what to do when a large event loses sponsorship funding and can't pay face painter fees

I have attended this event for 3 years and it is a very artsy event for kids so I love this event and I get to do whatever designs I want. I mean imagine a kids film fesival. Would you want to be at that every year.
Plus all the possible business I can get from it.

Here is the dilemma they tell me that this year theur funding had been cut from the city and they are not funding it this year if which I don't know why but none the less.
So I was offered $200 for almost 9 hrs of face painting. Plus I have to waste gas there as well. Should I not even consider it? The past 3 years I have been paid my usual price yet this year they can't do I go in at the cheaper price. They said that nexy year they hope they can get funding back again yet what am I goign to do if I attend for this cheap price and then next year expect $400 for the 1 day again.
This year they want it dirt cheap and for 2 days.

The connections I make there though can be great and the events that I can gain are great as well.

Am I selling myself short or am I doing a favor for a greater future and a favor in return.

Wow, that's a dilemma. I don't know if I have the definitive answer for you... but... It might serve you well if you stick with them and get it in writing that your rate next year will be as it has been in the past... people do not forget when you stick with them through rough times... and they won't hesitate to pass that on to others planning events.

Would you be able to have a TIPS jar on your table? That may help to supplement the difference. You may want to think of it as a marketing expense

I will do it but I will ask if I can charge per face too, no full prices but like $3 dollars face or something like that that will help you to meet the other 200 hundred.

You could ask for more exposure in return for the once only price cut. A mention with link and pictures on the events website for example. Stack of free entry tickets for you to hand out to good clients of your own. Just ask what they think they can do for you to make it worth your time and effort.
It may turn out to be an even better marketing investment from your angle, and will make it easier to ask your normal rate again next year, when there may be no need for compensation.

do it as a pay per face, tell them you will, but you will charge per face. If it's a big crowd and lots of kids you can make a profit.

Is there a trade you can negotiate for the rest of your pay? Also, can you do pay-per-face to recoup some of your losses? Can they help you w/ advertising? There are a lot of things that also hold value when you won't gain money. Don't sell yourself short but also try to get in w/ something that won't make you feel used. Doing it for $200 could help or could hurt you.... They might see you as now always going to be cheap or they might see you as helping them out & loyal to what they're trying to do. Make sure they understand that they are getting a special deal & it's not something you always do & will do again....

I wouldn't charge per face when they are paying you... but I agree that you should put out a tip jar and ask for a little extra advertising. There is a HUGE two day event that I've done for two years in a row now as a balloon twister and we take less than half of our regular hourly rates but more than make up for it with tips because the balloons and face painting are free for the public.

I think it's Shannon who says that when you do a discounted job (especially a deeply discounted one) always make sure your invoice includes the normal price and the discount you're offering. That way they won't magically get it in their head that you're this cheap now. I don't know if that would prevent them asking for the same discount next year or not though.

The other ideas mentioned all sound good, except if the facepainting is usually free to the public, they may object to paying and you won't make near as much. Maybe a tip jar is the better plaln, depending on your area?

Thanks guys for the ideas your right. I will stick with it and put out a tip jar. I want them to get me next year becuase they are huge but yet this year no sponsors.

Thanks greta advice to all.

Have them feed you at will, as well! I have done a non-profit event because I like the organizers, the venues, gives my artist kids exposure etc. In return
they have a set up in place when we arrive, give us wristbands for our meals ad drinks, and refers me to clients who book us full price. Plus it's FUN!

Can they get someone to donate restaurant gift cards to equal the value? I've done that before as well.

I've done tips w/ the org. knowing they'd cover the difference to equal my hourly rate. This way instead of paying me $100/hr they end up paying only $35/hr & I still end up w/ my hourly rate.

Yes, invoice them for the full usual amount. Then add a line saying "one time discount for 2012..... -$XXX"

Make sure you document that it is a ONE TIME favour, and include in your contract that you may solicit tips.

Well they decided I guess not even to have it at all. Sucks thanks for the input ladies. So I accepted to offer of the 8 hrs for the $200 and then they decide not to have anything at all. Whatever. You were all right it would of been good on tips and food and whatever else but I guess they have bailed. I think they took on a volunteer face painter for the job instead of me. BUMMER. Oh well I didn;t have time for it anyway I was going to go there 9-1 then to a party 2-4 and then another 5-7 and then a wedding event from 8-1am so it would of killed me.

At least you offered so they should remember you next year anyway! Good luck with your other events.

Sorry to hear that. I just lost out on a nice gig. They wanted to pay me to face paint at a festival so it would be free to the public, then a volunteer offered to do it for free. It would have been great exposure for my company and I was very flexible with my rate. The organizer was very nice about everything and I hope I get to work with them in the future.

I know this sounds terrible, but I HATE volunteers!! They may be well-intentioned, but seriously!!! It's like standing outside of a restaurant giving away poorly cooked food for free. Ugh. So sorry to hear you lost your gig.

lol totally Kat.
I know Flopsie we always lose out to volunteers a bunch of times a year.

Oh man, that sucks Teena. There's no way I would've gone down to $200 if I were going to be so busy with the other bookings though. That wouldn't have been worth it for me with all the running around. I might've even slapped on an inconvenience fee... Oh how I've changed

lol your funny inconvieniece fee yeah thats a great idea.

One year with a volunteer insures they hire you next year! Be sure to vet them on what materials she should use, oh, yeah--and "you probably want to carry insurance, especially since she's untrained".

Hmm. I guess they'll get what they pay for if they've got a volunteer, but I do feel sorry for the kids. Imagine how disappointed they'll be if they got you last year, and a volunteer (potentially with trashy paints, ugh) this year.

Sorry you lost out, but it does sound like you have huge business going on that day anyway.