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My first BIG one, and what I learned

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Nicole @ Face-a-Rama
Sparklyone
OtterGirl
michellesfantasyfaces
Pilareta
flopsietheclown
DiamondDrea
Tash
delidee32
Gisrus
Stacia
lorrinwagner
earthorange
a face painting mom
freedspirit
Creations
anniel
Denise Cold
rthling
23 posters

Face Paint Forum :: Face Painting :: General Face Painting

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My first BIG one, and what I learned Empty My first BIG one, and what I learned

Post by rthling Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:22 am

I got a wild hare a couple months ago and really started looking for painting opportunities. I managed to wrangle a spot (the only face painting spot) at the Memphis Airshow. This was really BIG. I was STOKED!
I practiced. I got a banner. I stocked up on business cards. I made menu boards out of the PVC stands that Lauri (whoever you are, THANK YOU!!) showed how to make. I read countless posts about long festival days and how to get through them. I got a business license. I got my insurance lined up.
I felt prepared.
I wasn't.
Well, that's not really true. I had everything I needed, including line control/water changers/money taking-type people. And I painted all by myself.
I had no idea how wonderful, and fun, and exciting and exhilarating, and EXHAUSTING it would be to paint all those little faces! I LOVED it!
Here's what I learned:
1. I need more white.
2. Little kids are awesome when they want something from you.
3. Big kids need another big kid with them, getting painted too, so they don't feel like a dork.
4. It is REALLY AWKWARD to paint a man's face (if he isn't your husband/boyfriend).
5. ALL girls want glitter.
6. Nearly NO boy will want glitter.
7. Some boys will tell you 14 times that they don't want glitter.
8. I need more white.
9. Standing is MUCH preferred over sitting.
10. Make sure to have some kind of pain relief nearby when the event finally ends for the day.
Can't wait for the corn maze next month!!


Last edited by rthling on Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:35 am; edited 1 time in total
rthling
rthling

Number of posts : 1830
Age : 52
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My first BIG one, and what I learned Empty Good for you!

Post by Denise Cold Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:27 am

My first event made me a business person. I'm glad I "premiered" at an event like that because it gave me tons of practice and got me over the gitters...plus a one hour party is NOTHING compared to that!

Congrats.

D.
Denise Cold
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My first BIG one, and what I learned Empty Re: My first BIG one, and what I learned

Post by rthling Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:39 am

In addition to the weekend being a big event, which was non-stop painting, I made contact with so MANY people and other companies looking to hire me for future events. My husband was taking money and handing out my cards. He was the BEST marketing director I could have had!
One more thing I learned.
My prices are too low. I can't tell you how many people told me that!
Live and learn.
rthling
rthling

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http://www.fancyfacesbydiane.com

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My first BIG one, and what I learned Empty Re: My first BIG one, and what I learned

Post by anniel Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:59 am

Wow! You must've rocked their socks off to keep getting told about your prices! (Get more white, BTW--hehe)
anniel
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Post by Creations Mon Sep 19, 2011 1:58 am

Love it, I am so happy and excited for after reading this.
Creations
Creations

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Post by freedspirit Mon Sep 19, 2011 2:33 am

I am so happy for you...sounds like such a fab day.. A new sold out face painter is born!! Welcome
freedspirit
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Post by a face painting mom Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:45 am

Great Job! It sure is nice to get all the gitters out all at once. Now you know that you can do anything!

And...you can never have enough white!
a face painting mom
a face painting mom

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My first BIG one, and what I learned Empty Re: My first BIG one, and what I learned

Post by earthorange Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:11 am

Can I ask how much you charged to get an idea of what people thought was cheap?
earthorange
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Post by lorrinwagner Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:53 pm

Way to go! Yeah, I want to know how much you charged for something like this too. I hope your year is crammed after this!
lorrinwagner
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Post by Stacia Mon Sep 19, 2011 1:54 pm

Congrats on getting your first "BIG" one under your belt cheers
I third the question about how much you charged and what you think you should have charged.
I'm about to do my first "BIG" one this next weekend. It's a grand opening carnival for a local indoor/outdoor flea market. I'm still going back and forth with what I should charge.
Stacia
Stacia

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My first BIG one, and what I learned Empty Re: My first BIG one, and what I learned

Post by rthling Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:06 pm

I charged $5 per face, and had two $3 designs. My line was never under an hour long. I felt so bad for those waiting, but I had to set that aside and give the face I was painting the special experience they paid for.
My hubby was line manager and was amazing at engaging the people, keeping them chatting and upbeat. I could never have done it without him.
(or my two water changers!!)
I could have charged $8-10 and no one would have blinked. In fact, I heard "that's all??" over and over, when people asked him my prices. Many of them admonished me when their children were being painted. "You need to charge more."
Thanks! Put it in the tip jar! Very Happy
After deducting expenses and paying my helpers, then donating the agreed upon percent to the charity benefitting from the event, I still did pretty good!
I can't thank the people on here enough, for the advice, words of wisdom, and encouragement, though. You all made it happen for me, too, and I am ever so thankful!
rthling
rthling

Number of posts : 1830
Age : 52
Location : Millington, TN
Registration date : 2010-10-05

http://www.fancyfacesbydiane.com

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Post by earthorange Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:27 pm

Thanks!
earthorange
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Post by Gisrus Mon Sep 19, 2011 6:03 pm

Well done you.

G x cheers

Gisrus

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Post by delidee32 Mon Sep 19, 2011 7:59 pm

That's awesome!!!! P.S. Get more white!! lol
delidee32
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Post by rthling Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:11 pm

I know, right?!? I already ordered a bunch! Metina should have it to me smoking fast. :-D
rthling
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Post by Tash Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:22 pm

YAY for you! cheers

I charge the same as you - $5 a face, I'm torn between what I COULD get away with charging and keeping it affordable for everyone - especially the five kid families. I lifted it to $8 a face at one festival mainly becuase I was killer tired and wanted to kill off my line... it was a rainy day so I thought $10 was too much... I STILL didn't get a break all day- here's a pic of the line....
My first BIG one, and what I learned Img_0210
As you can see there is always a line...
so how about we up our prices together and see what happens? lol

I have hardely any festival planned this spring summer.... every time the ones I did last year come up again I have been booked by a corporate... spose thats a good thing- but I like to do the local festivals - people expect to see me there.... my body thanks me for not doing 9 hours no break though!
Do you have pictures from the day? I'd like to see some if you do.

Yay for having everything you needed - almost
and YAY for the helping Hubbies! Lordy knows where I would be without mine!
Tash
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Post by rthling Mon Sep 19, 2011 9:10 pm

I haven't even looked at the pictures in the camera, so I don't know what is on there. My hubby and daughter apparently did, and hubby says he even got video! Now imma have to pull them out before bed!
rthling
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Post by DiamondDrea Mon Sep 19, 2011 9:34 pm

Wow that is awesome!
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Post by earthorange Mon Sep 19, 2011 9:43 pm

Yes! Please post pics Smile
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Post by flopsietheclown Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:05 pm

Good for you! I'm so glad your first big outing was a fun one. I especially love that your husband was supportive. Mine was only slightly supportive when we set up my tent at my very first festival. Within an hour or so of seeing me in action, he got so amped and into it. He's now really my biggest fan.
flopsietheclown
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Post by Pilareta Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:57 am

Hoorray for you! So happy you had a great start at big events! Looking forward pics bounce
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Post by michellesfantasyfaces Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:59 am

cheers

I've never done a big event, but maybe one day I will learn the way you did! Wink
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Post by OtterGirl Tue Sep 20, 2011 3:49 pm

What a wonderful and inspiring story. I'm so happy for you and can't wait to see those pictures!
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Post by Sparklyone Tue Sep 20, 2011 4:09 pm

Congrats on an exciting start! I love you

My first paid event was also a big festival - I liken it to learning how to drive a car on a stick shift for the first time. Everything else after that is a piece of cake! And amen to the pain relief after 9 hours on your feet painting people! I could barely walk for 2 days after mine. Add "get a really thick pillow for your chair" to your list if your back felt anything like mine did!

I only do private parties and shorter gigs now, btw. cyclops

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Post by rthling Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:22 am

Well, rats! My hubby didn't take pics of the line, after all! He took some video, but it's in a weird MOD format that I have no idea how to change to something I can post!
Meanwhile, here's a few pics of the set up, and one of me after the first day was over...
My first BIG one, and what I learned Copy_o13
Still setting up and excited for the day...
My first BIG one, and what I learned Copy_o14
My kit ready for action...
My first BIG one, and what I learned Copy_o15
Ready for the first customer...
My first BIG one, and what I learned Copy_o16
OMG, I'm so tired!!
rthling
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Age : 52
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