Painting in parks?

So, I've really been thinking about running with this and starting to work for money but I don't know if I should focus solely on parties/events or look into other venues.

One thing that comes to mind is to go to the park, set up with signs, table, umbrella, etc, and paint kids at the park for a fee. Our parks here are VERY busy and when I have painted at birthday parties people always come up to ask questions and if I can paint their kids. I'm thinking a few hours here and there on a weekend where I have some free time might be a good opportunity for some exposure. Has anyone ever done this? What was your experience if so and what did you have to be sure you weren't breaking any laws (I'll call my local parks and rec. dept. but am curious what others have done)?

Also, I was thinking about getting a booth at the local farmer's market next summer. Any farmer's market painters out there?

These are all good ways to start, but make sure to get the parks department permission first. You don't want to be run off.

Yeah, I don't know about the parks... they'd probably want to charge you to be there or something...

I do the farmer's market here and it's good some weeks, not so good others... but it's a new thing here and we're still trying to get the attendance up for everyone at the market. Booth is cheap and exposure is good. In fact, I recently made a deal with the market people that they can run a coupon in the paper for my face painting and I'll offer to paint a tiny, one colour design for free for the coupon or they get $2 off a regular design and I won't have to pay for my booth. I figure most kids will see the good stuff and go for the $2 off, so I'll still be up something and the coupon might help attendance at the market too.

I think it's a great idea, but be very cautious. I have tried to do similiar things here, where i live, but have been met with bureaucratic red tape. They require me to purchase either a business license - busking license - or out of town business license (i live 10km/6miles from town), or some combination there of. I am allowed to paint at any events, where the host has invited me to attend, and for these events I don't require a license to paint at the park.

I was warned of large fines if I didn't abide by their standards. So contact your parks department, as well as the city or town that the parks reside in.

I used to work as Park Services Coordinator here... we required ANYONE wanting to sell any product or service in the park to have a valid business license, valid insurance and pay the park a fee for a permit.

And there are Bylaws too that vary from place to place.

I also have painted at the local Farmer's Market - but they hired me to paint.

I used to paint in the park when I was "gig-less." Hey, if your not getting paid, you still need to practice. I'd set up a table near the playground, lay out my stuff, and paint two of my kids. They'd run and play. In five minutes, I'd have a line of kids to paint. Of course they would need their parents permission to get painted, so the parents would come up too. I'm a guy, so the smart ones wanted to check me out (probably to make sure I'm no pedophile). The parents would ask if it cost anything to get painted. My reply was always "Nope! But I like tips!" Worked like a charm. My kids got to play in the park. I got to practice painting, generate new business, and get paid for it.

Here, you would need a license and permit if in a city park.

Wouldn't the city only be interested if you were charging a fee? Essentially, you're just giving away samples and handing out business cards.

Mike Smith
www.merryfaces.com

Not here. Anyone setting up in the park has to have a permit FROM the park (the City) in order to be there... and if you are providing a service and accepting tips it is considered busking therefore you need the appropriate license from the city to be operating... and THEN there are health regulations for providing "personal services".... and by giving out cards and "free samples" you are conducting business.

It would all depend where, and whose property it is, I would imagine. In Indy, anyone can apply for a street vendor's license and set up shop on the sidewalk, and I think it's free. (Pandhandlers get them here)
I'd ask the city parks people and see what they say, or just do it because with most things, it's only a problem when someone makes a problem out of it.

The small town I live in outside of Tallahassee is unincorporated but, they still require a $15.00 per day permit and you must have an Occupational License (which I have to have anyway). Not sure I could hang with Smitty doing it for tips. I discounted a church event one time and put out a tip jar and lost miserably because I did not get ONE SINGLE TIP. People around here just aren't willing to pay for it. Kinda sad.

I'm outta here in a year and a half though...... going back to the great state of TX to be closer to family....... probably do better out there. I'll be close to the Houston area.

I just checked with our town hall. Unless I want to use the pagoda they built (nicely covered), I can set up in the parks anytime and sell Face Painting. I just need to be business licensed for our town (which I am) and not 'creep' anyone out by running up to people soliciting. If I'm sitting somewhere and they are coming up to me, I'm fine.

@starpony; The tip thing is an art. I put out a clear bowl. The kind you used to get a goldfish in at the fair, and seed it with some ones and fives. Its right on my table, so everyone can see it. If people ask, "how much does it cost?" I tell 'em its free, but I make sure they (and everyone else) hears that "I LIKE TIPS!!"

I don't make nearly my rate when I ask for tips, but getting $40-60 in tips (for two hours of work) pays for ice cream for the kids, or something else for me. If I'm working for tips, its not for an event or some organization. I don't work for free.