Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to vote for us in Capital Region Living Magazine's Besties!  

We have a big family, so we know how much goes into planning events - both time and money.  We try to ease some of that burden by providing:

• an easy to navigate website with multiple means of contact
• fast online or phone booking process
• package deals with lower rates

Most photo booths have high rates and a long hour minimum, we changed the game with our hour minimum and affordable rates!

The main reason I am not involved in more public events is money.  This may seem harsh but I'll explain...

• A lot of events want free services
• Most public events charge a "vendor" fee anywhere between $50 - $500 to be part of their event.  I don't consider a face painter a vendor; I am not selling an item.

With this there are usually two options:

We paint for tips
Even though some people give generous tips, some people don't/can’t tip at all and most tips wouldn't equate to how much it would cost to paint a face
or
We charge a fee to customers to paint them
I don't like this for a few reason. Some people don't want to pay or can't afford to pay the amount after they've already paid to enter an event.  I don't like handling dirty money during events or having to take extra time to clean hands after every exchange.

In both cases there is still a big chance the event isn't as busy as expected and I spend hours sitting and taking a loss.  Or the opposite can happen, it is so busy that is overwhelming.  Even if I was able to break even or make a profit I didn't enjoy this type of arrangement, so I decided I would no longer do them.


I have asked several artists the reasons why they do events for free or a cost...
              
                Most said they do it for the exposure

Exposure, this is a word I am hit with a lot in this business.  Event planners contact me and try to get a fee or free services and always offer exposure.  Artists die from exposure!  It's not worth it to me.  There is no guarantee you will increase your business.  It's more likely that most people lose your card or forget your name when they end up looking for a painter.
                
                Others said they aren't in this business for the money

Don't get me wrong, I got into this business because I loved it - but I intend to be successful and make money.  I invested thousands of dollars in my business when I started, I claim all income (and pay taxes); and I have a lot of expenses.  I spend most weekdays marketing and improving my skills and most weekends and holidays working.  I don't expect to be rich but I do hope to be able to provide for my family while being able to do something I am passionate about and enjoy. 

My family is the most important thing in my life; and time is precious.  To take away from them I have to be able to have something to show for it; I need to feel it’s worth it.  You can always make more money, you can’t get back time you’ve lost!

So actually I guess it's more about time than money but you get the idea.

If you would like to hire me for an event or private party please visit Premo Designs' website and don't forget to follow me on other social media! Pinterest Instagram Twitter Facebook

Here's a quick breakdown
I charge $100 per hour for private parties with face painting services.  Before you read this, I just want to say this is not me complaining.  I love every minute of my job - even the paperwork!  Let's say you book a one hour party...

• I spend at least 10 minutes during the booking process (providing your quote, answering questions, creating a contract and invoice)
• I spend about 15 minutes to sterilize and pack my kit for your event
• I drive up to 30 minutes distance - that's included in your price
• I arrive 15 minutes early to set up  - that's included in your price

That's an hour or more of work before your event has event started.  Not including practicing and creating special designs to match a theme or special request.  

• I stay 5 minutes late to clean up - that's included in your price (sometimes I stay longer if someone showed up late or there were more guests than expected)
• I drive up to 30 minutes home - that's included in your price
• I spend about 15 minutes cleaning my kit and supplies
• I spend at least 10 minutes to follow up about the event and bookkeeping

That's another hour of work after your event is over.  Not including unpacking my car and kit.
So far that is at least 3 hours of work for $100.
Besides the time directly related to your event, I also have business expenses; a huge list! All the things I pay so I can operate my business.  I won't bore you with every penny but the largest and most pertinent of which are...

• Taxes - that's right I have to pay taxes
• Liability Insurance - this protects us both
• Supplies - I buy only cosmetic grade, FDA compliant supplies
• Advertising and Internet Fees - how else would you find me

All that and I still spend hours each week...

• practicing and learning new techniques
• on workshops and classes (which can cost hundreds of dollars)
• networking with other local businesses 
• updating my social media accounts to keep people interacting with my business

I spend most weekends and holidays working, taking time from my family.  That is probably the hardest part of my job.  Other than that, the list above and the rest that I do makes me happy.  I am fortunate enough to be my own boss and do something that I love; at the same time being able to bring happiness to others.  After all is said and done I may not be making a ton but I am happy; and it doesn't get much better than that!
Make sure you know what to look for when hiring a professional face painter!

Back to the question - what to look for... Safety, Quality, and Professionalism! 

Do they have a website? 
Almost everything you need to know about them should be on their website.

You should be able to see:

• Safety information – make sure you are in good hands…

 

1. Is the artist using cosmetic supplies? There is a difference between “professional supplies” and cosmetic supplies. Professional supplies may be great paints and expensive; but they may not be for use on skin.  Anyone applying paint, ink, or glitter to the face or body should only be using cosmetic grade products. There are many brands available, but only one brand local.  
2. Is the artist/business insured? For face and body painters in NYS there are no special permits or insurance requirements.  It is at your discretion if this is a necessity for you. To me… insurance is a must! Even though using cosmetic grade products make an allergic reaction less likely, they can occur.

 

• Photos – you want to see photos for a couple reasons…

 

1. Do you like the quality of the work? If you don't like their designs or artistic ability shown on their site, it will not be any better at your event.
2. Is their work consistent?  If you see a couple spectacular designs and others that are messy, chances are they have photos of other's work portrayed.

With social media and google images are easily available, you can find almost anything when you search.  Even though it's wrong, some artists use photos that do not belong to them to show examples of what can be done with face paint.  No one should ever use a photo that is not theirs, but it does happen.

• Testimonials – you want to see that previous clients are happy.

*Reviews can be tricky because anyone can leave one. Check for accounts with the following… GigSalad, GigMasters, Thumbtack, PartyPop… etc. These are popular vendor sites that only accept verified reviews from clients who booked through the site.

A true professional face painter will display all the above and more:

☑  Professional demeanor
☑  Good with children and adults
☑  Arrive early to set up and stay late to clean up (without charging you)
☑  Should have their own table, chairs, and canopy if you don’t have them available
☑  Be able to deal with a crowd and adjust their time and designs according
☑  Have an ample kit that is clean and ready to go
☑  Refuse to paint the face of anyone with open wounds, skin problems, or obvious sickness

Most face painters charge between $100-$200 per hour, per artist.

Spend a few minutes to check out your local face painter; compare them to others, make sure you get what you pay for!

Find out What You Pay for When Hiring a Professional Face Painter!