Face painting is all about fun, but we still have to maintain a good amount of professionalism. All the kids care about is getting a kitty or pirate painted on their face, but the kids are only half of the equation. The parents are the ones paying and it is VERY important that you impress them. Today, I will give you the 3 most important tips on how to impress your clients with professionalism once you step into the party/event.

Keep Your Area Clean

I’ve seen some face painters keep a pretty messy area. I know how hard it can be to keep a tidy area and tidy hands when you have a huge line to get through, but it’s so important to take a second or two to make sure that your area is clean. I make sure to keep a small bag tied around my face paint chair so that I can easily throw away q-tips and baby wipes. In between kids, I make sure that my hands are clean and sanitary and that my area looks tidy.

Appearance

Appearance is very important when showing up at events. You will have dozens of people looking at you and possibly even taking pictures of you. The last thing you want to do is look like you just rolled out of bed. It may seem like common sense, but just remember to reflect on how you look before you walk out the door. Are your nails properly trimmed? Is your hair brushed and tied back out of your face? Did you brush your teeth and do you have back up mints with you? Do your clothes have a good balance of sending the message of “I’m a face painter here to make your day fun” and “I’m a respectable, professional artist”? Every time you are getting ready for a gig, mentally ask yourself those questions so that you look your best and are prepared to paint with confidence.

Your Menu Board Matters

Some face painters prefer not to use menu boards, which is completely fine. I applaud those of you who are confident enough to paint without one. However, if you do choose to have one, make sure that it is good quality. The menu is one of the first things that people look at when choosing to get their face painted, so it is very important to make a good first impression. Your pictures should be high quality (no blurry images!). The pictures should be large and easy to see. If you are using a word board, the words should also be large and easy to read. Don’t clutter your board with tons of tiny pictures, words, or graphics. Sometimes, clean and simple is the most effective. Also make sure that your board is clean. Kids love to come up and touch the menus, so after each gig, be sure to wipe it down.