Every pro was once a beginner with a glitter explosion story. Mistakes aren’t signs that you are failing as an artist. Big messes and shaky lines are a necessary part of the learning process, and they can teach you a lot. Join us as we walk through the top seven mistakes new face painters make, and we’ll show you how to avoid them in the future.
Mistake #1: The Disorganized Kit Disaster
What It Is: Tools tossed in a bag, glitter lids unscrewed, no sense of order.
Why It Happens: New painters often “make do” instead of investing in a setup.
How to Avoid It: Use a compartmentalized, portable workstation (like a Craft-n-Go case!) to keep supplies visible and secure.
Mistake #2: Forgetting the Essentials
What It Is: You show up to a gig and realize… you forgot sponges. Or black paint. Or water.
Solution: Create a checklist for all of your case essentials and run through it before you leave for each gig. This will help you keep your case stocked and ready.
Bonus: Use our Festival Set-Up Checklist to prepare for your next big event!
Mistake #3: The “Where Did I Put That?” Panic
What It Is: You set up quickly, but then spend the next 20 minutes hunting for your black paint, your brushes, your wipes…
The Real Problem: Your setup routine is fast, but not organized. Your supplies don't have a place to go once you arrive at each gig.
How to Avoid It: A Craft-n-Go case helps you set up in minutes and keeps everything visible and in its place. No more digging. Just open, flip up the lid, and paint.
Mistake #4: Station Sprawl
What It Is: Your station creeps out over three folding tables. Supplies are everywhere.
Why It Hurts: It looks unprofessional, slows you down, and overwhelms clients.
How to Fix: Keep your footprint small and functional. Craft-n-Go cases are designed for compact, efficient layouts.
Mistake #5: Mixing Products (and Regrets)
What It Is: Using non-cosmetic glitter or off-brand face paint.
Danger: Allergies, staining, bad coverage, and disappointed clients.
Avoid It: Stick to cosmetic-grade products, and organize them in labeled sections inside your case.
Mistake #6: Not Having a Backup Plan
What It Is: Your chair breaks. A kid sneezes into your paint. You run out of baby wipes.
Smart Move: Pack backups for the big stuff, and create a small “Oops Kit” with wipes, bandages, and paper towels. Be sure to have duplicates of your favorite or most-used products, just in case something happens to the original.
Mistake #7: Trying to Wing It Without Practice
What It Is: You’ve got your paints, your brushes, your glitter… but you haven’t actually practiced your designs under pressure.
Why It Trips You Up: Kids squirm. Lines form. Time flies. Without practice, even simple designs can get stressful fast.
How to Avoid It: Run a few timed trial sessions at home—on a Practice Board, your own arm, or a willing friend or family member. The more you practice, the more confident (and speedy) you’ll be at your gigs.
Remember:
Mistakes are part of the learning curve, but with the right habits (and the right case), you can skip the mess and paint like a pro.
Want to upgrade your setup? Explore Craft-n-Go Face Painting Cases