My last minute event

So here's my story. I've had a few very last minute bookings but this one.... I'll say this one went really well but it was interesting.

I got the email about 2 pm from my website booking form they were looking for someone to be in Duluth (a 3 hour drive one way for me) the next. day. I thought it was either a typo or a prank so I replied to them with my rates plus the mileage blah blah - cause I was available and could make the trip (my husband is like gold when this happens - and every other minute of the day when he's not sleeping in  and even then it can be nice.) They called me back! Oops. And they were serious. It was a large event planning company desperately looking for another face painter since one of theirs cancelled last minute. The event was a company appreciation party for a large department retail chain so lots of people. They tried to negotiate my mileage fee down by offering gas cards but I said no since that fee also covers my time. He agreed and I got a signed contract within an hour!

So I had a nice road trip with just me and some fountain soda and NO toddlers   and I get there on time (yay!) and set up. I meet my other painter for the day and she's quite young - college student I think. I see *craft* glitter in all colors still in the packs around her chair. I asked if she was doing glitter tattoos too? No this is for the paintings... OK. Then I see her paint. It's the stuff from Walmart that's labelled face paint but... well we know it's not. I mean I hope it's safe but it sucks and she admits it to me as well! She had a couple snaz colors for her full faces but... ugh. I almost felt bad taking out my art box! With all my one strokes!!! I did give her my card if she was interested in learning about where to buy and what to buy and who knows. She said this was her second gig   and her last one she and a friend charged $2 per face at some museum and made, like, $300 that day   so she is beginning to understand that there is money to be made at this   (that was my face during this conversation)

Fortunately she was actually a decent painter and with some practice and proper paint she'd be good.

There was an MC there during the whole thing and at one point made mention of us and that it was "the best face painting ever!" so that was cool! Everything went so smooth! I couldn't believe it. I did notice I had left a page of my designs behind and the event company was nice enough to mail it back to me with a nice note saying how much they liked me and hoped to work with me in the future  

So that's my story. Interesting times for sure.

Glad to hear it went well and the Nutbar Lady didn't show.

OMG I know! That thread I read a few posts (saving the rest for later). It was one of those things where the event ended when we did and most people were done by then and going home.

Dear BeeHappy,

Glad your event went well. I love those types of events. Non-stop madness.

Were you able to dissuade her from using the craft glitter? I have, on more than one occasion, shared my glitter with painters at an event who don't know any better than to use cosmetic glitter (I ALWAYS have extra with me) and I also make sure to mention that they can usually get some cosmetic glitter at a beauty supply store.

And last minute events are a gift from heaven, aren't they?!  

I did mention it's not the best idea to use it and if she wanted to try some of my paints and glitters that she was more than welcome (I have plenty to go around should have gone into more specifics about the dangers but she was dabbing with her finger directly onto the paint so I think they were OK. It was super fine glitter (I used the same stuff when I started LOL) so while not ideal I think it was fine.

It is a bit like $$$ from heaven. Especially a 4 hour one!