110 kids in two hours

It looks good ~ good luck!

I did a gig with a friend for Easter and she had stencils. At first I didn't know about using them, but after seeing how amazing they looked with a rainbow cake, I was sold. I had customers ASKING me to please use stencils. They looked airbrushed. So while I don't do them typically because it's kind of "cheating", I would recommend them if you have some serious speed painting to do.

The only issue with stuff like that is I am in the hole from all the products I've bought already, I REALLY need to start booking paying gigs to cover those before I buy more. but it is a great idea I will hang on to for later. I have some ribbon stencils from silly farms pink breast cancer kit, but to be honest, I like the ones I make better and its quicker to stroke a brush in a ribbon shape for me than to pick up the stencil, sponge it, etc and it just looked...'stencil'y lol. and it was messy...but maybe I just need more practice using them. I can totally see for more complex shapes how it would be much faster and easier for busy days/times.

Maybe I am crazy, but I don't turn down a gig just because they want me to paint 200 kids.

It's fun, the time flies, and with designs like Daizy and Ashley have posted, you are able to treat the kids to a SAMPLE of your talent. Brochures with your info and some photos of more elaborate designs plus your own small talk will get the point across that this is just a sample of what they get at a party. I am always telling the girls that when I do birthday parties, I do lots of gems and add the lipstick!
It gets the point across.

I wish we were all in the same boat with some of the pros on here, and be able to turn away work that is a little overwhelming. But I can see already that taking on these tough jobs are what going to get me to that level.

BTW-Kaci Anne, your email was perfect, in my opinion. It was a great way to get your point across, and still be accommodating. Not everyone gets painted, plain and simple. You told them your part, the rest is on them.

The numbers aren't an issue with me either. I tell them how many can be done an hour and may suggest additional painters. But, on the public gigs when it is just me... I paint fast, but not to the point of stressing myself, and end when the time is up.

Thank you, I spent a while working on that email...I didn't want to come across like I was telling her what to do, or unappreciative of the inquiry, but at the same time wanted to be honest and realistic. I tend to be kind of well, lengthy when I write, so that was my attempt at summing it up. Haven't heard back so we will see. I got a few other leads and a couple confirmed gigs today, so I am a happy camper getting that feeling back that I CAN do this, no matter what comes at me, I can make this business work, and have fun while doing it

Love it, fellow Michigan Girl! You certainly can do this!

i love your "mini" stuff Perry!

Hope it goes well...and rains!

SOOO, the lady ended up emailing me saying "I did get a quote for 2 people to do face painting for the 3hours for $260, can you match that price?" and she also stated it is a Halloween party and she wanted the kids to be able to choose a mask or bigger design if they want. I told her I would do $300 at the lowest because I would need to pay a line manager, and as long as she understands that with 200 kids in 3 hours, there is a possibility that some wouldnt get painted. She decided to go with the other offer, which is kind of a relief. considering it was for halloween weekend, I'm hoping something else will come up.

200 kids, costume specific, in 3 hours? Not possible. Maybe with 3 painters, who are all capable of under 5 minutes per... oh well, at least you don't have to worry about it, and since it is Halloween something else will come up!

It kinda makes you want to see what they end up with at those terrible rates!

110 kids in 2 hrs - 200 kids in 3 hrs - easy! - it's called airbrush.
But never at $43. pr hr - not at our skill level.
One gets what they pay for!

It's ok not to compromise and turn away, or let jobs go to the wayside.