I can DO this! lol (with pictures)

So, some months ago, I asked anyone if they painted from a wheelchair bc it looked like I was heading in that direction. Fast forward, and Bingo, here I am with my little chair.

I asked about anyone working with BlueStar Productions about 2 weeks ago, and then took the job with them, with some MAJOR trepidation bc I had not painted in public since October when I went down with health (spine) problems.

I knew I could paint, I just didn't know if I could handle sitting up for 10 hours straight, painting, with very few breaks when a month ago I had been pretty much bed ridden. I am so thrilled after the weekend, because I now know I can do this. I painted 3 days in a row, for 9-10 hours straight. I am stiff, but still moving, and even kept up time wise with the other painters! Woot!

I just took in a partner, and even though I will have to train her, she is artistic, is much more business minded than I am, and she will be able to help set up at festivals, etc and make sure I am covered if I have to lay on my side for a bit, etc. I have no idea how to split all this up (if anyone else has a partner, I would love some advice! lol)

Business wise, the weekend was not the greatest; slow weekend with 5 face painters, and one of the FP'ers has a partner who twists balloons, and they come as a pair. He offered free balloons with a tip jar. So, for the first time ever, the crowd got a choice.... FREE/tip balloon, or $12 face painting... let me think?? Duh! He made 4 times what I did! Jeez! Anyway, not hating... we are all there to make a buck, but I think it seriously affected the pocketbook. But, confidence wise... Awesome! I have already booked 2 charity gigs (don't hate me! lol but I needed the connection) and 2 more paid gigs! Rock on! I am just so excited that I can keep my business and keep doing this thing I love with modifications!

I had to paint mainly what they offered, but snapped a couple pics...
The top one is actually mine, a variation of theirs I could live with... The second one is inspired from Ashley Pickin, I believe. The next 2 designs I think are the ones we had to do... And the last is a family that liked my painting, and the moms wanted the face I had on, so we just played...

nice job!

$12 a face and that is what they offered? I can see why you didn't make much. Those are $3-$5 designs in my book. I don't mean your talent, but as I understand it you had to do their designs. I wouldn't put myself in that situation again. Seems like they set you up to fail.

-Metina

I'm glad you're still able to paint. Face painting when it is a passion is hard to give up. Keep on keeping on... have faith in yourself