face painter

Community Outreach for Kyle Mules

Hello readers, today’s article comes from a face painting mom who has reached out to the community to help her and her son. Kelly Mules posted on our facebook wall about her son and despite sharing it on facebook, I wanted to help them and spread the word more. If you have the time, please find it in your heart to help this brave boy.
The following is from Kelly:

Kyle Face Painted as a TigerLife was good but all that changed in the blink of an eye, Sept. 2010, when my son got a rare disorder called Guillain-Barre-Syndome. He went form being a healthy, active 10 year old boy in the 6th grade to being totally paralyzed fighting for his life unable to even breath on his own in just 12 short hours. We spent months in the hospital. Everything in my life stopped and changed that day and nothing is as it was.

The things I loved most like my Faces Gone Wild, faces painting business, artwork and hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains stopped that day. I wanted to trade places with my son, but that wasn’t an option I was given, so I did what any parent would do for their sick child. I became my sons full time nurse, caregiver, therapist, school teacher, friend and mom over night.
[clear]
Kyle in the hospital with his mom by his side.It has been almost 3 years since my son was diagnosed with GBS. He has gotten stronger and his spirit is so amazing and full of life. He is my hero and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for him. I have got my face painting business back up to speed as much as I can and we are learning how to enjoy life and all it has to offer a all new way…in a wheelchair. I have now made it my life quest to make sure my son enjoys life to it’s fullest by introducing him to adaptive sports and looking for creative ways for him to still enjoy the things he loves.
[clear]
Kyle in his wheelchair by a lake.Transportation is becoming our biggest issue right now. My son is a growing 14 year old boy and I have been lifting him myself in and out of our van for the past 3 years now. He is getting heavier and almost taller then me now. It is really getting hard on both of us. Sometimes I fall over on his lap or set him down in as awkward position and we just laugh…making the best of things. I have put off looking for a handicap van because not only can we not afford but I was truly hoping my son would be walking again by now. The reality is… it’s time to see if we can somehow find a way to get the handicap van we need so we can keep enjoying the things we love.

I have set up this fundraiser for Kyle below so that if anyone would like to help it is an easy way to give, but please don’t feel obligated. If you can’t help right now that’s ok. If you could please share this link with others or just pray with us about this growing need we now have.

[button type=”button_solid_dark nocufon” url=”http://www.gofundme.com/kylemules” target=”on” ]Donate to Kyle Here[/button]

Waterskiing is a challenge, but kyle did it!Kyle learning to draw again.

Kyle on his stable visit.

Paint-A-Thon for Brian Wolfe

Paint-A-Thon for Brian Wolfe
One of the reasons I love this industry so much is because when we need a helping hand, we come together and help one another. As many of you know by now, Brian Wolfe was diagnosed with a very aggressive Pancreatic Cancer. This news shocked our world and face and body art land went into help mode! So far our generous industry has helped raise over $40,000 for Brian to receive treatment and to help his family, but we won’t stop there…

Nick and Brian Wolfe

Gary Cole of Snazaroo.us has organized a contest to help raise funds for Brian. To find out more information about helping Brian and possibly winning over $3,000 in prizes please contact garycole@mindspring.com

There is also a special page set up on FaceBook at http://www.facebook.com/BrianWolfesFight and GoFundMe at http://www.gofundme.com/brianwolfe where you can contribute directly to the Wolfe Family as well.

Because Brian is a HUGE part of the Family, we are hosting a special Paint-A-Thon in his honor. On July 23, 2012 FABAtv is hosting another Paint-A-Thon where we will join forces with instructors like Margi Kanter, Jay Bautista, Pam Trent, Marcela Murad, Lisa Marshall and more to bring you 6 hours of FREE LIVE face and body art classes. In addition to the free learning, we will be giving away prizes, and celebrating all that Brian Wolfe has given to the Face and body art industry.

Brian Wolfe's FABAtv Channel

Michael DardantWe will begin broadcasting with special host Magic Mike at 3:00pm EST and the fun will begin. Classes will run live until 10:00pm est. Our hope is to raise awareness and money for the Wolfe family to help them bring peace and comfort to Brian Wolfe during this difficult time.

[button type=”button_solid_dark nocufon” url=”http://www.gofundme.com/brianwolfe” target=”on” ]Donate to Brian Wolfe[/button]
[clear]

One person, can make a dent… our industry can make a difference. Join us live July 23, at 3:00 pm EST!

[button type=”button_solid_dark nocufon” url=”http://fabatv.com” target=”on” ]Tune in to FABAtv LIVE July 23rd[/button]

Looking Good on the Job

So, you have spent the last 6 months practicing tear drops and line strokes. You are pumped and ready to paint the world, but you have no idea what to wear. Do you go the all black route and potentially look like you are painting at a funeral? Do you raid the local thrift store for a funky eclectic variety of tops and bottoms? Do you hire a professional costume designer and create a one of a kind uniform to match your personality?

You can do any of the above, or you can finish reading this blog and hopefully be inspired enough to build a professional wardrobe that compliments you and your image.

Different Do’s for Different Days

Build a work wardrobe just as you would for an office career. Think about the types of events you get hired for and what would be the most comfortable clothing options. For example, I live and work in south Florida. It’s HOT 90% of the year. So, when I was putting together my “birthday party ages 3-7” look, I decided to opt for a cute sundress with light weight leggings and top. My look works great for me because it meets all my requirements.

  • Comfort is essential
  • Do I stand out from a normal guest at the event?
  • If I spill a little paint on my clothes will it show?
  • Do I look like a professional?

Face Painter Be-Dazzled T-ShirtWhen I put together my “adult event painter look”, I opted for a Bling Body Artist or Face Artist shirt with black pants and either a sequin fuchsia beret or a sparkly head band to set it off. My adult/evening look makes me feel professional, explains my purpose, and sets me apart from the other guests.

You don’t have to spend a million in order to feel like a professional. A nice pair of black pants, comfortable shoes, and making sure your clothing is ironed and clean will speak volumes.

[button type=”button_solid_light nocufon” url=”http://www.sillyfarm.com/store/index.php?p=catalog&parent=318&pg=1″ target=”on” ]Get your Be-Dazzled Artist Shirt from Silly Farm![/button]

[clear]
Silly Heather Face PaintingOne key element to completing the look is painting your own face. I believe that adding a little face paint, eye candy, or sparkles is the icing on the cake. When you paint your own face, your customers get a feel for your skills. They are usually impressed you can paint yourself and if you opt for an all black look you can use the face paint as the splash of color. Painting yourself can also be a way to tie in the theme of the event. If you are doing a safari themed party and you add a little cheetah to your eyes, your client will notice and it didn’t cost you a thing!
[clear]
When I first started face painting 15 years ago, only clowns were face painting. It was part of the job, they get dressed in a wig and full costume to be hired as a face painter. Today we have options, and part of charging for professional services means looking the part. Birthday moms, event planners, and agents want their artists to look the part. It’s always wise to discuss expectations with your clients.

One of our big accounts is a banking company, where we do a lot of branch grand openings. They are very specific that on the day of the event they want all staff to wear red shirts and khaki pants. As event planners, we organize that all painters and balloon artists have the required clothing. On the other hand, when I am booking birthday parties, I always ask if there is a theme. If not, Silly Heather the face painter will wear professional face painting attire; which is either my floral, festive party dress and leggings, or my sequin beret, colorful waist apron and bling shirt.

If you operate a booking agency, you might want to consider investing in an uniform or purchasing a “look” for all your staff to maintain consistency and professionalism. Whether you get aprons embroidered or shirts screen printed, uniformity correlates to professionalism.

Airbrush Artist

For a nice selection of embroidered clothing check out blackcatembroidery.com or couparcreations.com and tell them Silly Heather sent you!

Please share your work ‘looks’ with us. Let us know why you choose your look and how you went about creating it. Community is our most valuable resource. Sharing with one another helps our industry grow, sets standards, and can open many doors. Thank you for supporting the blog and I can’t wait to see your ‘look’!

Happy painting!
-Heather

Here’s a Tip

In the US it is customary to tip at a restaurant after your meal, tip the delivery driver when they bring hot pizza to your door, or when someone performs a service worthy of a little something extra. As entertainers, that go above and beyond to “make the party” and bring smiles to kids faces, we often get overlooked in the tip department.

MC Tip Jar

How do you politely remind your customers that your service is tip worthy?

I remember working a gig where I showed up one hour early by accident. Since I was already there and I could see from the parking lot that kids were getting restless, I decided to offer my services early and make the party parents happy. I painted non-stop for three hours. I painted arms, toes, heads and even one girl wanted her nails painted. I was busy! After the party was over, I packed my things and I could hear the husband and wife arguing about my tip. The wife asked the husband for $30 and the husband said “No way I’m giving her a tip. We paid her $300 to be here, that’s a big enough tip!”. The birthday mom came to me embarrassed, not because she knew I overheard, but because she felt embarrassed that her husband was a jerk! She apologized that she had no cash to tip me and that she would mail it to my office. I explained that a good referral was tip enough and I thanked her for having me. That wonderful lady did end up mailing me a $50 tip, I’m sure without her husband knowing. The point of my story was that no matter how hard we work or how superior the service we provide is, we have to remember that a tip is completely optional and each customer will have their opinion about it.

When I send out a contract, on the bottom line I include a note that says, “We strive for excellent service and to give you the best event possible. The greatest tip you can give is a referral to a friend, but if you still wish to tip your painter it is very much appreciated.”

If you want to keep it simple you can put on the last line “Tipping your painter is 100% optional”. That line is almost a hidden message and plants the seed of information in the clients brain without sounding pushy.

No matter how you phrase it, it’s best not to take the tipping process personal. I never attend a gig thinking I’ll get a tip, so when I receive one it’s like icing on the cake!

Putting out a tip jar is also another grey area. When I am hired by a client to do a large event where I am getting paid my full rate I never out out a tip jar. If someone offers a tip I accept and place them out of clear sight. I do not want my client to feel as if I am double dipping. When I am hired at a discount rate, or when I am working for free I build it into my contract that I am able to put out a tip jar. Before you bring your tip jar along, I suggest asking the client if they are comfortable with it.

My last tip for the day. Beyond looking and expecting a tip, focus on doing your best work so that each person at the event spreads the word about you or asks for a business card. Word of mouth travels miles longer than a $20 tip. Some of my cheapest, biggest headache-type clients have referred me to thousands of dollars of business.

Remember customer satisfaction is great, customer loyalty is priceless.

Happy painting my friends!