Ready to Go Bigger?
Local birthday parties are great gigs for beginner face painters, but what should you do when you’re ready to expand your business? Once you’ve mastered the art of face painting at smaller parties, it’s time to consider how to scale your business and acquire bigger clients. Growing beyond the backyard and bringing your talents to fairs, festivals, and corporate events takes time, effort, and strategy. We’re here to help you scale your business with helpful tips on pricing, setup, gear, and branding.
From Side Hustle to Showstopper
Moving your business forward can be intimidating, but the benefits of being a full-time artist are hard to pass up. Demand is increasing for face painters at large events, such as festivals and corporate celebrations. Once you establish yourself as a professional, local businesses will be more likely to hire you and recommend you to other potential clients.
Festival-Ready: How to Prep for Bigger Gigs
At first glance, festivals and corporate events appear to be the same as birthday parties, just on a larger scale. However, there are more elements to consider when booking bigger gigs. The first item to prepare for is volume. Chat with the event manager to get an idea of how many people will be attending, including the number of children, and how many attendees are likely to want their faces painted. Even if the manager can only provide rough estimates, this will help you properly gauge the amount of time you can spend on each client. Additionally, you can select a range of designs to offer that fit within that time frame.
Another vital element to consider is location. The location of the event, specifically where your setup will be, can influence how you set up your kit, advertising materials, and more. If your area has access to electricity, for example, you might be able to accept more payment types or use more lighting. Regardless of the location, remember to bring weather-protective gear, such as tents and umbrellas, to stay dry and protected.
Pricing with Confidence
With so many variables influencing your event pricing, it can be challenging to cut through the noise and feel confident in what you are charging. To simplify the process, consider these four factors: travel, supplies, demand, and event size. Once you determine how each of these factors will affect your pricing, you need to decide on a pricing model. If you were hired by a company or for a private event, consider using per-hour pricing. This kind of contract will enable you to focus solely on the customer experience, rather than rushing to paint as many faces as possible.
In contrast, per-face pricing is beneficial for public events like festivals and local fairs. This pricing model allows you to price your designs in a tiered structure based on the intricacy or size of each design. Depending on the event, this could also prove to be more lucrative than all-in pricing.
Set Up for Success
One of the pitfalls beginner face painters fall into is underestimating the power of a professional setup. Without the proper storage and workstation, your supplies can get damaged, take longer to set up, and fail to pique the interest of potential clients. The Craft-n-Go case is an all-in-one solution to these common problems. With features like magnetic work surfaces and adjustable legs, your Craft-n-Go case is ready to adjust to any environment. Download our printable Festival Set-Up Checklist to get prepared for your next big event!
Why Face Painters Love Craft-n-Go
Organized compartments = less stress
Durable design = reliable for outdoor venues
Fast setup = more clients served, more money earned
Three Available Sizes = options for every event size
Fan-Favorite Accessories = customize your case to fit your needs
Time is Money
When you are working in a busy season, efficiency is everything. Here are a few ways to keep yourself organized and event-ready:
- Prep your face painting kit in advance. Organize your supplies and tools in your case before you leave for each event. That way, you can simply open your case and extend the legs when you arrive, and you’ll be ready to go!
- Use checklists and booking tools.
- Keep popular designs organized together.
Building a Brand That Books Itself
When it comes to branding your face painting business, the key is creativity. Your unique artistic style is the perfect way to set yourself apart from others. Consider branded attire, business cards, signs, banners, social media graphics, or online videos. Being authentically present both locally and online is the key to showcasing what you have to offer. Partnering with other local companies and events is a great way to grow your business and network with potential clients. Consider having a QR code on your business cards that directs people to your website or social media page, so that they can get a sense of your style and event set up.
It’s Time to Build a Business
The journey from parties to festivals isn’t a one-day process, but it is well worth your time and effort in the end. Investing in tools that support your growth will enable you to navigate the transition with confidence. Preparing for bigger events is easier when you know how to approach pricing and presentation.