What should I charge for this festival?

I was asked to submit a proposal for a Blues Festival in my area. They initially wanted 2 painters, but I conviced them for one painter and one glitter tattoo artist. The event is from 1-7pm. They are providing the tents, tables, chairs, etc..I know I should give a discount b/c its long hours and the whole day. Any ideas? The festival is in the DC area next month. Thanks guys!

I'm interested to hear an answer. I was thinking $60/hr per entertainer, but will they pay that much?

I heard they had an expenisve painter last few years but i dont know what they charged. I want to be able to put the "right" number, you know?

I would ask your regular rate. Maybe a 5-10% discount for a multiple hour event. But, remember....you are still woking and you deserve to be paid properly.

$1200 ($1000 would be my minimum for 2 artists for 6 hours)

Ok so I forgot to mention they are a non profit. I told them that I would work with their budget. She informed me of what they paid the last artist and how long she performed and I agreed with following the same price and time: $725 for 5 hours. I would be painting and my cousin Alexis will be doing simple balloon twisting. I think that price is do-able PLUS the exposure would be AWESOME. We both agreed and she just emailed me to send in the invoice!!!! Ok, sending the invoice now. SOOOO HAPPY!

My rate for 5 hours for two artists would be $1000, and for approved non-profits, it would be $850.....so I see your $725 as doable. I would be willing to make cuts and do it for that for the right charity or event, especially if it is your local market and you are allowed to pass out cards.
Will the entertainment you are providing be free to the public, or are they going to be charging the people to recoup the money they are paying you, and possibly even raise money?

It is free to the public. We will be accepting donations for the non profit and yes it is about 10 min from where I live I can pass out cards, put my banners up, and everything.

At first I thought it was in MD, but when they told me it was in Arlington, I was like SCORE!!!

Since it is free, I would advise putting up some sort of sign stating that the "professional face painting and balloon twisting entertainment is being so=ponsored by XYZ (company, group, or event)". And when people ask you how much it costs, do not say it is free, say something more along the lines of , "it is compliments of XYZ, they have sponsored the face painting today, so there is no cost to the guests." That lets people know that your services are worth something.
I would also put up a sign near your business cards that says something to the effect of "we also do parties".

Wow.....$725 for 5 hours. To me that is awesome. Congrats. I normally make $60 an hour. So, that is a great rate.
Good for you.

Yeah There will be a sign saying they are sponsoring and that all donations will go to them. I remember someone on here have a "YES! We do parties too!" so I'll have a poster saying something similar.

I just ordered that sign "Yes,w e do parties" as a lawn sign as well. Not sure who came up with that idea. But, so smart.

that's a good fee, I usually try and get $100 per hour for me, and 50 per hour for an assistant. I might go down to 80 or so for over 3 hours. I'm in CT, and there is money around here...I know DC/NoVa has money too, so we're probably able to charge similarly. It's hard to ask other people pricing on the forum because it can vary based on experience and location.

I feel like I got a pretty good deal. Plus like I said the exposure is GREAT. I need more parties closer to home

I hope it turns out to be a great opportunity for you, and hope you have a wonderful time.