Professional Face Painter

Hi friends, I have a question, when you are consider a professional face painter?

Happy peainting.

Liz

Hi, do you mean Pro versus amateur? Or do you mean in regards to skill level?
I believe if you are only ever involved on a volunteer basis , you are considered an amateur, but if you are acting as a paid service, you are considered a professional business and will assume the responsibilities as such.
In regards to skill level, I have no idea, some newbie amateurs are downright talented....hope that helps.

Is it when you hit the tipping point and your income exceeds your outgo?

that's a question I have wondered myself... I'm a newbie, but I think I do better than a hobbyist that only does cheek art. I take this very seriously as an artist. I have overindulged in professional face painting products and am operating as a business with biz cards, window decals, website and ect... so can I say I'm a professional face painter? not wanting to claim award-winning professional face painter or anything (well not yet lol)
I've seen that some have some sort of face painting certification? How do you get that and what is it?
and 1 more question: are you a professional face painter if you only do stencils and air brushing?

IMO, it depends on how you present yourself. Are you getting paid, do you treat it like a business, are you courteous in your dealings. There are many talented face painters out there whom I wouldn't consider professional based on their attitude alone. 

Treat yourself like a professional, if you can't deliver the service a customer is expecting, then make it right to the best of your ability. Be courteous to your competition, and be humble; but also confident and collected.  If you can deliver this service, then you ARE a professional. 

This is of course not saying that you're an award winning artist, but you can be an award winning business professional.

Thank you so much each of you for the clarification. All are very helpful.

I do crazy hair, and as the Florida Cosmetologist board define it: if you touch the hair no matter what you do and you charge for it you are a professional and you need a license.
So If you charge for your services you are a professional, another thing is to be a good or a bad professional.

Professionals are paid, and adhere to standard business practices and ethics. Practices include business licensing and insurance, as well as professional supplies and set-up, a set of books (bookkeeping and auditing trails), paying taxes if they apply,, and such. Ethics relate to how you handle your business practices and yourself in relation to contacts, customers and peers.

Of course skill level is going to vary. Your professionalism shows in what you charge, it should be based on your skill level. New (most all) painters should be charging less than more experienced ones, as that is how all professions work. Rates are based on training, skill and experience.

As for airbrushing, that is a professional skill and talent.

professional or not, you should always be trying your best to develop your techniques, and be as nice as you can in general.

however, as soon as you are collecting money-whether your profit or not- you are a professional.


you'll discover quickly in this business that while your actual talent and beautiful designs can catch a clients eye-it is how you handle yourself and your business affairs and the way you treat others and yourself that will get you the business.
a bad attitude + gorgeous art = bad business.
bad art + gorgeous attitude = booming business.
beautiful art+beautiful attitude = LOVE LOVE LOVE

but you are a pro as soon as you charge a rate.

Thank you so much ladies! This help so much.

Hey Liz, I think there's something wrong with your Facebook link under your avatar as your page doesn't show when I click on it
Louise

semi pro+ when you make supplemental income from your painting.

pro+ when your sole source of income comes from your painting.

this is standard in most entertainment industries.

I'm with Luz, I think if you charge for a service, you are a professional, weather good or bad at your profession os another matter

Thank you for let me know silversky, I fix it, should be working now.

I think it is when you start treating it as a business instead of a hobby.

The moment it really hit me was once I started doing it full time.

ninaschau wrote:I'm with Luz, I think if you charge for a service, you are a professional, weather good or bad at your profession os another matter

I agree with this statement for sure. But, I do like and believe what thouart said too. I have seen not so good artist make a lot of money, they have big personalities, are highly sociable, and know how to market their business. They are go-getters and driven. That makes a big difference in a good artist that sits home and a so-so artist that is highly paid and regarded.