FABAtv vs. FABAIC – Should I do Both?

FABAtv vs FABAIC

When I first dreamed up the idea of FABAtv, I immediately called my aunt and business partner, Marcela. I was so excited, because like most of my crazy ideas, she gets them and gives me great input to get the ball rolling. At first, I heard the hesitation in her voice. I knew her thoughts before she got a chance to voice them. She was worried that FABAtv would take away from the face and body art international convention. After all, why would people attend the convention if they could log on from their own home and take classes whenever they wanted to? Why would anyone want to pay for flights, hotel, registration, ect, if they could save time and money and learn on their own schedule?

FABAIC FunFABAIC Winning Cheetah

Of course these thoughts ran through my mind when I set out to create FABAtv, but my belief is that FABAtv would be a way to fill in the gap before and after the convention. FABAtv is the most practical and beneficial resource we have for painters. The classes are powerful, exciting, and fresh. Every month we offer new classes to inspire you. The FABAIC is a face and body art sleep away camp. It is a vacation for the mind, a creative retreat, and a way to meet the FABAtv instructors that teach you all year long.

FABAIC Alex HansenSo the question is, “Why?” and, “Do I need to have both FABAtv and FABAIC in my life?” The answer is Yes! I am more than just the creator and co-organizer. I am an end user, I am living proof that both the FABAIC and FABAtv work. At the FABAIC I have made friendships, improved my craft, opened international doors, saved money by learning from all of the best under one roof, and used the FABAIC as my annual vacation. At the FABAIC you can challenge yourself by entering one of the many competitions or team up with a new friend and explore body painting. Only at the FABAIC are you able to meet so many great artists from around the globe, paint side by side with them, and leave feeling creatively reinvigorated! The FABAIC is truly an experience I encourage every painter to experience. It is the only event of its kind, where it is totally geared towards learning, visual stimulation, and an overall great time! Imagine sharing ideas with Pashur, watching Yolanda and Lyma sing their rendition of Lady Marmalade, or staying up till 3 am creating a masterpiece with Mark Reid giving you pointers.

FABAIC Clown PalFABAIC Fun

On the flip side, many of us cannot attend the FABAIC for several reasons; Life, finances, kids. So until something gives, FABAtv is your on demand learning and creative inspiration. FABAtv helps keep you motivated and inspired year round. We all crave new ideas or refreshers on faces we see online. At FABAtv we invest a lot of time finding the best teachers to share topics that we want to learn on. Like Georgetter Pressler’s budget costuming or how to apply prosthetics. These classes aren’t taught anywhere else, and only on FABAtv will you find and fall in love with instructors. Not many people knew I was such a talented teacher until they saw me on FABAtv. (Hahahahaha I’m just kidding)

 FABAIC ButterflyFABAIC Artist

In a nut shell, the best investment you can make in your craft, your business, and yourself as an artist, is to attend at least one FABAIC and subscribe to FABAtv. Just because everyone in your neighborhood thinks you are the best, doesn’t mean you can stop learning and growing. The best and most successful entrepreneurs never stop learning. Surround yourself with art, business, knowledge and you will see results immediately.

Happy Painting! xoxoxox HG

 

Take me to:

[button type=”button_solid_dark nocufon” url=”http://www.fabaic.com” target=”on”]Face and Body Art International Convention[/button] [button type=”button_solid_dark nocufon” url=”http://www.fabatv.com” target=”on” ]Face and Body Art Television[/button]

I-Candy Makeup

I-Candy Eye Makeup

In this latest video tutorial, Silly Heather paints herself for the first time on camera. She’ll show you how to pull off this sexy eye design look that’s great for a night out or clubbing. Products used are listed at the end of the video and are available at Silly Farm Supplies.

Want more designs like this? Tune in to FABAtv LIVE on May 16th for a free live class by Silly Heather on I-Candy designs.


Youtube – I-Candy Makeup

Products Used:

Indie Craft Fairs – The Good, Bad, and Ugly

First of all – what in the heck is Indie? This is the explanation provided by answers.com

  • One, such as a studio or producer, that is unaffiliated with a larger or more commercial organization.
  • An artistic work produced by an independent company or group: “[His film] showed that indies could . . . take in millions at the box office” (Liesl Schillinger).

Usually organizers are crafters themselves. Most of the Indie Craft Fairs I have been involved with are people that create new items out of recycled materials, or are very retro in nature. Several websites, such as IndieCraftShows, or a quick Google search will find you times and places these craft fairs are held.

Pam at Indie Craft FairI got involved with my first Indie Craft fair about 2 years ago. I signed up to do henna at their event. You usually have to buy a booth, which can run from $35-$55 depending on the place. I would not spend much over that for a single event. You want to be able to recover your money you have laid out for the event. I have been promoted for each event which helps build my business connections. Most of my clients are return customers and you also get asked to participate in other events, some larger then the fair you are currently working.

The Good

Usually these people are so much fun to be around and the creativity is amazing. You will make such wonderful connections in your area which can lead to more jobs for your business. Usually you will be the only henna provider for the event. Face painting is not really used at these events unless it is a Halloween show, but if you provide both services, they might ask you to provide both.[clear]

Henna Design Henna on Hand

The Bad

Most of the time these can be outdoor events, which in some areas can be more than a problem. My one fair I always do seems to schedule a huge rain storm with each event. The producer finally found a venue which is indoors. The other bad thing about these types of fairs is that most people are selling wares and you will be selling a service. Henna is more popular in some area than in others. I start my prices at $10.00 per design. A lot of the items sold at Indie Craft Fairs are fairly inexpensive, usually under $10. So your clientele might want to save their pennies to purchase many items, but don’t be discouraged, it can turn out to be a great event for you also.

The Ugly

You buy a booth and you make nothing. This can happen too. If the producer of the show does not promote to the Indie crowd, your show will probably be a bust.

I encourage all of you to check out your Indie Craft market in your area and talk with the producers to get a feel for the need and demand for henna services.

-Pam

Looking for Henna products? Silly Farm Supplies carries several Mehndi/Henna kits and supplies.
Leave a comment below and tell us if you offer Mehndi/Henna services.

How Do You Get That Gig?

Tom Cruise & Children Face PaintedWhen I browse the pages of celebrity tabloids occasionally I run across face painting on famous children. I am always amazed how there is rarely ever a picture of the artist, as I’m also curious to know who the lucky painter was. I have been fortunate enough to paint for several celebrities and it certainly has helped me get more business, but when I tell people that I have painted for Lebron James and Dan Marino, they always ask, “How did you get that gig?”.

When investing your money, an advisor will tell you it’s all about diversification. The same principles apply to business and getting bigger gigs. Typically, very wealthy clients or celebrity clients do not plan their own parties. They have assistants that hire event planners. So, when you are marketing your business, it’s equally important to seek out exclusive event planners and do some networking. High end event planners want to know you are professional, respect the privacy of the client, and use etiquette when working high end events.

How do I let the event planners know I’m a good candidate and how do I meet high end event planners?

One of the best ways to meet event planners is by attending or searching event planning networking events. ISES,the International Special Events Society, hosts several events across the US and the organization is made up of party planners, advertising companies, and event planners. Searching their events and offering your services to their meeting planners is a good way to exhibit your skills and make excellent contacts. Biz Bash is another special events show that happens around the country and they cater to larger budget event planners as well. Five years ago I volunteered to body paint at the special events show. I was able to network with several event planners that now use us religiously for special events, concerts, sporting events, and jobs I would have never had access to. I was able to show that I was professional, courteous, and explained to each planner the benefits of working together. Most planners want one less headache to deal with, and if you can be a no hassle addition to their services they are happy!

Face Painting with the NFLAnother way to diversify, is to reach out to the cities. If you are incorporated and carry insurance you can register with your local city to be able to bid for city jobs. I registered with the City of Miami as a business that offers event planning, face painting, balloons, and decor. Part of the process of hiring for city events, includes going through the procurement process. Procurement involves sending out a bid for the event and the city is required to accept a certain amount of proposals. If you submit a proposal and get the contract you are officially in with the city, and lots of business can be produced from it. City contracts are usually for multiple events, which also works in your favor.

Check out your local government or city website and find out how to become Small Business certified and see how you can get in on the procurement action.

My last advice tip to get the aww inspiring gigs is to contact larger and local event planning companies. Typically, they get hired to do large scale events because they can be full service companies. They also carry large amounts of insurance so they are an easy hire for bigger events. I frequently work with All Star Events located in South Florida. They are a full service event planning company that has done events for the Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, Florida Panthers, Julio Iglesias, many of the Heat and Dolphin players and several other high profile clients. They love working with me because they know I won’t take pictures or embarrass them, so when they book a package they like to include my services. Chances are those clients would never go looking for just a face painter. They have so many other factors to consider, they look for a company that can do it all. Getting in good with the “Do it all” companies is a great way to create steady work.

Keegan Hitchcock for DASH

I’m all about promoting my fellow painters, I get so excited to see them grow and accomplish great things. The Dash body painting was done by my great friend Keegan Hitchcock. When I asked her about it she was so non-chalant and didn’t even seem nervous. Below are a few more images of Keegan’s work. You can find her on facebook at KeeganBodyArt.

Belvedere Body Art by KeeganJameson Body Painting by Keegan

A similar experience happened with another great artist, friend of mine, and FABAtv instructor Heather Aguilera. She got a call on her way home from shooting her FABAtv classes, and was asked to paint the famous sculptor and pop artist, Romero Britto.

Share your stories with us on how you got the gig, and if you have any pictures you can share, please do!

Happy Painting!

Heather

Brush Basics 101

Brush Basics 101

Do you know the difference between a #2 and a #4 brush? Filbert to Flat? This new video on the different types of brushes you will run into as a face and body painter, covers the major brushes you should have in your kit. Silly Heather of Silly Farm Supplies shows you several techniques and designs you can achieve with the different brushes. She demonstrates body brushes, flat brushes, chisel brushes, and round brushes to name a few. She also covers some specialty brushes and talks about her favorite brush.

The brushes used in this video are located below.
Feel free to like and share! Leave a comment and tell us what brushes you include in your kit!
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Brush Basics 101 – Youtube

Click on a Brush to view more details or to purchase from Silly Farm

Gold Grip #4
Gold Grip #4
Double Filbert #8
Double Filbert #8

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Flora #10
Flora #10
Paradise Body Brush 830
Paradise Body Brush 830

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Paradise Chisel Brush 816
Paradise Chisel Brush 816
Comfort 1/4th Dagger Brush
Comfort 1/4th Dagger Brush

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Filbert Brush #10
Filbert Brush #10
One Stroke 3/4ths Flat
One Stroke 3/4ths Flat

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1/2 Scruffy Brush
1/2 Scruffy Brush
Mark Reid Fan Brush
Mark Reid Fan Brush

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Stencil Secrets – Free LIVE Class

Andrea O'Donnell on FABAtv LIVE

Join Andrea O’Donnell, creator of the madly popular Bad Ass Stencils and Mini Stencils, for a free live class on FABAtv April 17th at 8:00 PM EST.

Andrea will show you various designs and uses of the Bad Ass Stencils as well as several unexpected ways to get the most out of your stencils. New Bad Ass Stencils will be unveiled at the 2012 Face and Body Art International Convention, May 23rd-27th. Can’t wait? Tune in to this live class as Andrea will be giving us a sneak peek at the brand new designs!

If you had registered for the 2012 FABAIC, the winner of the free year subscription to FABAtv will be announced on this live class.


Andrea O’Donnel – Stencil Secrets Preview

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Painting Inspiration

Face Painted Inspirational Masks

One of the most wonderful things I discovered as an artist was to make myself aware of my surroundings, as inspiration is always there waiting to be discovered. All we have to do is open our eyes and see. The following are some suggestions based on the things I’ve learned to do, to welcome inspiration to flow in my daily life.

LIVE WITH IT

I believe that creative inspiration and abilities can be absorbed by osmosis, and living with it can make us more creative. Surround yourself with as much art as you can afford.

CREATE AN INSPIRING WORK PLACE

Even if you live in a small apartment with five cats, carve out a corner for your art supplies. I keep a palette, brushes, sponges, water container, a few books, magazines, pictures, a small VCR/DVD player, DVD’s, a practice pad and watercolor tablet in a small table next to my favorite chair. I relax by practicing my strokes and by creating new, original designs. As time goes by, it has become a habit that aids me in improving my skills.

A COOKBOOK OF INSPIRATION

Another tool that has helped me a lot is my collection of scrapbooks. Their pages filled with colorful images from magazines, catalogs, advertisements, my own doodles and other painters’ work are a feast of images and ideas. Most creative people thrive on a steady diet of stimuli. Keep your cookbook of inspiration close at hand and cook up amazing new design ideas.


Marcela’s Tips & Tricks

TREAT YOURSELF TO AN INSPIRING DAY

Give yourself an inspiring break. Start by marking the date in your calendar and making the commitment to just do it. Take a full day, a half day or even a couple of hours to search for inspiration. Plan a trip for the artist in you to a museum, a gallery, art store, bookstore or an artsy part of town. You don’t have to buy anything, just observe and take notes. I can guarantee that by the time you get home, you will be looking forward to sitting in your artist workspace to allow the collected inspiration to flow out of you like a waterfall.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Body Painting at FABAIC 2010 Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines. Picasso didn’t get famous by painting realistic portraits and Dali made us look at faces in a brand new way. Dare to change the rules of what you have been taught and see what happens. Buy yourself a new brush, maybe one of an unusual shape and discover what you can do with it on your own. Find ways to combine colors that in your mind don’t match. Fire your critics (especially your inner one) and know that our growth is in trying new things.
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Face Painting Book of ButterfliesWhen I was working on the Face Painting Book of Butterflies, there came a point where I felt that all of the designs were looking very much alike. The next morning while I was sitting by the ocean, I decided to give Jinny a call to ask her for advice. She said to me, “Face painting is fantasy art–anything goes. Think outside the box. Morph your butterflies with another animal or anything that comes to mind. See what happens.” First I didn’t understand exactly what she meant so I decided to close my eyes to meditate on it for a few minutes. When I opened my eyes I saw the most beautiful sunrise and immediately I picked up my drawing pencils and created the sunrise butterfly, which is in the book. The top wings are the colors of the sky at sunrise with a few seagulls decorating it. The bottom wings have the ocean and the beach with a couple palm trees painted in each corner. The sun is the body of the butterfly. It is one of my favorite ones in the book.[clear]

TAKE ART CLASSES

Art classes are inspirational. They help your face and body painting skills to emerge. From one-stroke painting, to ceramics or watercolors, art is art. Inspiration abides in experimenting with all types of art forms.
You can usually find your favorite artists traveling and teaching. Attend one of their classes, or go to a convention to really boost your skills. With the internet ever expanding, it has become easier then ever to find and take a workshop, even taking online classes like FABAtv.com.

FABAIC 2012 - Face Painting, Body Painting, Airbrush Art

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Feeling good is also a form of inspiration. Our physical condition and frame of mind are essential raw materials because the source of creativity lives deep within our souls. Taking care to be healthy in body, mind and spirit makes us more receptive to the gifts of inspiration that surround us. Make a list of things you can do that will help you snap out of a low day. Take a candle lit bath, listen to your favorite music, eat fruits and chocolate, go for a walk, read a good book, hug somebody or make a list of all the things in your life that you are grateful for. Say Thank YOU! Then enjoy your artistic work place as you relax and paint!

-Marcela Murad
Co-Producer of the Face and Body Art International Convention

Leave a comment below and tell us what you do to get inspired.

Happiness is Free

Happiness is Free

A lot of us are transfixed by the current economic situation and are allowing it to bringing us down, and forget the things that exist in our lives that can do a lot of good without having to give a lot. Happiness is FREE! If you take an hour out of your day to send an email wishing someone a happy birthday, tell your parents or kids that you love them, pass along a compliment, pay for a friend’s toll, or just give a friend in need a hug; Your happiness could inspire a change of heart, grab you a booking, rekindle a friendship, or even just bring a smile to someone in need.

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass… It’s about learning how to dance in the rain!

Happy Face Painted KidsFace Painted Twins

Slow times are an incentive for working on your marketing skills, creating portfolios that impress, investing time in your business, networking and doing the things we don’t have time to do when we are too busy. If your business is slow, try not to spend too much time worrying, but instead prepare to enjoy the rainbows that naturally follow the storms.

Heather Face Painting

-Marcela & Heather
2012 Face and Body Art International Convention

Get Off the Fence and Make Something Happen!

Face Painting Masks

A while ago, I was at a networking meeting of fellow entertainers. We all are in the family entertainment business, but no two people do the same thing. We have come together to support each other, share ideas, and get to know each other so we can refer each other for work.

On the first go-around the table, we were all introducing ourselves and what we did. When it got to Bob, he introduced himself as a full-time magician. Bob was one of the few people at the table I knew before I got there. I said that I thought magic was just a part time endeavour for him.

“It was” he said, “Until I was downsized about 2 weeks ago”.

Bob isn’t one to sit around. He immediately sought career counseling worried about getting another job at his age.

The career counselor asked him, “What’s your passion? What would you love to do all day even if you didn’t get paid to do it?” “Magic or Golf”, was his immediate answer.

When the counselor found out that Bob already had a successful part-time magic business, and he’s a lousy golfer, she recommend that he invest in himself.

“Go to the very next magic convention. Learn as much as you can,” she said. “….and reignite that passion for magic. People who build a career around a passion and work for themselves have a significantly higher success rate, especially during a recession.”

Bob came home, did some research and found out that career counselors everywhere are making the same recommendation. Take your passion, invest in yourself, and make that your life’s work. There are countless success stories of people who have done just that.

Bob immediately registered for an upcoming Magic Convention in June. He had wanted to go, but thought he should save his money just in case. Now he is investing in himself. Bob is the most energized person I know. He has a twinkle in his eye, and his positive energy is contagious. He is embracing this new career path and is attracting business and taking all those jobs he couldn’t before because of the full-time employment.

Bob’s story had me wondering, how many people want to come to the Face and Body Art International Convention, but are sitting on the fence waiting to see what happens?

Now is the time to invest in yourself.  Take control of your life. Take a step towards your future. Get fired up about your business. Network with people for ideas, sharing and support.

If you can’t make it to FABAIC, sign up for local workshops or organize one of your own. Go online and look for resources, support and information for your business. Energize yourself.

Be proactive, don’t just wait and see what happens! Make stuff happen!

— Katie Hunt

www.KatieTheGreat.com

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5 Hot Ideas for Sizzling Summer Business

Hot Summer WeatherDuring the summer, South Florida turns into a steam box that makes you cringe at the thought of face painting outside. The air is filled with sticky moisture that saturates your paint and turns them into mush. Little can be done to make the paint sweat resistant, because of the nature of water based face paint. There are sealer sprays and barrier sprays that might prolong the face paint durability, but ultimately they will sweat off because the paints are supposed to remove with soap and water. The salt in our sweat also breaks down the paints and the pigments and face paint will run especially when the skin is saturated and you begin to perspire.
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So what do you do when the sun rises on Summer? Do you pack up and take a vacation? Of course not, business must go on! Here are a few hot ideas to get you through summer without losing your shirt.

Glitter Tattoos

Glitter tattoos are popular, sparkly, and great for outdoor events, pool parties, and for all ages. Glitter tattoos are applied with a medical grade adhesive and then coated with Glitter so they don’t run off and are waterproof once they dry. They are easy enough to apply that anyone can do them without taking extra classes or needing to be an artist. They are inexpensive and the mark up is great. The cost to apply a glitter tattoo is less than $1 and you can charge anywhere from $3 to $8 for a glitter tattoo.

Bella Thorne Glitter TattoosMaria Canals Glitter Tattoos

Airbrush Tattoos

Airbrush tattoos are super popular and depending on the ink you use, can be waterproof and last for several days. Airbrush tattoos are fast, appealing to all ages, even adults, and are in demand. Airbrush equipment can be expensive to invest in, but if you already have a system, then break it out and start the campaign now. It’s an easy sell especially when you tell clients its waterproof.

Airbrush Tattoos

Hair Feathers, Crazy hair, and Hair braiding

I had the pleasure of working with another Silly Farm staff member at an event. She was doing hair braiding and funky hair and her line was around the corner. Hair braiding is back in style and because it’s not as common as face painting, it’s a fun seller. You can market is as a unique special treat for your guests and chances are you will be the only ones offering it. Hair feathers are super popular with teens and inexpensive to add to your services. Booking glam parties and offering hair and funky fantasy face art is a way to reach the 10 year olds that might have out grown face painting but still want a unique party. For cool ideas on hair braiding search “braids” on Pinterest and you will find hundreds of amazing braids and ideas.

Airbrush Face Painting

How is this different from airbrush tattoos? Airbrush tattoos are typically applied using alcohol based inks and are waterproof once set. We do not recommend using alcohol based ink for face painting because they require baby oil or alcohol to be removed from the skin. We carry new hybrid formulas of airbrush face paint that is great for the summer because it withstands the heat and sweat, and removes with soap and water. If you are going to offer airbrush face painting, you don’t want to set it up in the same system as your tattoos because you don’t want to confuse the paints. The benefits of offering airbrush face paint is that you can charge more since its a specialty service and the paint will last a lot longer than typical face paint. The hybrid formulas are safe for the skin and once they are dry, can last all day. You can check out Show Offs Body Art website for a gallery of her airbrush face paintings.

Airbrush Face Painting by Donna Nowak

Summer Camp Hook Up

A good way to keep your books steady during the summer is by connecting with summer camps, especially art and performing arts summer camps. They are everywhere! If you do a simple google search, you can find the director or organizers email and send them your contact information. You can offer services for plays, teaching art classes (by the way, Silly Farm offers an instructor incentive program if you start teaching!), or just for fun. Summer camps are always looking for the next “it” thing to advertise to campers. Become the “it” company by planning now before you are knee deep in hot summer water.

Planning is the key element to successful execution. Don’t wait for the phone to ring, give people a reason to call you. Summer is around the corner, don’t delay and start your summer promotions now!

Happy Painting and get to work!

Spring Chick – Easter Face Painting Video

Easter Face Painting

Here’s a good face painting idea for easter. Silly Heather recently made this how to video on a chicken hatchling design using Silly Farm Rainbow Cakes and incorporating floral designs. Did we mention this design is great not just for Easter, but Spring as well?
Hope you enjoy the video and make sure to check out our youtube channel for more face painting videos!
Happy Easter!

2 Minute Easter Bunny Face Painting

Easter Bunny Face Painting Design

Easter is coming up quick and face painting is always a hit at parties and festivals during this holiday. Do you have your easter face painting designs up to scratch? Here’s a new video by Silly Heather on a fast Easter bunny design that can be done in about two minutes, perfect for when those lines seem to never end!

Leave a comment below and tell us what your favorite Easter face painting designs are!