Hiring a Face Painter Costs That Much???

If you're shopping around for the first time looking for entertainment you may be in shock when you find out pricing.  Don't freak out so soon, a lot goes into that amount.
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What you are paying for?
Before I started my career as a professional face and body painter I had no idea what a face painter charged or what that cost included.

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!