Painting the extra littlies

I've been writing out designs that I can paint and working out grouping for costing.

I have a few designs that are really extra simple, quick and small. I have them because my 20 month old wants to be painted when ever she sees my paints come out but isn't able to stay still for all that long. A few of my friends have kids in that age group too, same story, when they see their big sister/brother getting painted they want something too.

I'm wondering about offering to parents (at PPF events) if they have a little one who seems keen to do something little for $2. Only for families that have already paid for one of the other designs. At $2 I'm not really making money but I know as a mum I am always really happy when ppl do something for the toddlers, I tend to remember them more as well and talk highly to others about them. I'm not planning on advertising it anywhere. Just a 'by the way' to the parent.

Gah, typing and parenting don't work well together for me. I'm just wondering if this seems like good business or not?

Ah, it's a tricky one. I normally do parties with a one off fee. I think you might be right not to advertise it as everyone will be wanting a 2$ painting!

I say on my guidlines that I paint over 3's and not younger because they are generally too fidgety but I am happy to offer a small arm or cheek art. I don't mention money though.

Sorry I don't think that was particularly enlightening advice. Generally, if it's not making you money it might create a queue and so might not be a good idea.

Good luck

As a clown, if I didn't do toddlers, I'd be out of business.... the tiny kids are what I'm here for. Yes, if they are really little kids that won't sit still for more than 30 seconds, I have a few designs that I can do. My first bit of advice on this is to invest in a good butterfly brush. 90% of the time, that's what I do for them... even if you don't get to outline it or put antennae on it, it still looks like a butterfly in two swipes. Second, is to practice single colour hearts, flowers, spiders and stars... perfect them, because once your target is moving, perfect turns into pretty good And if they decide to sit still long enough to let you outline it too, great. Third, glitter is your friend.

And yes, I usually make it $2 for the tiny designs. Don't be surprised when some of them expect it to be free, because they will. Don't back down... it's $2, be glad I didn't charge you $5.

smiley face, heart, star, flower, rainbow - all 30 second designs with a split cake and fast hand

If a parent wants me to paint the little one's face, I'll usually start on the tiny tot's hand before attempting to do a cheek - that way if they're hesitant they'll know what to expect (it doesn't hurt) and want it on their face too. Often I'll hold up a mirror so the child can look in to it while I'm painting their face, so they can see what I'm doing. (Again, for young children)

It's all about keeping them happy and secure

oh and to answer your question about the charge, lol, I'll sometimes do it for free if they've already paid for their big brother/sister... or a nominal charge. (Your $2 idea sounds fine to me.)

Thanks. I'm ok at one stroke butterfly's and flowers. And have done a super fast cat (wiskers, nose, maybe ears) I'm having trouble coming up with 'boy' ideas. At this age it doesn't matter as much but some parents can be funny about that. I was thinking maybe a stencil to help too. Fast on, and if they are ok with it i can do details.

I just keep practicing on my youngest. She will sometimes stay still but most of the time she will be wiggling and jiggling about, while still wanting more.

I'm more comfitable charging as it changes the ecpectations. It the child moves too much and it gets mucked up or something I'll use my judgement. But pepple are less likely to force a child to be painted if they are paying. I dint mind paying for my toddler, it's when I have to pay full adult price when she is only getting a 'taste' of the service and I've already paid for others that it bothers me.

spider or star are generally what I jump to for boys

Here are three that I did for twin boys and a little girl (all about 2 or 3 I think) the girl one is really a 'boy' design typically - I like it as a 'mask' idea for little kids because it doesn't involve the mouth or eyes. Holding the mirror up for him to see while I painted kept the boy with the t-rex interested while I did a few more colours/details than I did for his brother.

Thank you. I've been avoiding spiders cause I have a massive fear if them (even just pictures of them freak me out) but I know I need to work on that.