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 wonâ€™t stop thereâ€¦

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.

We 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]

Posted on June 27, 2012
5 Comments

Picture This

I am fortunate to have gigs coming in from all angles. I work with several agents in the south Florida area and they bring me great work. The only downside to it, is that every agency requires a little something different. One agency emails me a gig sheet with directions and more event info than i’ll ever need. While other agencies send me on blind parties and I hold my breathe until the event ends.

About 5 years ago, an agent booked me and it seemed business as usual. Two days prior to the party, I came down with strep throat. Up to that point I had never missed a gig. I pride myself on doing a great job and never letting anyone down, so knowing I had to give my job away was difficult. I called my BFF to cover for me. I called the agency and spoke the the assistant planner and she made the switch. The day of the event I get a call from the birthday mom livid with me. She was upset because the agency had sent her my picture with her contract and she wanted to know why I didn’t show up and why they sent a replacement without notifying her.

I did my best to keep cool and not be reactive, but I didn’t know what shocked me more; The fact the lady had my picture, or the fact that she called to scream at me about it. Long story short, I calmed the lady down, explained my strep throat and told her I would find out from the agency why she wasn’t notified.

The next day I called the agent and told them the story. They told me that they email every client the picture of the entertainer coming to their event so there are no surprises. The owner of the agency told me that because she was sending performers into the homes of high end clients, she wanted the customer to feel safe prior to the event. Her idea made sense to me, surely I’d be more relaxed if I knew that the painter I hired for my kids birthday party wouldn’t show up covered in tattoos and piercings.

The downside to sending a picture in advance is that pictures speak a thousand words. If you send a picture ahead of time and the clients doesn’t like your look it can cost you the job. It is still very common to judge a book by its cover. So if you send a picture of yourself, they will base your talent on your appearance. And you have to be willing to defend your look. The other problem with sending a picture is that you can not change artists at the last minute because the party parents know what you look like. The mom that screamed at me, felt I was trying to scam her. I explained that my BFF was amazing and just as good, and luckily the woman agreed to let her stay. In the end it worked out and it opened my mind.

Sending a picture ahead of time is good customer service. If you have a website with your profile picture or about us page, send the link to your customers. It will allow them to put a face with a name and set their minds at ease. Playing guess who and what will show up at the door is not a fun game. Preparing my customers means happy customers, and I’m all about that.

If you are being booked from an advert or referral and the client has never seen you, giving them a glimpse of what they will get is not only helpful, it can mean building a loyal customer.

If you are going to send a picture, make sure it is event appropriate and that it conveys a professional, accurate portrayal of you. Planning makes perfect and picture perfect can be your way to get noticed!

Happy painting! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

Heather is the CEO of Silly Farm Supplies, a face and body art supplies company located in Davie, Florida.

Posted on June 20, 2012
5 Comments

Eating on the Job

I work for several different booking agencies. Many of them have it stated in my contract that eating on the job is strictly prohibited, but its sooo hard to ignore the smell of fresh popcorn, sweet cotton candy, grilled hamburgers and all the yummy sweets parties are known for serving.

It wasnâ€™t until I was photographed at a party with a mouth full of cookie that I decided to put a nix on eating on the job.

It was not hygienic to eat near my paints
It was rude to be eating will I am being paid to do a job
If I wanted to maintain a professional persona then I needed to be prepared on the job which includes eating before a job or arranging a break time to eat outside my painting vicinity.

I get hired to do long events where I might be standing on my feet for over 6 hours. Bending and lifting kids can not only work up a hunger, but food is a must when you are working at such an intense pace. Whenever I have an event booked for longer than 4 hours I always require a 15 minute break and I pack a light lunch that I can eat during my break. I learned this method the hard way, but to this day my method helps me avoid hunger headaches and ensures I am able to do my best job possible.

Because of my Latin roots and the majority of the parties I attend are hosted by latin people, they are always offering me plates of food and sometimes alcohol. Latin people are notorious for demanding that you eat their food and enjoy it. I explain to the host that I do not eat during my jobs, but they can always pack a plate to go. Most of the time I do not want the food they are offering anyways, but letting them know I will take a plate to go kills 2 birds with one stone so that I donâ€™t offend anyone or have to stop painting to eat.

I also do a lot of events that have lavish catered food and I make sure never to assume I am allowed to eat the food until the event planner invites me. Nothing is ruder than standing in line inÂ front of invited guests and serving yourself a plate of food. I look at myself and a hired guest, and I would not appreciate someone eating from my party without an invitation to do so.

If you are a hiring agent, I suggest writing some general rules to avoid your performers potentially embarrassing you. Make sure to state that there is no eating on the job and that alcohol on the job is strictly prohibited. If the client requests that you eat, you must wait until your contracted time is over or request a plate to go.

By laying down rules you can avoid losing a gig and setting a standard for professional behavior. Sometimes stating the obvious can mean the difference between a headache and a tip. Communicate everything assume nothing. Words to live by.

Happy Painting!

-Heather
Heather is the CEO of Silly Farm Supplies, a retailer of face and body art supplies.

Posted on June 4, 2012
2 Comments

FABAIC 2012 Recap

We just wrapped up the 11th annual Face and Body Art International Convention. The FABAIC hosts over 500 of the worldâ€™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!

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 wouldnâ€™t hurt the FABAIC or worse, that the hotel wouldnâ€™t accept us for who we are.

As the FABAIC festivities came to an end, I literally found myself in a daze. I didnâ€™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.

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.

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!

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.

Posted on April 30, 2012
Leave a comment

FABAtv vs. FABAIC – Should I do Both?

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?

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.

So 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.

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 Presslerâ€™s budget costuming or how to apply prosthetics. These classes arenâ€™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)

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, doesnâ€™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]

Posted on March 19, 2012
Leave a comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

Posted on February 8, 2012
Leave a comment

Are You a Winger or a Rocker?

How well prepared do you show up for a job, competition, photo shoot or to teach a class? Do you arrive at a gig or an event ready to wing it or ready to rock it?Â If you want to rock the body painting, succeed in business, be recognized as a great teacher or get that perfect image to immortalize your work, remember that it is YOU who creates this moment and that it takes preparation to experience it.

First we must commit to prepare our minds and our skills by learning all we can by observation, studying and practicing our art forms. The amazing truth is that the more prepared we are, the â€œluckierâ€ we get because preparation gives us confidence. Our success in anything we attempt will depend on how soon and how carefully we prepare.

Want clients to tip you? Arrive self contained and prepared to do your best with a tip jar clearly visible.Â Want a chance at winning the competition? Start thinking ahead of time about your design, accessories and prepare to win by practicing till you get it right? Want the image of your work to be priceless? Prepare with this in mind. Do not leave it up to the model or the photographer to think on the spot of the best ways to capture your work.Â Prepare some ideas of your own.Â Is your goal to be in demand as an instructor? Show up to your class prepared with an outline and well rehearsed in what you are going to share. Follow the proud motto of the Scouts and BE PREPARED. Success depends on it.

2011 Face and Body Art International Convention Body Painting Winner Andrea O’Donnell

Article by Marcela Murad

Posted on January 30, 2012
Leave a comment

Face and Body Paint like a Pro for Free!

Have you ever been interested in face painting, body painting or airbrushing art?
Maybe you like to clown around and want to learn more balloon twisting?
Face and Body Art Television is an online learning website that caters to those interested in face painting, body art, clowning, balloon twisting, magic, makeup and more!

Below are some free class videos from the FabaTV Paint-A-Thon. On Dec 2nd, 2011 FabaTV invited 12 professional artists from all over the United States to film LIVE broadcasted classes for 12 hours straight throughout the day and night with hopes to reach a goal of $5,000 in donations for the Covenant House, a teen homeless shelter. With your help, FabaTV raised close to $4,000 and all of it went towards the Covenant House, to help at risk teens.

[clear]

Not a FabaTV Subscriber yet but thinking of taking a few face painting or body art classes? Already attended a class but unsure were to go from there? FabaTV gives you a break down of each product used in class videos and FabaTV’s extensive library of videos, from beginner face painting classes to more novice and advanced videos on specific designs and techniques and body painting, can start you off on the path to face painting like a pro, all while training on your own time and in the comfort of your own home!

[button type=”button_solid_dark nocufon” url=”http://fabatv.com/page/subscriptions” target=”” ]Subscribe to FabaTV![/button]

Over at Face and Body Art Television they have several of their LIVE Classes up and FREE to view!
Head on over and start your watch party now and get painting!

Free Classes from Paint-A-Thon

Pam Trent – Freddy Krueger
Watch Pam Trent transform our model with some face paint and special effects into everyone’s favorite nightmare.
Class Link: http://fabatv.com/page/video/id/65

Margi Kanter – Nose Art
Create animated fun face painting with Margi Kanters Class on nose Art.
Class Link: http://fabatv.com/page/video/id/66

James Changefield – Holiday Balloons
Take a twist with James Changefield as he shows you how to transform balloons into several holiday designs.
Class Link: http://fabatv.com/page/video/id/75

Marcela Murad – Story Tellings
Get captivated with Mama Clown’s favorite stories and tips on keeping the audience entertained.
Class Link: http://fabatv.com/page/video/id/74

Olivia Smalley – Hot Holiday Makeup
Get the skinny on the best looking holiday makeup with Olivia Smalley.
Class Link: http://fabatv.com/page/video/id/73

Cliff Turner – Airbrush Tattoos
Creating quick airbrush tattoos with Cliff Turner.
Class Link: http://fabatv.com/page/video/id/68

Jay Bautista – Holiday Ready
Face painting holiday designs class by Jay Bautista.
Class Link: http://fabatv.com/page/video/id/67

Posted on January 20, 2012
1 Comment

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 aka â€œMagic McDreamyÂ Mikeâ€ graced the FABAIC and was unafraid to be a body painting model.Â 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 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. MikeÂ 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.