Nervous about my "first gig"

I'm new here. I'm new to the face painting world really. I'm a painter (acrylic) and I've done a few school carnivals but nothing formal and nothing paid... we'll I was recently asked to do a birthday party. Originally I jumped at the chance as I've been thinking about trying to earn a few bucks (and paying back my bank account for all the money I've spent on supplies). But, now that the party is a week away, I'm getting super nervous. It's 19 kids, so not a small group for my first party. And I'm just really nervous I'll totally mess up and hate it. Did anyone else feel like this when they were brand new?

Dear LizzyAllen:
Welcome to the Forum!
Please go over to the Introduction Thread and introduce yourself to a kind, warm, appreciative audience. We have ALL been where you are now. After 16 years...I STILL get nervous before a big gig. I think this occurs because I want to do a great job. I am always striving to get better. If you Google facepaintforum shaky hands I am sure you will find a group of artists who have dealt with the jitters. I don't have any advice...just reassurance that I have been where you are now...and I lived to tell the tale.

Happy Painting!

My first gig was a festival and I was SO nervous. Luckily for me, it wasn’t very busy so I was able to ease into it. The only thing I can say is that we are so much harder on ourselves as artists then kids (and their parents) are. They will be amazed and very complimentary and you will be hooked!

First gig is the worst! Snappy basketcase at home before I left, total nerves the whole time, and it went... great! Deep breath and just go for it   

You will do great! I an new to all of this too and only have had a few gigs, but just relax, you will do great!

During my first gigs I was so nervous, I couldn't draw a straight line! So I decided that my lines would be the thick-thin ones!
Worked so great for me, I'm using them all the time now!
  

Don't drink any caffeine before hand and if you get shaky hands, take deep breaths. This will give your blood and brain the much needed oxygen to calm down and steady yourself. Also smile, this very act helps release feel good chemicals into your brain that will help you feel better.

Science!