just starting out

Hi im just starting out and really what to no if this a good way of earning money because i really enjoy doing faces im using snazaroo at the moment any tips or tricks of the trade would really help thanks

If you're good you'll make money. To get good you need to invest in good paints, brushes and education. You'll need time to get good as well, so you won't be making money in the beginning.... It's a learning process

I didn't make money for the first fourteen years.

xoxo

I'm afraid to do the math myself....

Thank you i no it takes time i Love doing faces im taking a course in the new year

Welcome

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome! It's a warm, supportive, crazy, educating place here, and I'm sure you'll love it.

welcome to the fourm

Welcome AmyLouLou,

I made a lot more money once I got a website! Get one if you can. Mine was only $72. and that includes $10. for a spam filter. It's a Yahoo "business site" and you make it yourself...easy, I'm no expert!
Also, I learned everything I know just using You Tube for the technique videos and information on materials, tips etc from THIS Forum!
It's only been a little over one year but this part time job is truly helping support me. You get what you put into it. Good luck!

Ar thank you so much for that advice it really helped me and taking the time to message me bak im very greatful x

[quote="TinafromNY"]Welcome AmyLouLou,

I made a lot more money once I got a website!  Get one if you can.  Mine was only $72. and that includes $10. for a spam filter.  It's a Yahoo "business site" and you make it yourself...easy, I'm no expert!

I have just a GoDaddy site which gives a free web-page. What all needs to be on a website to make it effective? I have a link to photos, and my contact information on the GoDaddy site. What else would I need? Also, how do you drive traffic to your site? So far, my best advertisement has been bc's and word of mouth.
thanks for the input.

delete

Omg, funhouse gave you a goldmine of info in one post!
Im still in my first year, but I just recently came to those conclusions through trial and error!

About money, I reinvest....restocking, building a more efficient kit....eventually I will create a business name, a logo, and be able to market more. My business plan is to establish myself in my community so that next year is all booked every weekend so far, so good!
This money is great for unexpected bills in the begining, but now its becoming my main source. The nicer and friendlier you are, the more people will hire you. Great art can get you repeat business, but a great personality will build relationships which is loyalty in business.

I just found fabatv!check it out! Im in love!

There is sooo much help here. Thanks for the encouraging words. I'm just practicing with the photos to see if I can get this to work for me twice. Sooo:

That's beautiful is that a flame stencil? Awesome!

no stencils. All hand drawn. Thanks for the encouragement.

That is beautiful! I'm just starting out too. and was wondering the same thing. I'm so glad so many gave such great advice!!! I love this forum!

http://www.zebraentertainmentandevents.com/entertainers.html#.UnyOf4wo4iQ

that picture is air brushed.

I think I misunderstood... :/

StephanieKiDoodle - I don't understand....if the photo is of airbrush work, how'd you do that flame work without a stencil? I'm curious now!

I think she meant to post this one...

still nice.

Ahh, that makes far more sense, thanks nikkili! Yes, that's pretty.

Thank you Nikki, yes, that is my work.

if your looking to make a little mad money here and there then yes you can do it with little or no effort. if you are looking to turn it into a business then you have a long road ahead.

once you have your tools, and you have the skills to use them effectively then the real work begins. most entertainers spend all the time on learning their craft and little or no time on the business aspects you need to make a successful go of it.

web site. if you going to have one then make it a professional looking site. this means pay for a domain do not use add supported sites. you can still use the free templates. the domains are cheep and it has your name on it. get a matching email. attach as many sites to it as you can as this helps your standings for google. (facebook, twitter, or any other site you use). constantly up date your pics and add copy. this keeps you fresh in the google standings as well.

make sure your card is well made, attractive, and easy to read. make your brochures to match.

when you work a gig, make sure to send out thank you cards to those that booked you. you will be surprised how many repeat bookings you will get from simple classy business practices.  

do some research on your local festivals, fairs, craft fairs, daycares, libraries, and any other possible venues that would have a connection with children and families. hit up bowling alley's pizza shacks and any other venue that offers rooms for children's birthday parties. get your cards and brochures in the hands of every promoter you can.

its hard work, and you will spend more time marketing your self then you ever did learning your skills in the beginning, but after awhile word of mouth will take over and you will build a steady client base.

just some thoughts. good luck my friend and I wish you much success