Top 10 Reasons to Attend the FABAIC

FABAIC 2013 Welcome Banner
The 12th annual Face and Body Art International Convention (FABAIC) is upon us. May 22-26th the FABAIC will play host to 400+ of the worlds face and body art enthusiasts in Ft Lauderdale, Florida. The FABAIC has been described as a creative sleep away camp for painters. The FABAIC is a unique event that features hands on workshops, nightly painting parties called “jams”, the world’s largest face and body art supplies marketplace, the world renowned Body painting competition, and a weekend full of networking, creative moments, and extreme fun! The FABAIC is different than other make up shows because we focus on education. Our goal has always been to help you learn more so you can charge more and earn more. We design the schedule to be friendly and inviting to all levels including classes covering business, legal, marketing, balloons, face painting and more!

FABAIC FunCircus Body - Andrea O'Donnell at FABAICFABAIC 2012

The reason the FABAIC has achieved longevity and success is largely in part due to the fact that the producers are active face and body painters themselves. We brainstorm after each convention on how to improve classes, what are the popular themes and trends in the industry, and how we can plan the best possible convention for our fellow artists. We acknowledge that artists usually have to save up for the year to attend the FABAIC, which is why we go the extra mile to produce an event that exceeds their expectations. Upon arrival, attendees are greeted with bright colors, a welcome staff, and a convention goody bag filled with a t-shirt, schedule, and free goodies courtesy of the FABAIC and sponsors. Our talented instructor staff is usually in the lobby meeting and greeting attendees or painting their faces to kick off the weekend. Then we open the doors with a HUGE party and get everyone warmed up to express their colorful side. Whether you attend alone or bring a friend, you are guaranteed to leave feeling like you have found your long lost artistic family. So again, why should you make the time, effort, and investment to attend?

Here are our top 10 reasons why YOU can’t afford to miss the 2013 FABAIC!

10. Networking!
Where else can you make International connections with the world’s top artists?

9. Smorgasbord of Classes and Workshops!
ONLY at the FABAIC will you have the opportunity to take classes of this magnitude. We offer classes covering all areas of face and body art taught by the world’s top instructors.

8. Over $1,000 in cash and prizes!
The FABAIC hosts the infamous Body painting competition where you can push your creativity to the edge and win $1,000 cash prize.

7. Largest Body Art Marketplace!
Shop the world’s largest marketplace dedicated to face and body art supplies! Check out the newest products, shop and save!

6. Learning in Paradise!
The FABAIC is hosted at the lush tropical grounds of the Bonaventure Hotel and Resort in Weston, Fl. Escape the cold rainy weather and visit beautiful sunny South Florida. Take a vacation with your paint brushes.

5. Elevate your business!
Learn new skills to apply to your business right away, leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to take your business to the next level!

4. Hands on learning.
The FABAIC knows the best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty and painting the world. The FABAIC features the most hands on workshops anywhere in the world. Learn to body paint, get your hands bloody in our specials effects class, or discover the world of rainbow cakes. the possibilities are endless and the learning is unprecedented.

3. Jam, Jam, Jam!
What’s a Jam? Think of a jam as the world’s largest painting party. After a full day of learning break out your brushes, and get busy! But don’t forget to stop and take a look at your surroundings. What you will witness is magic. Imagine 400 painters jamming, painting, creating and enjoying the influence of art.

2. Once a year opportunity!
Many of our artists and instructors come from abroad to teach at the FABAIC. This is a once a year and maybe once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from the best of the best in one weekend for one low price. If you were to take classes from our instructors individually you would spend over $10,000 you save thousands and have more fun while taking classes!

1. FABAIC is the bridge that connects business success, business growth, everlasting friendships, creative motivation, and personal inspiration. Only at the FABAIC can you experience all of these things at once!

We encourage you to join us, make the investment in yourself and your business if you haven’t already! If there is anything I can do to make the FABAIC more enjoyable for you or if you have questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Show & Tell: Ultimate Sharing

FABAIC2011-Jam

The thing about sharing is you only think you are giving things away. But in many ways it all comes back to you and more, with people sharing back, and expansion of ideas and acts of kindness. You also feel good….and in some cases become someone’s hero or mentor!

The first year I went to FABAIC, I learned so much in class. And then I would go to lunch or to break or to a jam and I would talk to people. The people attending the convention also had so much to offer. I learned cool new marketing tips, saw new uses for tools, and new paint techniques and ideas. I knew there was a goldmine there if only we could tap it and showcase these people. I pitched the idea of Show & Tell to the FABAIC team and voila, we started something big!

For Show & Tell at FABAIC I request submissions from anyone with a great idea to share in the months leading up to FABAIC. By convention time, my presenters are set. Each year we have some of the best ideas that expand our knowledge, make our face painting life easier, and help us to promote our businesses even better.

Mary EarlOne of the first ideas presented at Show & Tell 2004 were split cakes. It’s a commonplace item in most people’s tool kits these days, but Mary Earl from Toronto, Ontario, Canada was the first to present it that I know of.

First split cakeThe idea of blending colours and double loading of brushes and paint applicators of all kinds has been around since man was painting on cave walls….but this was the first time this was seen within the face painting world, to the best of my knowledge. The response was amazing. Mary got a standing ovation for that idea.
[clear]
Now here is where it starts to get interesting. The next year, my dear friend (the late) Pat Newton had an idea to take split cakes and make them narrower, about the width of a one-inch brush. She used empty round paint pots and only put in stripes of paint until the multi-colour blend was one inch wide. Then she added a strip of craft foam along either side of the outside colours, and filled in the outer edges of the round pot with kid’s clay. Later she found oblong pots that were just one inch wide.

See how the idea was taken a step further? Then later still, Rebecca of Arty Brush really started promoting the idea with lots of various colour combos and the whole idea really took off thanks to her diligence in demonstrating and sharing her techniques and painting style.

This is just one example of what happens when we share. In future blogs I will share more of the amazing tips and tricks we’ve seen at FABAIC over the years.

-Katie

Spotlight Artist – Lisa Marshall

Lisa Marshall free LIVE class on FABAtv
Our latest Spotlight Artist, Lisa Marshall, is doing a free FABAtv LIVE class on Thursday, July 12th, 2012 starting at 8:00pm EST. Don’t miss it! Click the banner for more info!


Spotlight Artist Lisa Marshall

Multi Colored Swirl by Lisa Marshall Face Painted Jewelry by Lisa Marshall Face Painted Mask by Lisa Marshall

Tell us a little about yourself, where are you from?
Comox B.C., Canada

Are you an artist full time or do you have another job?
Part-Time Artist and a Full time Mom

What type of face and body art do you specialize in?
Lace/Gems/3D

How did you get your start(in face and body art)?

I bought a Paradise Prisma Pro Palette and just started practicing everyday until I was confident to paint others. I have been a painter for many years, but decided to try a new medium and dove right into the Face & Body Art world.

What’s the most enjoyable part of what you do?
I love to explore new ideas and teach what I learn to fellow painters. I hope to inspire them, as they have for me. I also like to watch the faces of people around me as I create a design…and when I hand them the mirror!!! Whether its a scary or pretty design, I love to hear them say “WOW!”

Do you attend any conventions, like the FABAIC?
I have attended the 2012 Face and Body Art International Convention and hope to be back next year!

What would you like to do more of, art or otherwise?
I would love to learn how to create prosthetics, plus do more full body painting and professional make-up.

Outside of art, what do you do for fun?
I love the beach, bike riding and live music!

Do you have any pet peeves?
When I’m practicing and my cat comes along and tries to chew the end of my brush…haha.

Where do you see yourself in a couple years?
The sky is the limit, and I would love to travel and teach.

Do you have any projects going on or in the works?
I always have SOMETHING in the works… 😉 I do a lot of sketching, painting, and I am trying to develop some new product ideas.

What do you think of FABAtv?
The first time I tuned into FABATV, I couldn’t believe my eyes, there were so many classes and I didn’t know what to watch first!!! It only made me want to paint MORE! It’s fantastic that there are skilled painters offering to teach you their tricks, because when you are new to the industry, it’s nice to have a place to go and look up new ideas, techniques, and designs to help you expand your skill set!


Want to contact Lisa or see more examples of her work?
You can visit Lisa’s website at http://silvercordcreations.webs.com

Like her page or contact her through Silver Cord Creations on Facebook.
Email her at silvercordcreations@hotmail.com

Don’t forget to tune in July 12th at 8:00 pm EST for a free LIVE class on FABAtv.com with Lisa Marshall!

From Average to Amazing

After enjoying an amazing week together with so many wonderful artists I came to the realization that what all of us really want is to be the best that we can be. The question then becomes, “How do we go from ordinary to extraordinary?

FABAIC - Lynne Jamieson

Like many of you, I too felt a tad intimidated by the level of the artwork being produced at the face and body art international convention, in books, trade magazines and just about everywhere I look. I almost didn’t want to take out my paints at the jams, but then I knew that every step I take to improve is a step forward and that is all that is required to achieve success. For example, if we want to paint in the style and the level of our favorite artist, it is not enough to admire their artwork. You must do something! Take a class, search for online tutorials, study what it is they do and discern why their art pulls on our heart strings.

Don’t worry about the long term goal, the joy is in the journey. To go from an average painter to an amazing artist, all we need is small steps taken one day at a time, lots of practice, and a belief that you can achieve any dream you have!

-Marcela Murad

FABAIC 2012 Recap

We just wrapped up the 11th annual Face and Body Art International Convention. The FABAIC hosts over 500 of the world’s most talented and artistically charged painters. Every year we come together, paint, learn about new products, attend classes, and catch up with old friends and many times make new friends!

FABAIC 2012

This year was a challenge. After hosting the last 10 years of the FABAIC in Orlando, we made a bold decision to move the venue closer to our home. We bit our nails for a full year hoping that the move wouldn’t hurt the FABAIC or worse, that the hotel wouldn’t accept us for who we are.

As the FABAIC festivities came to an end, I literally found myself in a daze. I didn’t know whether to smile and jump for joy because we successfully conquered another year, or cry because I was so amazed at the overall event. It takes us a full year to plan everything about the FABAIC, from vendors, to pipe and drape, to the menu, and an airport shuttle. We scream, fight, and sometimes leave work hating each other because the stress can be overwhelming, but after this FABAIC, I cried tears of pure joy.

FABAIC 2012 - Lizard GirlNix Herrera - FABAIC 2012

This year was my personal favorite. There was a happiness in the air, a relaxed vibe that placed a trance on the event. I watched over 400 artists paint with delight, share without hesitation, focus on teamwork, and enthusiastically learn from one another. Most everyone left their ego at the door and embraced the artistic climate of the event.

My overall highlight of the FABAIC was the Bollywood Flash Mob. Secretly we arranged a flash mob including instructors, kids, and vendors. Nothing made my smile bigger than seeing the children dance to the music, the watch Jinny join in, followed by the Wolfe Brothers and Magic Mike doing the Jai Ho. It was priceless and reminded me why the face and body art family is something truly unique.

I have to admit that my opinion is slightly biased. As the producer of the convention, I naturally felt that we did a super job. As a consumer, an eager artist, and an entrepreneur, I still felt we hit the nail on the head with the lineup of classes, the overall selection of brands and products represented, the events that took place, and the value I received by attending. When we plan the FABAIC we start by asking ourselves questions from every angle. We ask each other questions about schedules, and learning, we search the internet for hot products and sought after artists, we channel our inner child and build a Young Artists program that will groom our future painters. We leave no stone unturned, and cross every T. This is our life and our love drives the FABAIC to new heights every year.

FABAIC 2012 - Jay Bautista
FABAIC 2012 - Sean AvramFABAIC 2012 - DonnaFABAIC 2012 - Mehron

On Sunday, we hosted the Annual Body Painting competition. It was remarkable. The artwork was too amazing to believe that these artists finished a full award worthy living canvas in under 6 hours. I declined the invitation to judge the competition because the talent was too much to handle. As I walked around the room, I was so happy to see how far our industry has come. The artwork and talent soars to new heights every year and I am grateful we can play a part in making that happen.

The FABAIC can only be described as sleep away art camp. Artists come together to party, paint, and enjoy an environment of learning. Artists use the FABAIC as a retreat, they invest in themselves and their businesses with the mindset that they will leave a better, more experienced artist and they are right!

FABAIC 2012 - KidsFABAIC 2012 - JoselynFABAIC 2012

I could go on and on forever about the convention, but instead I will dedicate my next few blogs to certain sections of the FABAIC and encourage your feedback. I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for your support with Silly Farm, FABAtv, FABAIC, FABAblog, and FAB Events.
Happy Painting!

To view all the amazing photos from the 2012 FABAIC please visit the FABAIC facebook page or website.

One Big Family

Silly Farm Supplies, FABAtv, FABAIC, My FAB Events
As many of you know by now, Silly Farm Supplies, FABAtv, the FABAIC, and My FAB Events are the culmination of a family owned business that keeps expanding. The running joke in our office is that “everyone is heather’s best friend, and she calls everyone her family”. This is a true statement.

Maybe it’s the Pisces in me or maybe because I am a part of a loving industry, but my friends become my family and I take pleasure in how large my family has become.

Heather Green - Kelly Virgona The beautiful Kelly Virgona from Australia is in town for the 11th annual FABAIC. She is staying with me and this morning she said “Can you believe this Is my 6th year here at the FABAIC”. I was blown away at how fast time flies and how Kelly is no longer a customer, no longer a friend, now she is my fairy god sister! The same goes for Annie Reynolds, Lynne Jamieson, Kay B, Mark Reid and the entire FAB family.

Over the years we have witnessed each other grow as artists, master new techniques, question our ability to make it as a struggling artist, and lift each other up when we need it the most. For me, that defines what a family is. The face and body art family is made up of a group of people that share a love of art and when we get together and jam, creatively collect our ideas, paint and produce works of art, we become closer.

Marcela Face PaintingLia and Taija

People often ask me, “How is it working with family?”. Together with my mother (the CFO), Marcela (CCO), my little sister (OM), best friend (Director of FABAtv), and the rest of my extended family, we operate 4 businesses together. Not only is it stressful, it is the most rewarding career one could ask for. I get to work closely with the people that understand my passion and enable me to do a great job. The same can be said for my extended family of farmers, Silly Farmers.

Silly Farmers

My rule of thumb in business is to make your customers your friends, so that it is always a pleasure doing business with a friend. My friends become my family and my family continues to bloom. If you are attending the FABAIC, I encourage you to make a friend, introduce yourself, make a connection and grow your own little face painting family.

The Brat Pack

Networking

Join us at the 2012 FABAIC

As we seek higher achievements and greater success, others can help us. As a matter of fact, some will take pleasure in doing so as long as they feel that we are trustworthy and deserving of their help. This is why it is important to understand that it is not only having connections, but keeping in contact with them and providing value to them that will make them effective.

The FABAIC offers a unique opportunity to network within your industry. Attending the convention allows you to connect with painters in your area, manufacturers of face and body art supplies, photographers and models.
To make the best of your networking at FABAIC bring with you the following:

Attitude
The twin of friendly is smiley and since most people like to do business with their friends, the most important tool you have is your smile. Remember that we only have one chance to give a good impression. Everything from our hair to our shoes is an indicator of who we are. The way we communicate and the way we are perceived by others depends much on a positive attitude and the ability to look at someone in the eye. Doing so displays confidence.

FABAIC Fun

Business cards
Never leave home without business cards in your pocket. I also carry a business card size portfolio that I can show along with my business cards once the conversation about face and body painting gets going. A picture says a thousand words and because our business is so unique, having them on hand to illustrate our point hooks people into wanting to know more.
Check out this Faba Blog article on Business Cards for more information on making the perfect card for your business.

Enthusiasm
The secret to success in networking is being prepared to engage another person in a way that they will be interested in you and what you do. Whatever you tell people, be proud of it and be enthusiastic about it. It helps to write down a 30 second introductory commercial for yourself and your services that can be used over an over as a key to open the doors that lead to success.

Face Painting Business

Make a commitment to network and grow your business. At FABAIC we offer an extensive marketing track to help you learn more so you can earn more. Not only are there classes for networking, the whole convention is full of possible new networks and business opportunities. Allow us to help you succeed.
-Marcela

The FABAIC – Face and Body Art International Convention is being held May 23rd-27th, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center and Spa in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Website: http://www.fabaic.com

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]

2012 FABAIC Checklist and a Free Year of FABAtv!

The 2012 Face and Body Art International Convention is less then 2 months away, do you know what to bring? FABAtv has teamed up with the FABAIC to offer a free, year subscription to FABAtv!

Win a free year subscription to FABAtv!

FABAIC Class InstructorsThe FABAIC is a convention like no other, offering the best instructors for all types of face and body art. Whether you are a beginner wondering where to start, or are advanced and looking to learn new techniques and bring more business to your trade, the FABAIC has what you need. Offering tons of classes covering face painting, body painting, airbrush, makeup, special effects, marketing and more over the course of five days, the FABAIC is an event you don’t want to miss!

FABAIC Competition InformationExciting changes have been made to the 2012 competitions! Cash prizes, products and trophies are up for grabs! Face Painting Competitions are back and divided into Children, Youth, Novice, Semi Pro, and Professional Categories!
Will you walk away with the $1,000 Cash Prize for the “Flight of Fantasy” body painting competition? Competition is open to registered FABAIC attendees. Click here for Competition Information.

The 2012 FABAIC is May 23rd through May 27th and has moved to a new location in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Want to take a break from all the creativity and learning? Relax on the gorgeous South Florida beaches, take a trip through the famous Everglades, hit up a game of golf at the hotels luxurious course, or take a shopping trip at the Sawgrass Mills mall, the second largest mall in Florida! The FABAIC is not only learning and classes, it is a well deserved vacation!

Operate your own business? Did you know your expenses associated with attending the Face and Body Art International Convention to improve your professional skills are tax deductible subject to the limitations set forth by the Internal Revenue Service? Please contact your accountant for details.

Newcomers Convention Checklist

  • Washcloths – To avoid room charges from staining their towels when showering up after a body paint, please bring your own washcloth!
  • Business Cards and your Portfolio – The FABAIC is the best place to network
  • A condensed version of your face or body painting kit
  • A sketch book and/or note pad
  • Practice head (Practice Heads will be available to purchase or rent, please contact marcela@fabaic.com for more information)
  • Male or Female underwear for your model if you are body painting. Seamless panties work the best.
  • Camera and don’t forget the charger!
  • Phone
  • Comfortable shoes and clothes
  • Baby wipes
  • Sunscreen
  • Bathing suit
  • Earplugs
  • Don’t forget spending money or your credit card! The FABAIC is not only a learning experience, it is a vacation!
  • A smile, your creative thinking cap and a well rested mind to learn and have fun! We’ll see you May 23rd!

Do you have any questions? Please contact us! E-mail Marcela at marcela@fabaic.com or call us at 954-472-5000 if you have any questions.

FABAIC FAQ

Are you in need of a roommate to cut down expenses? Visit the FABAIC forum on Facebook for a list of vendors, roommate searching, travel information and more!
Don’t forget to like the FABAIC Facebook Page!

Leave a comment below and tell us what your essentials are that you bring to a convention!

Register for the FABAIC

FABAIC What?

My aunt Marcela “Mama Clown” Murad has always been a visionary. Eleven years ago she turned her dream of creating an educational event dedicated strictly to face and body art into a reality, along with her friend Cynthia Keeler. Together they pioneered the Face and Body Art International Convention, what would soon become the greatest gathering of face and body artists in the world.

Face and Body Art International Convention

In 2007, I took over as co-producer of the FABAIC, along with Deidre MacDonald, Marcela Murad, and Claudia Banks. Together and with the rest of our amazing team, we work hard to make the FABAIC an event not to be missed.

The FABAIC is a sleep away art camp for adults. A place where creativity flows from every corner and color has no limit. The art work is jaw dropping and the classes cover all topics and skill sets. We search the globe looking for the best instructors to share their passion with other eager artists. We spend a full year planning the FABAIC to include; interesting topics, new concepts, new vendors, unveiling of new products, and a convention that is one of a kind. We put an emphasis on creating a learning environment that inspires you, sparks your creativity, and makes it impossible not to learn something.

In 2011, we celebrated our 10 year anniversary of the FABAIC. After 10 years of hosting the FABAIC in Orlando, FL we made a BIG change and moved the convention to our home town of Ft Lauderdale, FL. We wanted to enter the new decade on a fresh note and re-energize our venue. Ambiance is as critical as the content our instructors are providing. Our new hotel is full of lush tropical gardens, crystal blue waterfalls, and bright sun light classrooms. We felt the new venue is a perfect environment to go wild with your art work.

A FABAIC Classroom Tikki Hut Sun Roof!New FABAIC Hotel Pool EntranceFABAIC Hotel Waterfall Pool

The FABAIC is a convention where face and body artists come to learn. We offer the widest selection of classes, covering all topics from A-Z. Whether you are a seasoned artist, a creative make up artist looking to expand into special effects and fantasy make up, a stay at home mom that loves art, or a teacher looking for a great part time job, this event is for you. You might be asking yourself, “Do they really paint all day?” and “Will I really learn?” the answer is yes! Every year I treat my staff to the FABAIC, and after just one convention I could see the difference in their painting and artwork. The FABAIC will take you out of your box, help you expand your skills, and the creative force will inspire you to pick up your brush and explore. You don’t have to take my word for it, you can check out the FABAIC Gallery, find the FABAIC on Facebook, or just read reviews around the web. If you are serious about becoming a better painter, investing in your craft, and taking your art to the next level, then you can not afford to miss the 2012 Face and Body Art International Convention.

Besides offering over 80 classes over four days, we also offer classes for Young Artists. I was fortunate that Marcela shared the face and body art world with me really early. I developed a passion for it and it never left my side. I was able to face paint my way through college, buy my first condo with my face painting money, and turn it into a career. Your kids can enjoy classes designed especially for them, where they learn with other children their age so you can enjoy your classes knowing your kids are learning and having a blast too.

Fun and Games at the FABAICKids love Face Paint!

The FABAIC is also the worlds largest face and body art marketplace. We host all the major manufacturers of face and body art supplies so that they can debut their newest products, answer questions, and let you try before you buy your supplies. The market place is a painters candy store, the hardest part is not buying everything.

Four years ago we started the FABAIC Body Painting Competition where the first place prize is $1,000 cash. Artists from around the world come to compete and the finished product is truly unbelievable. It takes some artists years to complete one canvas, and our artists finish a human masterpiece in 5 hours. The competition is truly living art at its finest.

Nix-Herrera-ButterflyWolfe Bros- Face Painting

Even with classes, competition, shopping, and networking there’s still more! Every morning we kick of the day with a little fun and funk with a Zumba class. From 9-5 we have classes and workshops and then you can enjoy show and tell demonstrations from your peers, marketing panel discussions, and the world famous Jam sessions. The jams are painting parties where all the attendees break out their paints and practice everything they learned throughout the day. Imagine a room with 500 people painting and creating. It’s priceless and you can’t help but be amazed.

FABAIC2011-Jam

If you are still on the fence or want more information, please visit the FABAIC website or email us, Heather: heather@sillyfarm.com, Marcela: marcela@fabaic.com, or Deidre: deidre@fabaic.com. I encourage you to join us. let us help you re-energize your business, add value to your services, and grow as an artist. Let the FABAIC be your vacation this year and take a creative siesta- You deserve it! I hope to see you all in May!

Happy painting!
-Heather

[button type=”ambitious_button_clean” url=”http://www.fabaic.com/” target=”on” ]Take me to the FABAIC Website[/button]

[clear]

Spotlight Artist: Thinking outside the Box

One of the best parts of my career (notice I used the word career because I LOVE what I do, and have built a life from it), is that I get to travel the world and meet so many amazingly talented people. About 5-6 years ago I met Magic McDreamy. For those of you that watch Greys Anatomy you understand the term McDreamy.

Michael Dardant

Michael Dardant aka “Magic McDreamy  Mike” graced the FABAIC and was unafraid to be a body painting model.  I vividly remember someone painting him in doctor scrubs. From that moment I could never forget such a guy. I am a self proclaimed super shy person, and I would describe Mike as the antithesis of me. He loves to entertain, he loves to draw in the crowds and he is one of the best magicians I have ever met.

[clear]

I just received an article on Mike and I wanted to share some of the pics and shine a spotlight on him because he can be an inspiration for us all. Michael Dardant started off as a Magician, and because of his drive and determination he took his passion for mesmerizing people to a new level.

Michael Dardant Michael just finished hosting the Sugar Bowl BCS Pre game rally in addition to touring the world with his cabaret show. Thinking outside of the box and his willingness to try new things, has paid off generously. Mike  continues to grow as an artist and he refuses to let the economy slow him down.

Mike resides in New Orleans, LA, which was devastated after Hurricane Katrina. Michael used his Cajun charm to tap into other areas of the market and explore more than magic. Michael also stars in the pilot series, Below Sea Level, a comedy about New Orleans five months after Hurricane Katrina.

[clear]

Let McDreamy serve as an inspiration to you. Try something new, add a new service to your resume, network, and set your sights HIGH. You never know where this magical world of art might take you.

Take a look at Michael’s website.