| As the mom of a three and a five year old, I've been | | | | daughter's cheek. I knew, however, that I could learn a |
| to many school events, community festivals and | | | | lot from the artists who create those kind of |
| charity functions where the face painting booth, no | | | | masterpieces. |
| matter what else was going on, was the star | | | | So that's exactly where I chose to begin. I wanted to |
| attraction. | | | | watch a face painter in action, talk to them, ask |
| So I began to wonder, why is it that face painting | | | | questions, dissect their technique. That is a pretty |
| booths are so popular? | | | | difficult thing to do in the middle of a festival or birthday |
| Attention - All children crave attention. Come to think | | | | party, but not if you hire one to come to your |
| of it, most adults do too. When a child is sitting in the | | | | house...which is exactly what I did. |
| chair, the face painter is completely focused on that | | | | Hiring a face painting professional could cost anywhere |
| child. You can just see how special that child feels at | | | | from $50 to over $200 an hour, depending on where |
| that moment. | | | | you live. But the information you glean will be invaluable. |
| Creativity - Any kind of painting is an expression of | | | | Here are a few things I learned from my friend, the |
| creativity. When kids choose the design they wish to | | | | professional face painter: |
| have painted on their face, they take command of | | | | 1. Do use the right paints. Don't use any paints that are |
| their own creativity and self-expression. | | | | not specifically designed for use on skin. |
| Individuality - Kids are expected to have the right | | | | 2. Don't use cheap brushes. Spend at least $3.00 |
| toys...the right clothes. Generation after generation, | | | | apiece on a few brushes and they will last a long time. |
| youngsters are encouraged to conform to be socially | | | | 3. Don't try to be all things to all people. It isn't |
| accepted. Face Painting is one way to express | | | | necessary to paint 100 perfect designs. A small |
| individuality. | | | | collection of 10 or 20 simple designs will make you look |
| Fun - Let's face it. Having your face painted is just plain | | | | like a hero to the children. |
| fun. And is there any sweeter look than the quick | | | | 4. Do practice as much as you can...on people or on |
| glances that kids take of themselves in the mirror after | | | | paper. With practice comes speed. |
| a face painting session? That little smirk on their face | | | | 5. Don't be afraid of making a mistake. Children are |
| is priceless! | | | | very forgiving, as is the paint. It's easily 'erasable'. |
| Face painting seemed like an awesome way to | | | | 6. Don't be nervous about fidgety kids. Speak calmly |
| entertain my kids on a rainy day. Face Painters make | | | | and quietly and they'll usually stay still. |
| it look so easy. I thought, "I can do that." | | | | 7. Do have fun. Face painting is a therapeutic, creative |
| I had so many questions, but not a clue where to start. | | | | outlet. |
| I searched face painting on the internet and although I | | | | 8. Do share your newfound talent. Volunteer your |
| found some beautiful photos of full face creations, they | | | | services at events and before you know it, someone |
| didn't really help me much as a beginner. I simply | | | | may offer to pay you! |
| wanted to learn how to paint a flower design on my | | | | |