Face Painting Tips Forum

I am a new face painter... and i want to make sure i make an impact at arrival to my parties/events since I will be working with more "high class" clientele... since i do live in a very populated/rich area..... i was thinking of just a black apron with small ruffles or polkadots but i absolutely do not want "clown" attire... i don't think i would feel comfortable... what is it you FP's wear? i would love to see pics!

also, do you paint your own faces with a simple eye design or cheek design? and when do you do it? before you show up or during the actual event?

any help is appreciated!

I haven't done a birthday party yet. My first is coming up in April. I will be painting my face probably before I arrive. At events though, festivals and fundraisers and the like, I paint my face right after I set up. I find it is awesome advertising. When people actually see you painting your face in a hand mirror it impresses them and gives them a little more confidence. I started out doing a really awesome design, but found that a lot of kids will point to my face and say, "I want what you've got." Now I make sure to paint something I'm willing to replicate a hundred times. I also use colors I have plenty of, just for that reason. Your face is your best advertisement until your first dozen faces hit the crowd though, so I would make sure it's a good one. If you're not confident painting yourself in front of people, I would do it right before hand.

As for attire, I have a black apron. You can get a plain one for pretty cheap at Bed Bath and Beyond, and they also have cute ones like you're talking about.You can also hit a craft store like Michaels to get things to put on it. I made the mistake of using iron-ons for an event around Valentines day and now I have an apron with hearts that has limited functionality. In the future I will get things I can pin on and take off or something less specific. Big learning moment for me. I try to stay professional under the apron. In southern AZ that means nice jeans and a nice t-shirt or polo. I'm going to have a company shirt made, but until then this works. If I were doing a higher class area i would definitely go with a polo and black slacks and a tidy apron. Make sure your hair is tidy too.

Oh, almost forgot! It is a must to have your hands and nails tidy! Stuff under your nails or half worn off finger nail polish gives a disheveled and unsanitary appearance! Even if you do it yourself, a quick manicure, clean nails, and clear or well painted polish will avoid anyone questioning your hygiene in that department.

Nina
You gave her very awesome and specific answers. Great job

Really true. That's why I paint a flower on my arm. I can keep an eye on it, and add to it if I need to show a timid one what it's like to be painted on, before I ask them to "give me an arm or a cheek."

I am a rainbow fairy and i have a fairy dress I made myself and wings I made,kids love it they are more comfortable getting their faces painted in costume than when im not. I have gorgeous gold equine boots that parents love as well as kids. I am putting together a pirate outfit because I would like to book more boys parties. You would not believe how hard it is to find a pirate outfit that is not to sex! Lol I've had to buy pieces seperateley! I always paint my face,for birthdays I do before the event at home, and if the party is themed,I try to have my face part of the theme (recently I was an angry bird fairy). For festivals and markets I do it at the event it attracts alot of attention,I also choose a child from one of the other stall holders and paint for free,great advertising! My website is bodyartbyjo@gmail.com but my facebook pages Jo Van Os and body art by jo have pics of my face I have painted as well as my costumes. Sorry I can't upload from my tablet!