Biggest mistake Face Painters make?

Doing WAY to many charity events (I'm pretty convinced I will never break even), not being disciplined enough in my practicing knowing that will really take me to the next level, oh I could go on and on but I really don't think anyone would want me to.

Thanks a lot who ever started this thread Now I'm totally depressed and disgusted with myself.

I'm new so I can't say overbuying YET (I'll have to watch it). But at this point it's undercharging/under valuing my work. My DH is always getting on me about that. I also get too artistic instead of quick. I'm worried about being able to do lots of faces in a short period of time.

For me it was foregoing all the "business" stuff. I thought I could use my common sense. My common sense is very different from business sense! I'm presently taking a business plan writing class and I'm learning so much. I'm really learning how to think differently when it comes to face painting. For me I'm working on projecting a more professional image.

My biggest mistake at the moment is staying longer than I am getting paid for! eg. if I am booked for an hour at a kids birthday party, then all the kids come back and ask for extra painting on their arms, touch ups on face etc etc. i can never say no because I am enjoying myself so much! Then I never have the guts to ask for more money, so just accept the hours wage as agreed. I am trying to get better... either pack up and go at the end of the hour no matter what, or tell the organiser that I need to be paid for the full time I was there.

Not watching my posture during gigs hence leaving with the back of a 95-year old!!
Every time I tell myself to be aware of this, but every time...I bend down way too far to accomodate the customer whether I'm sitting or standing. It's as simple as giving them direction to sit up straighter, hold their chin up more; etc, but for some reason I never do it and end up suffering after.

Fancy Faces with a Twist wrote:Forgot my mirror at my last event! My first child in the chair (4yr old little girl) says "How do you forget your mirror"
She's so right! haha

So for me, I'm with you forgetting things...

Ya, I've forgotten my mirror twice, but luckily I have 2 Paradise palettes in my kit...so I always have a mirror even if it's not as big or professional

I never forget anything, but Tuesday night I forgot my DFX black paint. Oh how I missed it. I ended up using all the metallics for outlines. It looked nice, except for the skulls

I spent to much on fake blood, fail

[quote="FunFacesbyLori"]I have a full time job and a Marketing degree and have loved the marketing aspect of getting out there and getting gigs. I am guilty, however of over-marketing the business at times and having to turn away customers and refer them to other painters. But I have worked every weekend but three since May and love, love, love painting! It's my therapy and Halloween faces are really a hoot - this is my favorite holiday![/quote
I hope you don't mind...I would love to hear some of your marketing ideas and other as well. But I will start a new topic in "General" area.

Not being more aggressive at marketing or following up past clients.

I need to practice more. I get stuck in a rut and really have to work to kick up that creative spark.

rose wrote:My biggest mistake at the moment is staying longer than I am getting paid for! eg. if I am booked for an hour at a kids birthday party, then all the kids come back and ask for extra painting on their arms, touch ups on face etc etc. i can never say no because I am enjoying myself so much! Then I never have the guts to ask for more money, so just accept the hours wage as agreed. I am trying to get better... either pack up and go at the end of the hour no matter what, or tell the organiser that I need to be paid for the full time I was there.

Oh, so familiar! Basic rule: One painting per person. IF there is time left over, you can start allowing 2nds. Once you do this, tho' at the end of the paid time, you have to be able to stop and ask the "powers that be" if they wish to extend your time or not. At that point, it's up to them whether or not you get the extra $$ or the clients get the disappointment.

1) Need more PRACTICE, Practice, practice! (And a practice head, too)
2) Need more MARKETING, Marketing, marketing!
3) Need to take the time to snap photos of finished faces. One way I get myself to take the photos is actually to use my camera (digital) to show the clients their faces instead of using a mirror. Parents are much less likely to permit a child to keep returning to your table to grab your camera for another look than they are a mirror. Sorry, but stopping the painting I'm on to hand over the mirror takes my time away from the client I am currently painting.

Thats such a good idea, using the camera to show them there face. I never get pics, because I get so caught up in the moment and then when I do get a chance to photograph, everyone has smudge face.