The Face Painting Business, And How I Got Started

Written by Karla Abraham Thursday, 01 September 2011 12:07

Face painting has become a very popular activity for children's parties lately. I don't know how it started, but kids really do love it. Parents like it too because it is a fun and inexpensive feature to add to children's parties.

Face painting has become a very popular activity for children's parties lately. I don't know how it started, but kids really do love it. Parents like it too because it is a fun and inexpensive feature to add to children's parties.

I first became aware of it when I saw someone painting faces at a festival near where I live. My children were with me and they seemed very interested in it. The lady had a poster that showed all of the different designs that she offers. I remember being quite intrigued.

It turned out that there was someone in my neighborhood who had learned face painting and was doing it for hire. She had only been doing it for a short time but was already very busy with parties and events. I asked her if she would teach me about it and she was very willing.

I learned a lot from her. She taught me all of the things I needed to know to get started, such as what paints and brushes to use. It's very important to use paints that are safe for skin. The best face paints are all hypo-allegenic. As far as brushes, she taught me to use five or six different sizes for different types of lines. Also, she taught me how to apply paint with sponges. Sponges are good for filling in shapes and covering an area of skin with one color of paint.

She taught me some designs that were easy to start with. It's important to learn some designs for girls and boys. For boys I started learning a Spiderman design. For girls I learned some flower and butterfly designs.

Another important thing I learned is how to present myself to customers and the public I decided to follow her example in that way. I dress somewhat as a clown - a colored wig, hat, multi-patched apron, and some face painting on my face (which I apply myself). I have my subjects sit in a tall director's chair. And I keep my paints, brushes, sponges, etc. on a small table next to me. I consider cleanliness to be a top priority. Nobody wants to have their kids' faces painted by a person who looks like a slob. I take care to always keep my costume, table and tools looking very neat and clean.

I was very nervous when I did my first face painting jobs, but it didn't take too long for me to feel comfortable. My business has been growing a lot. I now offer other things for parties too, such as costumed characters, balloon animals and party games.

Finding this little niche has been a wonderful thing for me. I have really enjoyed being a part of kids' birthday parties. I plan to continue for a long time.