How to have a successful face-painting booth at your fall non-profit event

Butterly and Zinnia ACEO

I have painted hundreds of faces to raise money for school, church and other non profit events that I have been involved with.  As a result of these experiences I have come up with a checklist to make this the best experience possible.

1.     Leave the full face, face painting for Halloween costumes or very experienced face painters.

2.     Enlist the help of students, parents and other volunteers, at school events where there is an abundance of children, the more painters, the better.

3.     Children are indecisive.  It is best to have a poster board with designs painted on them as an example of the motifs available.  Having set designs makes it easier for all. 

4.     Simple designs are best. Hearts, flowers and butterflies are perennial favorites with girls and as we all know, boys just love spiders and snakes.   I always have two sections of the poster board with the available designs, one for girls and one for boys.

5.     Incorporate seasonal motifs in your available designs.  Pumpkins, autumn leaves, candy corn, all perfect designs for fall.

6.     Give children the option of whether they would like the design painted on their face or the top of the hand. 

7.     I have always used a non-greasy water based pan paints specifically designed for face painting.   These paints, which are available in craft stores under the name, “Snazaroo”, are inexpensive and go a long way. 

8.     Buy an inexpensive small round brush and toss the one that comes with the paint kit.

9.     Set up a table with chairs and have water and paper towels available.

10. Bring a large hand mirror.  Kids love to view their art.

11. Make sure you have a sign listing the cost and note that all proceeds go to the non-profit organization.  Most people have no problem with a flat rate of one dollar.  You can, however, charge 50 cents.

12. Know what is popular with the kids.  If it is a simple cartoon character make sure you have that design available.  I can’t tell you how many Bart Simpson and Ninja turtles I have painted in the past. 

13. Have your painters practice so they feel comfortable with the designs on your list. 

14. If you make a mistake, don’t fret, just wipe it off with a damp paper towel and start over.  Kids are very forgiving and patient when it comes to having their face painted.

15. School logos are also a good item to have on your available list.

16. There will always be one or two children who ask for a design that is not on the list.  I try to accommodate all, if possible.  The worse that can happen is the child will not like the design and it can be wiped off.

17.   Look for designs in clip art collections, etc. 

Have a fun and successful face painting booth. One thing never gets old.  After a design is finished I hold the hand mirror up to the child’s face and watch the delight in their eyes as their smile broadens.  That is what it is all about.