Halloween gig at a local bar

Please help, I am newly launched in August, and I have a gig Saturday for a Halloween bash at our local small town bar (pub). The establishment has hired me to paint customers on request, but I am totally lost as to what to expect as far as what they may be requesting! Would like some ideas from those that may have done this kind of thing, so I may be somewhat prepared

Well, I haven't done a gig like that before, but I'm doing it for the first time on Friday, so we're in the same boat!

I've been practising things like skull masks, elegant little eye designs (for women who want something that doesn't mess with their current make-up too much), pirates, superhero masks, spider crown, Frankenstein, rose masks, avant-garde butterflies...lots of things that aren't too babyish (though I'm expecting some requests for tigers and cats as grown-ups can carry those off too). Also quick pouncer cheek art like Frankenstein/Bride of Frankenstein, Jack Skellington, etc. The event's a fancy dress, so I expect a few people will just want something that goes with whatever they're dressed up as.

The problem I have is that most of my photos are of designs painted on kids, so I've had to hurry up and take photos of grown-ups wearing paint instead, as I figured that'll sell the designs better!

I also figured that most designs should cut off at the top lip. It's a pub, after all, and people will be drinking/eating all night. The last thing I want is to cut into the owner's bar profits due to people wishing to avoid smudged chin paint!

Let us know how your gig goes! Good luck with everything. xx

Kammy, you sound to be better off than me. I wasn't going to do a design board, just show up with my face painted freakishly. But I do have pics of adults with eye designs tho not many, most are of kids both full faced and eye

I can almost promise you that no you will only do for males; zombies, wounds, monsters of some sort and females; maybe some pretty club eyes or pretty masks. The patrons will be focused on drinking & partying.... don't knock yourself out trying to come up with too many ideas. Chances are, most will want what the person before them wanted. Just find a way to do it a little different for each customer.

I would be most worried about lighting?? Pubs are generally dark, I would make sure you're being given a lighted corner...I've read some use the headlamp light things that you wear on your head?? Also, find out if there is black lights in there, people may want UV painting done?? A lot of places have at least a black light on the dance floor...so then the UV paint would be a big seller...could always upcharge for its glowing effect too?

BeyondFrazzled wrote:Kammy, you sound to be better off than me. I wasn't going to do a design board, just show up with my face painted freakishly. But I do have pics of adults with eye designs tho not many, most are of kids both full faced and eye

I haven't done a board, as that seems somehow more suited to kids' events. However, I have produced an "Idea Book", which is an A4 display folder holding pages I've produced on photographic paper - the photos themselves, plus things like a list of superhero masks, variations on the faces listed, etc. I'm hoping that those who don't know what they want will get some inspiration from it.

I've basically had to hold down my other half and force paint onto him, several times in the past two weeks.

Tina Halstead wrote:I would be most worried about lighting?? Pubs are generally dark, I would make sure you're being given a lighted corner...I've read some use the headlamp light things that you wear on your head?? Also, find out if there is black lights in there, people may want UV painting done?? A lot of places have at least a black light on the dance floor...so then the UV paint would be a big seller...could always upcharge for its glowing effect too?

I'm being put into the "kids' corner" that this (obviously family-friendly!) pub has. There won't be any kids there at the hours I'm working, but it means I'll have good light.

I agree, I wouldn't stress too much. They won't ask for too many different things. UV is a great Idea though. I have painted at pubs and UV is always a big attraction once they see it on the dance floor. Good luck to you.

Paint something pretty on your face, the girls will opt for that. Just make sure it's really flattering and nothing more than a mask (no full face tiger).

Paint the staff if they're allowed, ask if they can model the designs you're offering rather than worrying about a board.

Sorry so late to post, but it went well, no board needed. Bummer tho that I am from such a small community and older (farming at that), and so more wore like ehhhh. Even got there early so could do the staff who were all wearing the skimpiest clothes, but was by far all ready to busy to paint them. But I liked because not rushed and was laid back. and the owner plans to call back for Valentines and their Summer Bash (the have a bikini contest) good chance for body paint hoping to have my airbrush by then

Frazzled!! You're on your way!!