$ Ka- Ching! Face-paint your way to extra cash!
Face-painting isn’t just for little kids anymore—folks of all ages are adding a festive touch to their faces for everything from birthdays to elegant masquerade balls! If you’ve got a steady hand and artistic flair, you can earn up to $100 an hour. And wi
✔ SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS!
Demand for face-painting is sky-high, thanks to the popularity of Facebook photos—plus adults are now in on the fun as designs move from simple balloons to more intricate works. The best way to polish your painting skills? Watch online tutorials, then practice on friends. Check out Sillyheather on Youtube.com, a free channel with more than 300 videos. Or you can choose from hundreds of classes on subscription-based FABATV. com (Face and Body Art TV). As for supplies, “you’ll need a high-quality waterbased face-painting kit,” says FABATV’S Heather Green, who also recommends synthetic brushes (which hold water better) and cosmetic foam (not latex) sponges. “Latex repels water, while foam absorbs it, so you can blend colors more easily.” Need a starter kit? Try the Silly Face Fun kit, $24.99, from Sillyfarm.com.
✔ LEARN A FEW FAVES!
No need to know every character under the sun to keep kids happy! You’ll be party-ready as long as you know the top kiddie faves: princess, butterfly, rainbow, tiger, cat, dog, bunny, Batman, Spiderman and fairy. Facepainting for adults? “It’s very popular at dance and musical festivals and at masquerades,” says Green. Top requests include Venetian masks, tribal designs and Day of the Dead–style skulls.
✔ GET THE WORD OUT!
It’s always smart to post your work on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to try Green’s top strategy: “Visit restaurants like Chick-fil-a that have family nights and offer your services. Bring pictures of your work and say, ‘I’d love to add some extra fun and color to your family night. Let’s try it out for a month, and it will help us both out.’ ” Charge half your going rate, and you’ll make up the rest in tips, plus get great exposure! Another option: Network with other face painters. “Believe it or not, the number of good face painters is very limited,” says Green. “The best ones need help and can often use another face painter.”