FacePainting Business on a Shoestring Budget

Hi again!
It is already pretty hot in GA. I have much of my face painting equipment but no tent/canopy & cannot invest in one in the immediate future, even used. If a fair or festival venue does not supply a tent or covering, I guess I am out of luck. Any suggestions? Are there benefits of doing parties vs. festivals? My thinking is that if I am doing a private party, I can stipulate that I require a tent. I feel like the money making potential is better at a fair or festival though.
Any insight is appreciated!
Thanks!

I have never needed to ask for cover at a private party... it's either inside or it just doesn't matter to me, private parties don't have me painting for more than 30-45 minutes anyway... heck, I did a 2 hour fundraiser outside with nothing. I only bother with cover if it's going to be more than a couple hours.

^

http://www.facepaintforum.com/t10971-you-d-think-i-d-learn-by-now

(sorry...couldn't help myself, LOL )

I never ask for cover for a private party (up to 2 hours) either. I just try to remember to use sunscreen so I can avoid "You'd think I'd learn by now" status! That being said, If a tree is available, I will try to set up in the shade. It's just not a requirement for me to not be out in the sun. BUT - I'm a little further north here in PA, so maybe that makes a BIG difference!

the thing is, that particular thing only seems to happen during the all weekend events where I DO have a tent, I'm just not under it most of the time.... and yes, I need to wear sunscreen. Oh well, we can all use some extra vitamin D

Just doing private parties is cheaper on the start-up for sure. You don't need a tent, your own table and chairs, a ton of advertising/banners...

I've been doing mainly birthday parties for 3 years and all I have to bring is myself and my face painting kit. I'm guaranteed to make my hourly rate (as opposed to worrying about making enough at a festival due to bad weather, poor attendance, etc), and I find it's a lot more relaxed atmosphere.

If you're worried about heat, just make sure to mention in your contract that the organizer must provide a shady spot/shelter for outdoor events.

Thanks for your input everyone. I think I am going to start with parties and very inexpensive venues to begin with. Baby steps, right? Cannot get the tent right now, and there are days here that are just blistering in the summer, no shade to be had! Plus, getting a table at an event seems to be out of my budget too. My worry with parties was just that it could be a while before I even book one :-) . I suppose that is better than losing money on an event (which I have already done-that's another story!)

I would not paint without at least an over-sized golf umbrella or beach umbrella over my head. I get too overheated (Perry apprently doesn't have the "hormone" issues yet!) and it also prevents the kids from squinting their eyes and squinching up their noses.

I stipulate in my contract that I require shelter from rain or excessive sun. So most of the time, when I walk into a private party, I say "Where do you want me to set up?" and if they offer a couple places I go "Shade is better!" and pick the shady spot. I still wear sunscreen just in case the sun moves or there's no shade at all. It might be good to just get a cheapy beach umbrella you can bring just in case you get stuck in an overly sunny situation? I have this one from Ikea that attaches to your chair or table: http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/40210794/

I also ask for shelter at parties,,,I had one parties where they stuck me in a really tight spot and the sun landed right in my kiddies eyes...Very hard for them to get painted like that. I also have really sensitive eyes...I need that shelter...Every time you get a booking dont forget to ask for a nice spot so everyone is comfortable...Oh and Baby steps is a great way to start...All my face painting has paid for itself so far...I have been tempted so many times,,,But I will keep on with the baby steps too...This years goals..to pimp my van with signage and a decent camera....All the best Face it.

I guess I do have it in my contract that "a suitable shelter is required in every circumstance." To me, that just always meant if it's raining or frigid cold, I'm not painting outdoors! After all, what child wants to be painted when my fingers and the water are like ice?

Thanks everyone!
I will keep all this great advice in mind.

Now that summer is here the tent prices are coming down I got my 10x10 at walmart for $59.99 and seen Kmart has them at that price too. In Florida I think it is a must have especially since my booth is in an open air market.