ENDS UP WITH A BLACK STRIPE ACROSS THE FACE THAT WASN’T SUPPOSED TO BE THERE, WHAT REALLY BUGS ME IS KIDS THAT DO NOT WANT THEIR FACES PAINTED, BEING HELD IN A HEAD LOCK BY PUSHY MUMS , I REFUSE POINT BLANK TO PAINT IN THIS SITUATION. YOU CAN SEE THE KIDS SAYING THANKYOU WITH THEIR EYES. KIDS ARE GREAT I FIND THE PARENTS HARD WORK.
I put a large mirror behind my right shoulder (I’m right-handed) so they can watch. It also keeps their chin up. I also tell them alot- let them know what I’m doing, about how far along I am, and how great they are doing holding nice and still. (I love the story idea-got any specifics u could share?-although it wouldn’t be beyond me to make it up as I go) I might try to play a game with annoying adults where they needed to turn around and not look while I’m working so they’ll be “surprised”- good luck! but most of all have fun!
Has anyone considered having the children tell YOU a story about their character they are getting?
I let my daughter (2 &1/2) have a paint brush with some water on and then let her paint either her hand or a dollys face, it keeps her happy and her face still, i tried letting her paint my face with the water as i painted hers, but her hands often blocked my view, but it did mean her face was looking up at me!
The most important thing in my experience is to create a connection / rapport with the child.
So i say “hello” shaking hands (physical contact), asking their name, making small talk while I prepare the paints and brushes for their design. I then ask them if they are ready to turn into a xyz which usually gets their attention focused. Then I SHOW them how to sit still: placing both hands on their knees and making themselves REEEAAALLLY tall (ie. straight) and lifting up their face a little. I remind them in a fun way when they slouch like it´s our little game and they get tons of praise for doing it right. My experience is that most kids are so excited they don´t know HOW to sit or be. I have been facepainting for over 12 years and the last point makes a 200% difference – my job is so much easier now.
Placing a hand on the head is second nature. Always remain in touch with some hand if possible even while washing out or loading your brush etc.
My other magic trick especially for “cool” boys who are extremely fidgety at times is to count to whatever number they can already count to and close their eyes for that duration. I tell them that most kids are not able to count to x and keep their eyes closed (competition) and that I would love to see how far they can go. Then I count out loud (counting to 20 can take 2 minutes) and have a totally focused kid (on the counting) with a relaxed face.
Closing their eyes is an important help (reduces the visual distractions that often get them to move since I work in a Zoo where the animals often ensure stunning scenes that get the kids excited – never mind the parents/family etc ;o)).
I agree on the pushy parent part. Also if a kid doesn´t want to cooperate at all (my line is always really long) I offer them to think about wanting to get painted while I paint the next child. If they DO want to do it, they´ll be next. If not, it doesn´t hold up the line for long minutes.
All in all these are mini-encounters with complete openings, paintings and good-byes that usually don´t take longer than 5 minutes. I hope some of these ideas are helpful to you. Have fun!
I put in an order last week and could not, for some reason, get to check out, can someone help?
Please send an email to info@facepaintingtips.com with the name (and order number if you have it) that was on the order so we can look into it.
Hello, I can’t tell you how much I love getting all these tips and tricks from you and from the forum, however I have been having trouble signing in on the forum. It will no accept my user name or password. What went wrong??? Thank you for all of your help……
Silly Sandee
Hy, I just would like to say you thanks a lot for all suggestions you give us!!!! Bye
Ask them to hold their knees, and keep talking to them, telling them what you are doing and why. e.g. Now I am going to sprinkle on some glitter.
Or i’m mixiing some silver with the grey colour to make it look like metal.( this if you are painting a robot) Also say you do sit beautifully still, even if they are wriggling at the time they will try to prove you right.
Thank you once again I really look forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve each day for me.
What is the best fix spray to use on kids who sweat alot? Specifically if we live in hot areas?
We’ve found that Mehron Fixer/Sealer Spray helps with this very much! It can be used in two ways:
It is a moisture resistant spray for spraying over finished face paint/body paint/liquid or powder make up to seal the make up and help prevent it rubbing off.
Also can be used under face paint/body paint/make up to help prevent sweating and protect sensitive skin from adhesives, prosthetics, glues etc.
You can order it here: http://www.facepaintingtips.com/shop/mehron-barrier-spray-fixer-and-sealer/
Thank you so much for your response im new in this and im taking it very seriously and I was in between the one you mentioned and kryolan or the green fixer new spray from snazoroo, and that’s the paints I’ve been using so far and wordfeud and fx as well, I want something that’s kids friendly and its hypo allergic, if you have some recommendations for other water base paints I can surely use your advise I have noticed many face painters use diamond fx and ben bye, and I would like to know if this brands are better than snazoroo or is it the same thing??? Thank you so much for your help and I will surely buy the begat spray thanks alot
Im sorry I mean ill buy the mehron spray my keyboards misspelled my word before thank you for your help
Or what type of face paint is the best to prevent erasing with sweat etc, thank you
What paint stains the least? I have been using name brand ones and when I go to clean off a red or black stain remains. Is there a product or way to help parents to clean there child ?
I’d say Snazaroo stains the absolute least if at all. However their colors aren’t as vibrant as Diamond FX and Paradise.
Which brand have you been using?