Why I'm Not Seen at Many Public Events

I have received quite a few emails these last few weeks asking why I am not out at more public events.  I don't have an exact answer for that; there are a couple reasons.

I have reached out to some events that have been using the same face painter for years, so they stick with them.  This may seem odd, but that makes me happy.  Loyalty is hard to come by and it's good to know that events and businesses show that respect.  While some parents have come to enjoy my work most, (and I appreciate that) others do a nice job and have loyal customers just the same.

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

Memphis, Arianna, Me, Jake, Jacob, Ashley

Cuda

Jax

Apollo