FABAIC or other Face/Body Painting Conventions

It's coming up soon and I'm more than excited. I am going to submit my model "application" today because getting to do all four days for $150 + being painted almost naked is worth it. Has anyone been to this or any other convention and taken classes or modeled? How was it? Any tips on..well anything?

I am considering doing the modeling thing too. Never done it before, but I think that it would be worth it. Would love to hear what everybody has to say.

Bring lots of cleaning supplies to get paint off. It is sometimes tricky to remove. I think it's a great idea. I've been to conventions but never modelled. Good luck with it! I'm still trying to talk my husband into going to FABAIC. Hope to see you there.

I went to FABAIC last year and will be attending this year as a model for the first time. A huge warning is that FABAIC is big. It's really hard to network with people you don't already know. You meet at least 100 people a day and everyone muddles together really quickly. I am going to focus on meeting up with you guys from the forum. There's already somewhat of a relationship there so it should be easier for all of us to get acquainted. Ashley Pickin told me that going to lunch with people sometimes makes it easier than just trying to talk during the convention. I hope to do lunch or dinner with everybody from here at some point during the convention.

Oh and if you guys go I still need a roommate. Let me know!

Application all submitted! I haven't even thought about networking there. I've been so focused on classes classes classes that the thought of actually meeting people who aren't professional (On Wolfe Brothers, etc scale) didn't even enter my mind. This is going to be a fantastic time (if they take me) and I will demand to share some kind of meal with you!

The networking is HUGE. You learn what individuals like yourself do to make their business work, their kit setup, their funny experiences, and some time saving tips. I always make lists of questions so if we get on a particular topic during a jam session, I can focus on what I wanted to find out. For instance, at the Manchester convention I wanted to learn about restaurant gigs, festival work, and how to do a few particular designs better. If it wasn't covered in a class, I asked at the jam or at lunch. You are all there to learn and grow. I really hope I can make it there somehow.

OMG!! PLEASE! Let me sit with you big kids at lunch!!!!! Seriously! How do we know where to meet up?? There is a chance I will be at FABIAC and I am just giddy to meet anyone from here and have a couple of 'Paint Pals' to share the experience with! It will be awsome if I get to go even if I am a petal floating in the wind the whole time, but to be able to marvel at the wonders with others that share your passion.....welll......no price on how valuable that is!!!

If it sounds like I'm begging.....
It's ugly.....but I am!!!!

*side note....for those that are old enough...
All of the above should be read with you picturing me in a desk, desperately waving my hand in the air and shouting, 'Oooo pick me! Pick me Mr. Kotter' in an Arnold Horeshack sorta way!!

I will be at FABAIC for the second time this year. I went in 2009 and had a blast. I did alot of networking with people I didn't know. But that's just my personality to just go up and talk to people, and I am glad my daughter is the same way. She made several friends right there on the first day which made it even more special for her having kids her age to hang out with.

My daughter got to model for several instructors during class and at the jams


We are looking forward to being there again this year.

Changing, were you actually able to keep in touch with anyone after the convention that you met there? How did you keep track of everyone. I met a lot of people when I was there too, but keeping track of them and staying in contact is a whole other issue.

1. I still need a roomie please...my other plans didn't pan out......

2. I know I will be overwhelmed but I am so excited

3. I only WISH i had the body for modeling but it would be fun to paint a willing model (lol) So if I decide to compete (I have huge esteem issues) would anyone like to be my model?

4. would it be cheesy to wear something like a name tag or certain sticker or color or ribbon or something to let us know we know each other from the forum...you know, something easy to see so we say oh hey! I know you!!!

I'm down with the identification thing. I really don't want to miss one of my forum buddies.

It can be really overwhelming... at one of the UK conventions members of the UK chat wore buttons with the Chat logo and their usernames. One of the chat members organized it and we picked up our buttons at the registration table!

OH that is BRILLIANT! Or even if I have to I'll make my own button with the FACEPAINTFORUM and my name! Make a cape if I have to !!

OH assuming I manage to get my chubby butt down there!

If everyone going will pm me with their name and screen name, I will try to put something together

I am so happy I am not the only one that is super nervous and excited all at the same time! This will be my first time to FABAIC and I am stoked! I went to the East Coast Convention and met some really cool people but I have heard that FABAIC is huge and a little overwhelming. But hopefully I can take it all in! I don't comment too much on here because I can't give much feedback because I am a rather new painter but I am always reading all the great info and funny stories! But I hope to meet some of you there! I am practically counting down the days!

I know I'm attending a pre-day class. Haven't registered for the convention yet but am planning on going. I live in Orlando so haven't decided about a hotel yet since I do live her. Just don't want to drive back and forth late at night.

Geez ...wish i had got on this forum before now!!!!!....lol..I was in Orlando during the convention....and was sitting in the chair right where they were selling things.. I didn't sign up for any classes this time...because I didn't get there until Saturday afternoon, I had just got off a cruise doing face paintng. So I saw a lot of you wondering around and going here and there!..Just didn't know that!... The friend i went with..signed up for some classes. but she has an outstanding fp etc business. Mine is a little do it now and then, so far anyway. I went to my 1st convention in 2008 I believe. it was fun!. I hope to go again, so hopefully i will see some of you there then!

Yup, looking forward to meeting everyone at the 2012 FABAIC!

I am thinking about going, how far in advance do you need to register? I was just planning to blend into the woodwork and soak up ideas and techniques and watch all the people paint. I am really ready to go through the booths and see all the new things I could buy, but I know I will need to set a budget, or I will go way overboard.

I am kind of nervous to actually paint...I want to practice, learn, jump in, but you know...it feels intimidating!

Anyone else feel that way too? How did you get over it once you got there?

I didn't even know you could get paid to be a model, can you do that without being totally naked? Getting paid would be a good idea too! I live in Tampa too and it wouldn't be too far, although a hotel would be a good idea.

wow...i would go almost nude....need at least a thong And i'm NOT model beautiful material girl. stretch marks and all (gotta love being a mommy, oh a c-section scars!),but WOW what an experience it would be!!!

Does anyone know how much Fabaic usually costs? I think I talked my husband into going with me!

@afacepaintingmom - I was TERRIFIED to paint when I got there! All that talent made me feel like a poser or a fraud! I only managed to start when two things happened in tandem....Linda said Here! Use my paints! Jump in!" I thanked her but was still too scared. Then someone asked me for help! I can rarely say no to 'Can you help me with..??" if I am able. She asked me to show her how to do wings for a Pride fest she was going to be doing...rainbow wings....so I showed her. then she asked for a devil heart with flames...so I did that. The shaking stopped and altho I still felt in awe by the truely wonderful talent that seemed sooooo far beyond my ability, I was ready to jump in! It's about utilizing what you've learned and painting with your body painting tribe! It really was an awesome experience!! I can't wait for this upcoming year!!