Newbie in Illinois

Greetings from Illinois!

I'm just starting out and have been practicing on my kids, myself & practice head (Pamela) for the past 2 weeks.  I actually got a 'wow' from my husband last night on my newest design on my practice head! I'm also currently attending an online course that has been extremely beneficial.  I watch YouTube like my life depends on it! I didn't know this forum existed and I almost cried when I Googled a question and landed here. I had so many questions and there are so many answers!

I'm currently building my site & a Facebook page. I've created my business name and have applied (and approved) for my LLC.  I live in a small town that has events CONSTANTLY & truly believe that I will be successful here! I started to build my inventory of face paints, brushes, sponges, stencils, etc and I continue to learn new things everyday.  As I build my experience with practice, I'll create business cards to hand out and will be reaching out to my local churches & business to volunteer for some free events to get more practice and to get my name out there.

I'm so happy to be among others that I can learn from & I look forward to working with everyone here!

Hi and welcome!

Sounds like you are off to a fantastic start! Keep up the practicing! Sounds like there will be many opportunities for you!

Volunteering is great but I would recommend at least getting reimbursed for your supplies. (Feel free to check out what others here have experienced with free and volunteer work.)

Happy painting!

hi and welcome, too, jmrickel81. have fun stocking up on paints and supplies although don't get too much at first - figure out the colors and things you use regularly.

i would recommend only volunteering with one organization you want to support, for beginning practice.
that way you can tell people that is your charitable giving, and everyone else won't expect freebies when you start charging as a business.