FABATV vs. free

I've noticed that some folks have recommended You Tube videos as a way to learn beginner techniques. Others suggest FABATV. If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck, is it better to exhaust the YT resources first, then get a FABATV subscription? Or does FABATV have everything YT does, plus better and more?

No offense meant to anyone who makes videos for either forum, I'm just trying to learn as efficiently as possible.

I spent months on free. I find that FABAtv is more an alternative to going to conferences. It's a way to learn from the greats up close and personal.

I would invest in FABAtv AFTER you've earned a little money and have a pretty good kit and about 12 classic classic designs under your belt like tiger, spiderman, kitty, butterfly, etc. I think then is the time to amp it up with conferences and FABAtv.

I think FABATV is a wonderful resource. I wish it had been available when I started. I think learning to do things right from the beginning would be much better than trying to break created habits. I call it muscle memory, now I have to retrain myself how to do everything differently. If you try a month and watch the basics, lines, swirls, and curls, I think it's totally worth it. Some of the classes I just find neat, but some are like "Ahh ha" moments. I love Mark Reids line and swirl class. Pashurs tribal. Marcella's mask. These were 3 that really helped me.

I don't really watch you tube. don't get me wrong I always mean too but now accept I really don't. partly due to time, I have 4 children, and my son requires alot of my time. I work the weekends and just don't get that much, I mabye watch 2 a month. I did initially watch it but still just not that much. I was also sort of seeking more initially, and lacked the patience and time to find the good ones back then. I also felt when I started getting money that I kind of had an obligation to role back into profesional learning. yes practice and supplys and equipment count but I feel that I should invest money in me as well as a setup/kit.

I learned the majority of my techniques from books first, then this forum and a little you tube, workshops and FABATV. Not everyone would agree with this method and I know many don't take this path but. i can honestly say I am happy with the direction I went in and wouldn't change it. and I know many are happy with the path they choose too.

I used you tube- especially lisajoyyoung for the first month or so. Fabatv is great when you want to step up your game and do a wider range of designs. I ended up subscribing after my first two events

I have never been one to watch how to videos. I use books... I can follow it at my speed, anywhere in my house and can be interrupted without having to pause or rewind or start over.

And books are always there to refer to... and even if they are a bit advanced design wise they provide great inspiration!

As to your question, I would say go free first... as Denise noted, once you know the basics then spend the money to up your game.

I love both! The fabatv vids are about 50 minutes long, and go slow, with tons of explanations. they compare well to lisa joy youngs video's I think,

I'm always tempted to get Faba but with work and five kids, I just don't know when I would actually be able to sit down and watch the shows. I'm think this summer might be a good time for me, since I work in education and will have lots of time on my hand then. Shannon had a great point, don't over look books. I have tons of them, and they are great resources. I look at them often and reread the pointers. When I have time, I go to youtube and I've subscribed so that when my favorite teachers post, I get an email. LisaJoyYoung is my favorite, but I look at lots of them, especially when I'm working on a design. If I'm working on a butterfly (which I still suck at), then I look at the designs in books, then on youtube. I have to say, however, that Face Paint Fourm is the best resourse I've found. Hearing from everyone really makes me feel like part of a community!

I love FABA TV but I would watch all the videos that time will allow you, and the resources on this forum will help out so much...there are so many wonderful people on this forum that teach also and know what you need to do to get started..I would wait on FABA Tv untill you have some steady money comming in I got my paints practed and practed, got insurance and painted 2 and a half years and 1 convention under my belt before getting FABA Tv...but we all learn at different levels some people learn more from books and reading and some of us learn move from a visual stand point...do whats best for you..

FABAtv does have a few beginner basic videos, too. I agree, though, it would be better to have your basics down first. It's more a way to increase your abilities and enhance what you already do I would rate it for the intermediate to advanced. There are a lot of videos for body painting artists and airbrush.

It's pricey so you should be working already!

I don't learn well from videos... I prefer to take classes in person whenever possible, so I save my money for those. I don't learn by watching from afar, I learn by doing something and having them tell me, "that's a good one!" or giving me personal directions... a lot of the time when something isn't working right for me, I have no idea why it isn't working, but they do know and can tell me how to fix it. If I were watching a video, I'd just get frustrated at that point and quit.

If you have the means, I'd suggest that you get a month subscription to FABATv and make the determination for yourself. Everybody has different learning styles and your individual style will determine if it'll work for you. I was given my first year's subscription but didn't really wind up using it until the last few months of it because of time. I've reupped recently because there are quite a few intermediate and advanced level lessons there and since I iwill probably have to skip all of the conventions next year (thanks to my travel heavy day job) I needed SOMETHING to feed the beast!

Thanks for the thread Jenny! I've been wondering the same thing myself

You're welcome! And thank you, everyone for your opinions! I think I'm going to work on what I can get for free first, then think about subscribing to FABAtv after the new year.

I didn't have more money for FAB TV, so I only use You Tube for tutorials and learn everything else here. My business is doing well with those two sources. If I find myself with extra some time, I might try FAB but I think there's enough on You Tube to learn well. Just my opinion!

I have been watching lisajovejoy videos on utube. Also a few other utubes. I need to practice the flowers more and brush techniques.

I'll add my 2 cents.

Both are a great place to learn. FABATV has some awesome videos from the best, and they have a lot more videos now. You could always subscribe for the one month ($30) and see how you like it. Spend the month going through as many classes as you like, and see how much you have learned. And YouTube is a great place to find some great tutorials too. Even I have a YouTube tutorial out there, and I plan to put out more. In the end, everyone (even the greats) have their own way of face painting. Watch some videos, pick up the techniques you like, that make things easier, and that you are comfortable with.

Happy learning!

When it come right down to it both are good (I agree with Vanessa about the one month thing...such a bargain!) but you HAVE TO DO IT...you have to try the designs and techniques or you won't retain them...you might as well watch a movie. You need to get out your paints and brushes and practice.

Yes, Denise is right (of course!), you have to practice. Nothing beats practice. Paint, paint, paint!

What a great thread!

I was wondering the same thing. Thanks JennyNixe for posting this!

I am a still a newbie although I am staying pretty busy lately. I have watched pretty much all the tutorials on YouTube and can tell you that I have learned incredibly a lot from all of them!, Lisa Joy Young (my fab, absolutely), Denise Cold (Thanks a lot to you Denise), Heather Green, Shawna D (I LOVE her videos and tips and tricks), Becstar, Ashlea Henson, TAG Body Art, Facepaintingtips, Mandi Ilene (love her too) and more...I have learned a lot and consider myself as very good for being so new at this passion..I've learned a bit from everyone from YouTube. Since I am working on establishing this as a business properly, next year I have a plan to get insurance and to get at least 2 months of FABA TV (there are about 150 classes there so a full year is clearly not necessary).....And now I'm dedicating to read this blog which has help a lot, I appreciate it and I'm thankful to all of you experts for sharing so much with us!!!!

I have tons of cheek art on my youTube. I had one face painter that told me that only amateurs do cheek art. but I disagree throw some sponging in the back ground and swirls around it, volia! instant half face!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE0X-E4Lr08