In the magical realm of children’s imaginations, the possibilities are boundless. It’s a land where woodland twigs are transformed into mighty wands, old cardboard boxes become ornate sailing ships, and in the whimsical corner of culinary creations, mud pies are the most sought-after delicacy on the menu.
It’s this same vibrant imagination that sits at the heart of becoming a skilled face painter, where the humble paint brush becomes an instrument for self-expression and delight.
If you’re keen on entering this exciting and rewarding industry yourself, but need some inspiration on how to do face painting professionally, we’ve got you covered. Here are our three top tips on becoming an expert face painter.
1. Upskill with a course
If you haven’t already, taking a dedicated course is a fantastic way to either learn how to face paint or enhance your existing knowledge. The employment experts over at Reed, for instance, offer a CPD-certified course that’s perfect for total beginners. The training covers a wide range of essential topics, including basic designs, risk assessment, pricing, and marketing strategies.
Many courses can be completed remotely, allowing you to learn at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. However, if you’re looking to delve deeper into the art of face painting and master more intricate techniques, it’s worth considering face-to-face courses as well. While distance learning can provide a solid foundation , nothing beats the hands-on experience and feedback you can receive from in-person learning.
A quick internet search will show you that such courses are readily available across the UK, like this course offered by New Skills Academy, an award-winning face and body painting instructor. Or for those looking to take their face artistry skills to the next level, Ecole courses are worth considering, as they offer more specialised tuition with modules like ‘face anatomy’, ‘chiaroscuro’ and ‘theoretical foundations’.
2. Build your network
Networking is the secret sauce for becoming a face painter, as it allows you to form meaningful connections with seasoned artists, share ideas, and learn from each other’s triumphs and struggles.
Moreover, it can also help you feel less isolated in your work. It can be challenging to be a solo artist, so having a community of like-minded people helps provide support and encouragement when you need it.
However, perhaps the best thing about networking is that it can lead to referrals and recommendations. When people know and trust you, they’re more likely to recommend you to their clients or friends who are looking for a professional. And the more gigs you book, the more your reputation will grow.
To kickstart your search, platforms like Eventbrite offer a wide range of workshops and events specifically focused on face painting, cinematic makeup, and special effects makeup. Plus the BBFPN (Black British Face Painters Network) regularly hosts conferences that cater to the specific needs and interests of its members.
3. Find your niche
As you begin working as a face painter, it’s crucial to define your place in the industry. This is especially important when making decisions about investing your resources, including supplies, marketing materials, and more.
Finding your niche is all about discovering what truly sets your artistic soul alight and creating a unique brand that will help you stand out from the crowd of other artists.
First things first, take a moment to reflect on your passion and skills. What do you excel at? Are you a master at creating jaw-dropping Halloween looks that leave Instagrammers in awe? Or maybe you have a talent for transforming entire birthday parties of kids into woodland characters, where bashful badgers, fiendish foxes and other charming creatures come to life.
As you explore your skillset, don’t forget the power of showcasing your expertise in order to attract new clients and impress existing ones. Build a portfolio that highlights your work and shout about your amazing creations on social media platforms.
Final thoughts
Being a face painter can be a truly rewarding and enjoyable profession. However, it’s crucial to bear in mind that it also comes with its own set of unique risks. When interacting with the public, especially children, unforeseen accidents can happen, and it becomes essential to protect your finances should you face legal action as a result.
Our comprehensive face painting insurance provides full liability coverage, giving you peace of mind knowing that you won’t be responsible for paying compensation and legal expenses if you make a mistake. By joining the Salon Gold community, you can continue to create magical experiences for children, knowing that your business’s future will remain secure, even in the face of unforeseen incidents. So why not protect your passion and join us today?
Give us a call on 020 8655 0444 for more information, or get a quote right away.
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