Face painting can be a lonely job sometimes. Sure, you’re surrounded by eager kids and parents at festivals. But at the end of a busy day, who can relate to the happy moments, funny times, exhaustion, and, sometimes, frustration? Most people who go to work in an office have built–in buddies at the water cooler, but as face painters we need to search elsewhere to make connections. Networking with those who share the ups and downs and unique challenges of your job are important.
This is where Facebook groups come in!
Here you can share tips, vent about a particularly taxing gig, get inspiration from other face painters, or just share a laugh.
If you’re new to the world of face painting Facebook groups, we’ve made it simple for you to navigate the platform.
The Facebook groups we’ll focus on in this post are geared more towards face painters who are looking to share their experiences, tips, and designs. Keep in mind that many of these are closed groups and will require some proof that you are an actual working or aspiring face painter (a link to your webpage for example), as opposed to someone seeking to hire a face painter or just sell products.
Here are some of the best Facebook groups for face painters.
Face Painting Community
This is a support group for face and body artists. Formed back in 2015, it’s become quite popular with nearly 6,000 members. It’s a closed group and you’ll need to prove that you’re a face painter to join. This is a very active group and I highly recommend joining if you are looking for positive support and advice. I mean who else is going to understand a question like, “Can I keep using a split cake after I hit pan in the center?”
“Love, friendship, networking – these are all critical connections and the foundation of a healthy, happy life.” Whitney Wolfe Heard, entrepreneur
Inspiration To Paint Family
Such a fitting name for a face painting group! Who doesn’t need a little inspiration now and then? With nearly 4,000 Facebook members, Inspiration to Paint Family is another “happy place” for face and body painters to share their experiences. Come and join the group every Tuesday at noon Central time for Chicago-based face painter Abby Ascencio’s live chats. She covers topics like 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Face Painting and Face Painters Problems. What a great idea! I’m looking forward to more of her chats.
“The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water, and food.” Dean Ornish, educator
FacePaint 411 Learning Group
The newest addition to the world of Facebook face paint groups, FacePaint 411 Learning Group is all about, well, learning! Although this group is brand new, it is no stranger to the world of face painting! Created from the popular face painting website FacePaint.com, this group focuses on teaching newcomers all there is to know about face painting. So if you're an experienced face painter, join the group and spread your knowledge! If you're a beginner, this is a great learning tool as you'll find out all the tips, tricks, and tools of the trade all in one place!
"Every artist was first an amateur.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Face Painters Inspiration & Support Group
This group with over 4.000 members was formed by the talented England–based Sally–Ann Lynch. Sally–Ann is a professional face painter who designed a series of popular practice boards. Her goal is to help face painters by giving them a platform for sharing their tips. Contribute your designs, business tips, and more. You may also post jobs available. This is a “drama-free zone” so keep a positive outlook on things when you’re posting here.
“When we strive to serve, help, contribute – we find purpose.” Cathy Heller, Podcaster, Don’t Keep Your Day Job
Face Paint Forum Shop Facebook Group
Hugely popular with nearly 12,000 followers, the Face Paint Forum Shop Facebook group is your place to watch tutorials and ask questions about face painting products. While the Face Paint Forum did have an active forum–format website back in the day, activity has moved to their Facebook page.
“Part of being successful is about asking questions and listening to the answers.” Anne Burrell, celebrity chef
The Face Painting Shop, Tips, Tricks and Questions
This is the official Facebook group of The Face Painting Shop in England. Here you will be inspired by some very skilled artists, get advice from like-minded face painters, ask questions and share tips. With nearly 7,000 members, The Face Painting Shop Facebook group is one of the most popular of its kind. This is an active group so hop on and start sharing and learning.
“Painting is easy when you don’t know how, but very difficult when you do.” Edgar Degas, artist
Face Painters Kits
If you think a topic like discussing face painter’s kits might be too specific to form a whole Facebook group around, think again! This group, originally designed for UK face painters, has grown to nearly 9,000 members since it started in 2012. And seriously, who doesn’t like getting a peek at other artist’s face painting kits? And don’t worry if you’re not a UK-based face painter, the group has expanded to include artists from all around the world.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confucius, philosopher
Newbie Face Painters Help Group
One of the most challenging hurdles for face painters is just getting started. If you’re new to face painting, don’t miss out on opportunities to make friends and get advice from other newbies. Newbie Face Painters Help Group is a good place to ask for help, share tips, and get motivated. Want to know how to steady a shaky hand? Wonder how many sponges you should be carrying to events? Need help picking out the best chair for your customers? Jump on to this friendly face painting Facebook page and just ask! And while you may just be getting started as a face painter, that doesn’t mean you don’t have valuable advice to share. So be sure to contribute your tips with other newbies!
“If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.” Mario Andretti, race car driver
Super Fast Face Painting – One Minute or Less
This Facebook group name gets straight to the point! Face painting designs that can be done in a minute or less? Sign me up! We’ve all been there, an endless line of fidgety children and only 30 minutes before your gig is up. Or how about the client that tells you you’re going to be face painting 100 children during your two–hour gig, even though you were told there would be 40 kids max. Bring on the one–minute face painting designs! Seriously, you can never have enough of those fast, but fabulous designs that will get you through killer queues or allow you to paint a child who just won’t sit still for very long. And don’t be shy about posting pictures of your own brilliant, one-minute designs on this page. Facebook groups only work when everyone contributes!
Have you found Facebook groups for face painters helpful? How do you get to know other face painters? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!