Shy, nervous or otherwise non-existent customers?

I seem to be meeting resistance to the idea of having your belly painted. I had several people in line at the festival look at my "belly painting" cards and go, "Gosh gee that looks neat, but oh my heck I don't think I (or my friend) would be up to doing something like that". And I'm thinking, "Why not?". I ask and the usual response is, "Oh, I (she) has stretch marks and is really self-conscience about it". I try to reassure that I've been pregnant and know what a stretch mark looks like and it can be covered up, but they still shy away. The whole time I'm thinking well duh, your stretching out your skin dummy...you're not going to have your washboard abs anymore. But what do I care. I'm an artist and I think the belly is beautiful. I just wonder if anyone else is having this problem and what you do to reassure people that it's really fun and not as bad as they think it's going to be. Thanks

Here in the midwest body painting of any kind is met with resistance unless they are young, Native American or into theatre. We are in the Bible belt and conservatism rules. To most people, showing a painted pregnant belly is about the same as showing your boobs in public. Extremely tacky.

I must admit that was my first reaction also. Being an artist, I have come around to acceptance though. Some of the designs are awsome!

That makes me sad I wish more people would look at it as art and not something sexual or tacky. Makes me miss California even more. I mean, I understand being modest and all that...I just think it's kinda silly when I'm not doing it in public, offering sessions in my home and they get pictures of it so they can show whom they wish to show. I was thinking there would be such a greater demand for this kind of work. Sorry, I guess I'm just venting now, haha.

I have encountered this, but will just keep asking, advertising, etc. I figure it will catch on eventually & if I can get enough examples of how cool it is, more people will go for it!

I think if a couple famous people did it, it would catch on SUPER quick!

Famous people have been doing it for years, but rarely release the photos. Here's a link to one done on Mariah Carey.

http://www.classymommy.com/blog/tag/pregnant-belly-painting

I can understand the frustration, but also the shyness of the clients. I personally am not about to show my belly in public, pregnant or not, haha. Even when I was super thin, I was never seen in a bikini or any sort of revealing clothing.

Are you attempting to sell belly painting at festivals, or are you promoting it for private sessions? If festivals, it probably won't ever really take off... such a public setting and all. If private, maybe be sure to specify on your signage to call this number for a private in-home session including tasteful portraits, etc etc.

Oh no, I wouldn't paint in public. I can see how there would be confusion there. I only offer private sessions in my home (not theirs-too many issues with travel and having the right equipment, allergies to pets etc.) where I can pamper them with music, food, and painting. I like your verbage..."tasteful portraits". I don't want to upsale the photography too much as I am just a novice, but still want to give them something to remember it by.

I have been a little timid to ask any pregnant woman I know to paint their belly, but I know a younger couple expecting so I though what the heck. And they loved the idea, had never heard of it, of course it is for free, a shower gift from me, and he is an ametuer photographer so he will at least give me pics from a really really nice camera. Actually he is pretty good, so I am excited about it. I hope them showing them off will spark some interest. I wouldn't have let someone paint and def no photo's when I was pregnant, but seems this is just soemthing silly I was close minded about..

Rebelsky, I just checked out your website and love the stuff you've done, especially the hang-ten prenatal painting. I'm thinking maybe you could make up some flyers or even specialty business cards featuring belly painting and ask to display them at ob/gyn clinics, lamaze classes, maternity boutiques, etc? There are woman out there who WANT this stuff... just have to find them. Once you get your foot in the door with the right crowd, I bet it will catch on like hotcakes.

Thank you! That means a lot coming from you I aspire to be as good as you someday. Those are great ideas and as soon as I get the courage to do it, I will definitely be handing them out. I have postcards (or sized advertisements) with my hang ten belly on it and info, so I will get those out. How do you suggest approaching businesses about it? Verbage is always helpful. Thanks!

Eva, I hope it takes off for you. I guess the closed-mindedness is what I'm worried about. It's a problem here in so many ways. I guess it would be different if people knew you as I'm really shy myself...even though I would LOVE to have this done on me! Sadly, it will be a while before I have the opportunity again.

Hang in there , it has taken me a while , but my belly painting business is taking off! I had someone drive 2 hours because she wanted me to paint her yesterday! You have to be patient and really market yourself, you have to find those that want it:)