Would you be offended?

[ChaCha]

Okay, so I am now completely obsessed with face painting    Today, the afternoon news was promoting a "family weekend" event for our local humane society.  I thought this would be a great place to paint and called them and left a message to volunteer to face paint.  Then....I check out their site and see that they do have a face painter listed as an activity already.  The lady then calls me back and I tell her "I dont want to step on anyones toes" and didnt realize she already had one lined up.  She said to come out and we agreed on 3-6 (which is their busy time, I expect) I have no idea if the other painter is being paid or volunteering.  Either way, would you be offended to be at an event and have someone else show up for a couple of hours?

I genuinely just wanted some practical hands on experience other than the kiddos and my arm....lol.

~Charlotte

[Sherry]

I think if they are paying her to be there anyway, then it wouldn't bother the other artist to have someone show up and start painting for free.  She's already being paid her hourly rate after all.  At least that's how I would look at it.  If she's trying to do a ppf, on the other hand, then I probably wouldn't volunteer... because ppf can be hit or miss. 

[ChaCha]

I doubt that it's ppf.  This is a free event promoting pet adoptions....they're trying to qualify for a grant based on the number of adoptions they have.  I'm sure it will be fine.  I'm just going to do a variety of dog and cats fp and hope for the best.  I can't wait!

[Sherry]

Good luck and I hope it goes well for you!  I imagine you'll be swamped!   

[ChaCha]

Thanks for all your help!  Went okay.  Other painter was a volunteer and not regularly doing fp and left shortly after I arrived.  Paint went well............everyone painted was happy.  I wasnt..., but I have been looking at all of your fab fp's.  They invited me to do Woofstock (yeah!)  told them I would at least need to put out a tip jar to cover my expenses........and  2 persons specifically asked for my contact info...birthday party and a day care.  So, well worth my small amount of time invested.  Also, found out I need to learn:

1)How to keep my brushes from getting so gunky.  Do you all just have a ton of your fav brushes?
2)tips on sponges also.  I was reusing and they tended to dry out even tho I was spraying.

[LillyW]

Hi Charlotte! Glad to hear it went well for you.

I am a big fan of doing a few of this kinds of events every year, at least 6 if I can. But, I now do it a bit differently.  I usually say YES, I would be glad too, BUT, I want to do it as a fund raiser for your ________ .   So, the faces will NOT be painted for free!!!  I tell them they will charge $5 a face for easy stuff, and $10 for the harder things, but I will give it ALL to the charity bringing me in.  They just need an assistant to take the money, and coordinate the line.  Of course, I insist they advertise this amazing gift I am giving them in the 'newsletter," pr, whatever, with a photo of my work and my website.

Also, think of ways to pull paid business from the crowd  If you are not going to do the faces as a fund raiser for them, here are a few tips:

1) It is more important to get THEIR contact, than to give out yours.

2)  Do your BEST work, regardless of the line build up.  Your best work will attract more customers who will pay for future events.

3)  Have all kinds of things around that let people know you do this for PAY: business cards, price sheets, upcoming event flyers, sign-ups for your special days (like Halloween), etc.

- Lilly Walters, 909-398-1228
Henna Tattoo Artist, Face and Pregnant Belly Painter http://www.funfacepainting.com


Author of 4 books for Face Painters, including the new 3-D Jewels and Necklaces
Books and Face Painting Classes http://www.funfacepainting.com/book.html

[ChaCha]

Excellent, Lilly!  Thanks so much.  I am so glad I found this site.  I'll keep you posted 

[sparklingfaces]

great tips lily... never thought of having a price sheet out... will have to try that

[Psalmbook]

As far as your brush & sponge problem. I was leaving paint on my brushes but found that it made them expand too much & made my tips very jagged. I now rinse the brush frequently(I hate to lose the paint, but what can ya do?). I have a ton of sponges & yous use a sponge per face. They're cheap to make out of car wash sponges or seat cushion material(from JoAnn's). I also like that since the sponge touches the eye & nose area I'm not transferring anything yucky from child to child.

[ChaCha]

Thanks psalmbook.....I have now purchased every white available...lol, and ultimately decided it is rinsing, consistency of paint and that I personally dont care for kryolan (the one causing me so much trouble).  Now, I just need to find the best brush cleaner.  Pink soap and ivory is what I have used so far...but, i still feel like my brushes could get a bit cleaner and would help my linework.

On the humane society fundraiser........they ultimitely "didnt have a budget" when I offered a discounted rate which came out to $50 an hour....after they did not want to go with the free/tip jar only option.  I ended up agreeing to do it as a volunteer only basis suggesting that they charge as Lily had mentioned...and now they want the tip jar out stating it goes to them.  lol.  Oh well, lots of practice, free publicity (they will put my flyers in their bags) and hopefully will get some business from it.....I've never been so excited to work for free before...lol!