How long to spend on a design?

I've been trying to find the balance between painting an interesting and detailed design without spending too long on it. What do you think is an acceptable time frame to spend on a design?
TIA! xx

faster is better, 3-5 min, can spend more time if you don't have a line.

the key to interest and speed, imo, is several colors blended for the base or a rainbow cake or one stroke cake, and selected, well placed details. don't need lots of fussy little things.

I agree, 3-5 min for kids. Even when there isn't a line, many kids get antsy and don't want to sit any more. Teens, adults, some girls you can go 10 + minutes if you have time.

The standard from way back, and with FACE certification, is a full face design should take no more than 5-7 minutes.

Most of us have a selection of faster designs to use for high volume events - I label mine as 4 minutes and less with the majority being 2 minutes. But the speed is a result of years of experience and choosing designs that are simply faster to do.

I have a 5 min max on my designs at most of my events.

Exceptions to the rule:
- Pay per face gigs. Here i put out some of the more complex ones, and if they are willing to pay the price tag, i do them.
- No line. Some times if there isn't a line I'll add extra details for my own amusement.
- Birthday Girls and Boys. I some times spend up to 8 min on the birthday child to make their design super special, and make everyone else at the party who sees it want it. Then i pull a 'no copy cats' and explain that that design is just for them, and if you want something like that you gotta invite me to your birthday party  (Cha-ching!), but I will do something that is still pretty awesome for you.