First (paid) gig confirmed!...some questions

So a friend recommended me on our local parenting site and through that someone contacted me for her daughter's first birthday in May (the mom said the ages of the guests will vary greatly). I'm extremely excited to finally be paid for my obsession! The party--which is at an Indian restaurant--sounds fun and busy. They have also hired a balloon twister, and the mom wrote me today with this to say:

"Julie I have to warn you this is mostly a family event 'Indian' style with buffet seating , bollywood music etc so it may be a bit crazy. LOL
I want to prepare you for this but I'm looking forward to a fun day and I'm sure your services will make lots of the kids very happy.
I already have a request from a coworker to get a little face painting done..ha ha

Talk soon"

She doesn't yet know the age range or the amount of kids (and from this email it sounds like the adults want to be painted too), but she has sounded like it's ok to just do whatever's possible in the time paid (she hired me--and the balloon guy--for an hour each). I'm planning to have a design board, partially to expedite and partially for my own comfort. I am sending her an agreement tomorrow.

She told me originally that the theme was winnie the pooh, but it sounds like in this kind of atmosphere that's going to get completely lost. I'm thinking it would be a good idea to have some bollywood-esque designs, especially if adults are getting painted (the family is Indian, too). Has anyone done any? I'm thinking swirls...

Any other advice?

Thanks so much!

I have painted at an Indian Resturaunt a couple of times for birthdays.
It is loud and the people don't sit at tables as much as just wander around.
I have never had to paint Bolly Wood style, although the are always dressed up in the garb so they tend to want pretty designs matching their outfit.
The kids want the usual, I usually get asked to paint kids that are too young and don't want it at these gigs - I don't know why.
I would be concerned if it's a big event that I wouldn't get too many done in the hour, and would prepare the client for this, I would also be prepared to stay longer. When they see your work and how many people are getting into it they invariably ask you at stay.
Usually only a couple of lady's want something simple like a flower - so I wouldn't worry about too many adults wanting it.
Good Luck - should be a good gig.

Thanks, Tash. That helps a lot.

I do lots of Indian Birthday parties. Be prepared to do a lot of hands & arms(especially on the boys... but some will want faces... it just depends the families). I do lots of flowers, henna inspired designs & the boys love super heroes. My arm dragon in the How'd You Do That section is really popular w/ the boys. Don't turn down food if offered(you can take a plate to go. Warning... it is very very very HOT!
Have fun!

I have done a couple of these "family" parties as well, and I agree with Tash, Tell the client you'll be set up at such and such a time, but are free to stay if they decide they would like more time. It's nice to set the expectation that if you stay longer, they will pay you more.

Psalmbook wrote:Don't turn down food if offered

That's kind of funny in that this is the only thing I was going to add.

Remember that an offer of food means more in some cultures than it does in others, and you don't want to offend. Basically if its any culture other than "North American whitebread", I always make it a point to take something if they offer...even if its just a cookie or something.

Besides, I always joke that you can always tell the entertainer that does it for a living and one who does it as a hobby.....the one that does it for a living never turns down a free dinner.

CrazyPainter wrote:Besides, I always joke that you can always tell the entertainer that does it for a living and one who does it as a hobby.....the one that does it for a living never turns down a free dinner.

Ain't that the truth!

Quick question (sorry for the hijack!) - in the African American and Hispanic cultures - is it rude to turn down food too? I do SO many party for these and they ALWAYS try to give me plates to take home (the food is bountiful and looks fab), and I always politely turn them down. Thinking I am acting *very* professional. BUT, am I insulting them, instead? Should I take the food? HELP! Please
Barbie

I don't have a choice about taking food because I'm celiac and it would make me very ill