What to Look for When Hiring a Professional Face Painter

If you are thinking about hiring entertainment for your next event, face and body art is a great choice! 
So... what should you look for when hiring a professional? Let me start out by saying that just because you find a face painter online or at a public event does not mean that they are a professional.  I mean they are in the sense a "professional", because they are working in a profession; but that doesn't automatically mean you should hire them...

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!