HELP.... pretty please - need to quote and I"m lost!

Just when you think you've got this whole quoting down to a fine art someone hits you with something like this.....
please help I realy need to call her in the next couple of hours to sort this out as it's in four days! eek!


> Hi Tash
>
> We have an event on Tuesday the 30th August from 6pm until 8pm for a media launch of a new Restaurant in Potts Point/Kings Cross.
>
> We require body painting to 6 women's arms and necks and 2 mens half faces in a base paint of black with highlights of colour for the arms and neck
>
> and for skull imagery on the half face.
>
> If you have availability we would like an approx quote and than of course chat more and I can forward some sample images.
>
> Warmest
>
> Nicole




So I'm thinking - my hourly rate - but for how long - Im thinking 2-3 hours I would like more time but I don't think they'll go for it.... what would you quote for this?
I was considering asking a less experienced painter to come along and help me out with bases etc for $20 an hour or something - sell it to them as experience? - Ooooooooooohhhhhh I don't know!
I have a cold atm and I can't think straight to save my life! help please!
Lots love
Tash

It is really quite difficult to estimate the time when you don't quite know how complex they want the designs. I would say at least 3 hours, 20/30 minutes each arm and neck and 15 each half face.

Could you get your DH/DP to help with the bases...?

I paint the staff at clubs/restaurants/bars regularly. Always at my usual hourly rate... they don't even blink. Last time when I was finished and told the manager the total he responded "That's all?"

They are talking 8 people: 6 with arms/neck and 2 half faces... you can manage that by yourself can't you?

Depends on what they mean by colour... and the detail. And I'd use Tim Gratton black... dries flat and smooth, and doesn't rub off like other brands on contact. And fast to apply with a larger brush.

Thanks Daisy and Shannon - I do think I can handle it on my own - but was worried about the time it would take..... I can't ask my man as the inlaws are overseas and I have no babysitter atm

wow - Tim Gratton huh.... I know you are right and experienced and I should listen to this advice - but when I started out I used Tim's stuff and Derivan which is all you can buy in our Art stores here - Tim Gratton and Global. all liquid paints in tubes and tubs... in my experience ( which is not even a tenth of yours) the paint dried and cracked.
If the great Shannon can guarantee no cracking and easy removal - I shall run off and grab a tub..... lordy knows my paradise loves to transfer!.... I was going to spray them with Ben Nye setting crap... but this may be a better option.
Thanks so much ladies!

Tim Gratton black, liquid in the tub... DILUTE it 50/50 with water and mix on a plate or something ... flat brush for larger areas, whatever you use for tighter areas.

You HAVE to dilute it... work GREAT. No streaks, flat finish, you can rub your hand over it without transfer. It is great to work crowds in as it doesn't transfer and you can splash it without a problem generally.