5 quick tips to survive and thrive in Spring for face painters

by KATE MATTHEWS

Festivals, fetes, and fairs - spring is peak season for these types of events and good face painters are always in high demand. There's lots of opportunities to make fast cash so we have put together 5 quick tips to help you survive and thrive this Spring season.

1. Find out what's on in your area. Start with a Google search using the keywords of your city, town or region + fair fete festival. In no time at all you'll have a list of events to target. You may also like to keep your eye on the local newspaper and call around the schools in your area. Pop all the dates and details in your calendar as you come across them. Now you have a hit list and some strong leads you can target.
2. Make contact and find out what it will cost you to have a stall. Some events will have a flat rate stall holder fee. Most schools are fundraising so they may want a percentage of your profits on the day. 15 to 20% is reasonable but ultimately the amount you're willing to donate is up to you. Don't be afraid to negotiate or turn down a gig that doesn't adequately compensate you for time and materials. After all a successful business makes a profit.
3. Keep your designs fast and affordable. You're likely to have a long line waiting for their turn so the faster you can turn over the people in your chair the more money you will make! Any designs that take more than 5 minutes should be off the list. One stroke and split cakes will help with speed. As for price, I would suggest keeping it simple and offer your designs at one flat rate for all. $5 is reasonable for school fetes. However if you have booked a site at a festival or similar event you may wish to offer a wider a range of designs and prices. In this case a tiered pricing system works well.
4. Carry a float and hand out your biz cards. These events are a great opportunity to pick up extra work like birthday parties and other gigs. Everyone will be impressed by your skill and professional kit so be prepared to take advantage by making sure EVERYONE walks away with your card in their hands, as well as having a pile on a table next to the mirror. You'll also need somewhere safe to keep your money (I have a purse with a strap that I hang over my shoulder diagonally, but you may prefer a 'bumbag'. Take at least a $100 in a mix of notes and coins so you can give out change. What happens if you get hit with a $50 note first thing in the morning? And then another. Be ready for this because it will happen. If you have your biz cards in the same place you can hand them out with the change. Bingo!
5. Look after yourself too. Take regular breaks (you deserve it) and make sure you're not straining your back. Keep hydrated and wear sunscreen if you are outdoors. You should also work under a shelter. A market tent is ideal but if you're just starting out then you may be able to borrow one or even use a beach umbrella (that's what I did). Just make sure it's weighted and won't collapse or blow away in the wind.

Well what do you think? If you liked any of these ideas you can Pin this to your boards, Share on Facebook, Tweet it or save it for later (you'll find all the buttons below for quick and easy sharing). If you have any questions or tips of your own, we'd love to see you at our Facebook Group: Facepainter's Biz Q&A - where you can ask questions and get answers! Come on over and say hi, then take a look through all the questions and answers already posted.

Now you're savvy with the essentials of finding events and making the most of them we hope you have a wonderful season ahead and remember: great face painting designs start with quality products. Get yours from www.facepaintshopaustralia.com