What do you charge for Face Painting?

[Jolly Well]

Like mentioned before me, face painting is included as an either/or option in a standard party package. (either balloons or face-painting) I give them the option for both for an extra fee.

For volunteer or promotional work it varies.
If Im stiltwalking/strolling while twisting or painting - I just eat the loss. It's too much of a pain for me to collect cash on the go. If Im in clown, I use my top hat as my tip jar.

I'm looking to hire or train a face painter actually. It's something I can do, but not something I really get into doing. I'd rather be twisting or doing magic.

[SparkyDMFD]

I offer painting both in or out of clown so I offer two different pricing structures based on what I'm wearing. Obviously, it's a lot easier to paint in plain clothes and I actually sometimes get as much or more because for some insane reason people look at you more as an "artist" when you're painting in plain clothes than in costume.

I've evaded painting for tips until recently. I began painting at our local professional hockey team games for tips. They provide me with GREAT signage stating something to the effect that I'm painting for tips. I also print out nice signs from my puter and tape everywhere I can find a place (ie: the table I'm painting from, the back of my tall chair, etc.)

I think one of things that really helps, but took me awhile to get used to it is HOLDING $$$$ in the hand I'm not painting with. I start with a fist of bills making sure that I have a $5 on the outside, maybe a $10 on the other side and 1's in the middle. This way as I'm balancing my hand on top of kids heads while I'm painting...it's my way of encouraging them to TIP BIG! I don't keep all of my tips in my hand....only enough for "show."

So far it's been a worthwhile venture for me and they also give me lots of "free game" tickets to take friends and family with.

Sparky
Des Moines, IA

[charmandhappy]

Sparky,

Glad you mentioned that for some insane reason a face painter dressed in normal or business casual attire has higher perceived value to clients than when dressed in clown.

I think part of that is due to not very many clowns (yet) paint as
well as someone who specializes in face painting. To many people, clowns are still pretty much "jack of all trades, master of none" in
the entertainment world. And to be honest, I believe that to be true for the most part too. There are only a few select (as the numbers are growing) clowns who paint exceptionally well.

My fees for a face painter out of clown is higher.

Carmen Tellez
Carmen@CharmandHappy.com
Los Angeles, CA

[Jolly Well]

Agreed. I find very few Clowns that are great face painters; myself included. I'm a decent enough artist, and paint well on most mediums; but face painting just isn't something I really enjoy.

I dabble, to be able to offer it at events - and can do enough to satisfy my customers. I've seen some amazing face painters though, and not one of them have been a clown.

Tit for tat I guess though - I doubt any of them could ride my unicycle or have a decent magic routine.

[Sonshine D Clown]

[quote=Jolly Well;23423]Agreed. I find very few Clowns that are great face painters; myself included. I'm a decent enough artist, and paint well on most mediums; but face painting just isn't something I really enjoy.
...

Jolly... There is a lady down your way that is a great facepainter. We met at a class held by Clash - Maybe you could contact Anna (Clash) and get the name of the lady in your area who facepaints.
Meet my friend.. .Clash the Clown.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lUQxH-wvqM

www.jestparty.com

Kalamazoo Michigan...

[Jitterbug]

Hello all, if I'm at an event, I charge $3 for a nice cheek art, $1 for a quickie, and $5 for full face. Otherwise if I'm JUST doing face painting, I charge $100 for 2 hours, and $75 for ea addn'tl hour. Clowning or balloons only is $75 for 2 hours. Not as much work for me.

[Fitzwilly]

Jitterbug, I still need to get together with you sometime and see some of your work. I had a couple of gigs your way this fall but wasn't able to connect with you. Maybe when Scruffy and I meet up you and Sassy can join in the festivities.

[Finito]

Holy Cow! I just got back from Walt Disney World with my daughter and they're getting up to $30 a pop for face paint!

[Sassy Frass]

I am currently painting for 2.00-5.00 $$ per child.

[Sassy Frass]

Originally Posted by Finito

Holy Cow! I just got back from Walt Disney World with my daughter and they're getting up to $30 a pop for face paint!

We had our grandchildren done in July at Toontown for 50.00 (for both)!
I guess I got a deal....RIGHT?!?