Kneeling chairs

Have you tried them?

I find I always get a lot of lower back pain after a long day of face painting... and I have a kneeling chair at home I use as a computer chair (got it at Staples for about $120) , and I've never connected the two for some reason! So during my next long gig I think I'm going to try it out and see!

Kneeling chairs have a lot of advantages, including encouraging healthy natural body posture, preventing slouching AND (my favourite part) they make leaning forward easier and less straining on your back. Plus they can be surprisingly comfortable.

It sounds like they're perfect for face painting!

I"m sitting on one right now! It's not really any better to be honest and they all have wheels on the bottom which is not the best thing for face painting, especially since you essentially have to get up to put your feet on the floor. They are nice or I wouldn't have one, but I would never want to use it for face painting.

Perry Noia wrote:I"m sitting on one right now! It's not really any better to be honest and they all have wheels on the bottom which is not the best thing for face painting, especially since you essentially have to get up to put your feet on the floor. They are nice or I wouldn't have one, but I would never want to use it for face painting.

The one I have must be a lot lower than other models, because my toes touch the ground when I sit in it so I can wheel myself around while still sitting. I think I'll still give it a shot with face painting and see what happens!

I'd love to hear how it goes.

Standing to paint gives you movement, the ability to shift weight from foot to foot, turn your whole body when needed and much healthier on your back.
A major plus many over look is to clients it makes you look much more professional and almost becomes performance art since the crowd can see what you are doing. People not being painted will stop to see what you are doing. I am all for the aluminum folding tall chairs, a small investment for your back and a step up for your business. Can't count the times when I've been setting up I've heard someone say "Oh, she is a professional."
Can't see myself lugging a kneeling chair into a gig, but I wish you luck with it.

Would love to hear how it goes for you. Love your new avatar Janna. Beautiful! Is it a peacock cake?

Interesting idea.......mostly wanted to say I love your avatar pic @ perfectly painted faces....

My cousin use to have one of those back in the 80's! It was hard to get into and hard to get out off! LOL

Kat's FacesForFun wrote:Would love to hear how it goes for you. Love your new avatar Janna. Beautiful! Is it a peacock cake?

Thanks Kat! Yeah, it's the peacock arty brush cake from SillyFarm. I love it!

skjfunny wrote:Standing to paint gives you movement, the ability to shift weight from foot to foot, turn your whole body when needed and much healthier on your back.
A major plus many over look is to clients it makes you look much more professional and almost becomes performance art since the crowd can see what you are doing. People not being painted will stop to see what you are doing. I am all for the aluminum folding tall chairs, a small investment for your back and a step up for your business. Can't count the times when I've been setting up I've heard someone say "Oh, she is a professional."
Can't see myself lugging a kneeling chair into a gig, but I wish you luck with it.

I've never face painted standing up... maybe I should try that! Do you ever get tired? I guess it's something you'd just have to get used to.

Yes, I only stand when I paint and at the end of a long day my back hurts. BUT, if I sat all day while leaning and stretching for the kids faces, it would hurt 100% more. So, standing is my option for the most comfort.

I don't have the choice to stand with my disability all the gigs would have to be under 30 minutes. With RA the kneeling chair would be very painful for me but we all do what works best for us.

I bought one of those high directors chairs for my very first festival and ended up reverting back to folding chairs midway through the day. I haven't used that high chair since. (thinking about selling it) I bought one of those nice thick foam cushions for my chair and take two Aleve about 30 minutes before I get started and I'm reasonably comfortable and good to go for the day.

Janna, Yes I do get tired, but so do people sitting. I have RA, and hate to admit I'm 61 and paint at least twice a week 2 - 4 hours a time. Range of motion when you are standing makes it easier on your whole body, you are certainly more visual to clients and again I believe it looks more pro.
Just the right setup makes people think they are getting their money's worth.
Check out the photos on fb and you'll see our setup. If you want ideas on tall tables let me know I'm happy to share. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150398338394283&set=t.100000213878415&type=3&theater

skj.. you are very free with your advice and knowledge. Just wanted to say that I'm glad you joined the forum! Thanks for all of the feedback advice!

I have a tall chair that I use for longer events or times when all I am doing is face painting.... most of the time, my face painting is 30 minutes out of a longer party and I don't bother bringing the chair with me. Those times, I use whatever chair is there and have the kids stand in front of me.

We all have to find what we are comfortable with and sometimes it means experimenting with different options. My kneeling chair is way to heavy and awkward to transport for something like that and I don't really find it any more comfortable than a regular chair... not worse, but not better. I got it originally because as a musician, it was easier to practice without having arms or a back on it and it does open up your torso more than a regular chair so it was easier for breathing, but now it's just in front of my computer.

Saying that the only way to look professional is standing is offensive to people with disabilities. It is great that the medical treatment is working for you skjfunny that you have great mobility but that doesn't mean it works the same for everyone. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause chronic inflammation of the joints and other areas of the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages. I'm 47 and treatment only gave me part of my mobility back. I was a professional face painter for 12 years before my RA and still am even though I can't stand and paint.

I think that in the long run, what makes you "look" like a professional is more than just one thing, it's the cleanliness of your paint setup and booth, how you present yourself and how you interact with the person being painted, good signage, neat menu boards, and your SKILLS. Add those together and the parents recognize the difference between a volunteer PTA mom and someone who knows their stuff. I can paint more comfortably and LONGER when I sit, so I do... MY choice.

Where is the like button Lorie!?

It is all a matter of preference and opinion.

I would like to stand, as I did when I was a MUA, but it is just not an option for my body, and I am the only one who can feel it...so, I sit. A ltittle more range of motion would be nice, but it is not happening.

In my opinion, standing and sitting make no difference in the appearnce or perception of professionalism. I think I would feel this way even if I could stand now.

I don't like lima beans, but I love green beans, so I really hope that, as far as beans go, someone out there dislikes green beans as much as I dislike lima beans, that way, we can all have something that we like.


The kneeling chair looks interesting for those of us who are open to new things and like to sit or have to sit. Let us know how the chair works if you use it painting!

I prefer standing, but I'm thinking of getting one for my hubby for while he's at school. He has a lot of back problems from a car accident a few years back & the chairs in his classroom are brutal on his back.

I didn't see that part.... I've seen some standing face painters that did not look very professional..... Dirty kits, unkempt, etc.... I know of several face painters on here that medically can't stand for long hours & are of the highest level in their appearance, job & kit!

Don't look at the price or you will have a cow... but I have often thought THIS might be the perfect mesh of both worlds...

http://www.work-space-solutions.com/benches_ergo_seating.htm#sit-stand

That is cool leapinglizards, the price, wowzer

Wow.. Leapinglizards, that does look awesome. Maybe I can have my hubby welder build me one.

I poked around and found some at about $200... still pricey. Tell your welder husband there could be a market!