Is free hand the only way to go or can you make stencils? I do woodburning and find stencils from Leather working designs look nice burned and it seems to me might they make nice face painting designs as well. I would not use on restless younger children but older ones or adults who will hold still would this be a viable option?

Dartel

I have seen some face painting stencils that look pretty good. A trick that was taught to us in face painting is to look at the designs and break them down into basics shapes. (I.E. Think of an Ice cream cone as a pink ball resting on a brown triangle.) Also if you want to paint by hand, Come up with maybe ... 10 things that you are good at drawing and then refine them untill you are good at them. then, add a few more later. There is no shame in working from a menu board. most face painters that I have been around do just that.

There are stencils availible, don't be afraid to try. You might come up with something revolutionary!
Scruffy