What is enough? Setting expectations and finding happiness in face painting

[@kathleen7849]

I've been at it so long that I'm now in the process of eliminating. I've made my kit small and simple. I have a regular gig. I don't follow anyone anymore, just click on photos for inspiration when I need it. After so long I still feel like a beginner lol but now I just think, if I'm making enough money and I see those happy faces, I'm happy. Now I'm looking to try different styles i.e. more graffiti, shimmers, and patterns.

[@fairyfox]

Kathleen- Thank you for sharing your enough definition with us! I recently started using the vivid glitter pallets, and I love them. Having those to add- but still such a small bulk it great. Sometimes I miss having a regular gig. I haven't gotten one since Covid shut it all down. We can all relate to the smile thing I think.

[@charleencollins1130]

@@fairyfox what sort of business offers a "regular gig"..?

[@flash_flood_area]

Glad you mentioned one strokes. I've gotten frustrated by seeing all the custom pallettes full of one strokes being used nowadays. Some people are getting great results with those, but it seems like a potential money trap to me. I like how most of your designs don't rely on lots of unusual one strokes from custom pallettes. It shows how we can produce great results without a ton of pricey bells and whistles in our kits... not that I'm saying that's a bad thing, if that's what a painter prefers! Artists need to go for whatever tools and materials they personally like to work with the most. Thanks for all your great tutorials and inspiration, Laura😊

[@fairyfox]

I am so happy to read all of this! I love to explore all the things, and then really invest once I know I love a product. Bells and whistles can be heavy to carry and expensive to buy- BUT- It is also rough when you avoid spending money and you miss out on amazing tools that would make your painting and your life better. Balance can be so hard to find.

[@MariaAyala-jx1bw]

I love your positive vibes and your lovely soul🙏. I’m new to face painting and my goal is to paint my grandkids and family members, so basically it’s a hobby for me. However, I’m very perfectionist 🥴 and I want to learn to paint beautifully. Thanks for your lovely work. 🙏

[@heikesauerwein6318]

Hi Laura, it's so much fun, just listening to your voice and enjoy how happy and vibrant you feel!. Plus your words are very inspiring and worth thinking about as well. I live in Germany and I'm really glad I discoverd you on the Internet!!! 🎨🖌️🤗

[@fairyfox]

Hello Heike- I love the chance to connect to like minded individuals. My biggest obstacle in face painting is definitely getting in my own way- and I can't help but share whatever it is I am thinking about. Thanks for being a part of my journey too.

[@virginiaaquinowall3161]

Hi Laura, I just discovered you on Internet and I love your videos. I started face painting two years ago and I really would appreciate if you could give us a list of the material you use (from paint to sponges, etc.). I love your style and motivation. Thanks.

[@fairyfox]

Thanks so much Virginia- I have a kit video I am working on now- stay tuned, it will be out in a couple weeks or so!

[@poorkitty9232]

This video is really helpful! I’m starting my journey as a face painter and I feel what you’ve shared will help me get clear about what it is that I’m trying to achieve with this venture. To make money doing something that I enjoy and that doesn’t deplete me like cafe or farm work that I’ve done in the past in the interim whilst I’m on my way to the life and career that I’m truly passionate about. And also to get used to making money from something that I find comes naturally to me. Money can come easy! Training myself out of those unsustainable money stories. But yes I have a tendency to get carried away and overshoot the task at hand. I would be the person to get every split cake 😅 so important to think about balance here. I don’t want to spend all of my time doing this, but I want to make enough to support my expenses. Again, this has been so helpful in my process! Thank you, you beautiful face painting queen 👑

[@fairyfox]

You are so very welcome! I truly believe happiness is found in our approach to life - more than it is in our specific life itself- always trying to figure out how to keep the sun shining!!!

[@charleencollins1130]

I try and keep my price on the high end..when people charge low prices because they are insecur in their work..then that sets a bar that customers want cheap prices..face painting is hard work, it takes talent and practice...I want to be worth, and earn good money ...

[@fairyfox]

It is really nice to find the place you feel like you fit!

[@jennifermcgee409]

Thank you for sharing such inspiration!

[@KATZNC]

Hello Love! Isn't it amazing how we can stress and not prioritize, or put ourselves first and more? Making determinations on what is enough is a great question. Super video. ❤❤

[@fairyfox]

Thanks so much! I hate it when I end a day of making people happy- and I am not happy- worrying about all that didn't happen. So going to try and re-focus that attention!!!

[@AnneBerbling]

So nice to see you tonight, Laura! This whole video really resonated with me; (I'm the painter who stays until the very last child, as well! ❤️) - thank you. *Laura Says I'm Enough!* (P.S. - I can't wait to try your big spider!) ~ Hugs, Anne 🥰

[@fairyfox]

You are so welcome! I know I am terrible at giving people live heads up warnings- but it is always awesome to see who pops in. Let me know how the spider goes for you- I am thinking I might try and made a vid on that one too.

[@AnneBerbling]

@@fairyfox That would be awesome, Laura! After I watched that one, I watched your "side" butterfly video, as well, and I have to tell you, I kept pausing it to look at your paint set-up! I wish you would do a video just *on your table*, LOL. It looked so nice! Are those individual paints/one-strokes just set on a tray, or is it some sort of system where they snap in? Because try as I might, my table looks *so messy* after the first couple of clients...I like to be able to pick up my colors, but maybe I could get over that...as long as I could still pick up and hold my black and white, as you do. And your brushes! Another area where I feel I need to be doing something differently... right now I lay them parallel to me, on a black towel - I've painted certain brush-ends in white (so I basically have a set for *just white* that saves me a lot of brush-washing) but still...messy. Also, I immediately looked up the glitter palette you were using and I *will* be getting that! (Thank you!!) ❤️🎨💚

[@fairyfox]

@@AnneBerbling I have had a couple others ask the same questions! I am waiting on a new tool- then I am going to do an updated video on paint, paint cutting, brushes, etc. Sometime in the next couple months- all your questions will be answered... okay- I hope not. Many of them will be.

[@AnneBerbling]

@@fairyfox Fantastic, Laura! Can't wait! 💜💜💜

[@wikkevanhessen]

U are so sweet (and wise!)

[@miriamgreen3973]

I was working side by side with a balloon artist who packed up in 5 minutes and left. My kit takes longer to pack up and I have to keep in mind the time factor as I lay items out.

[@fairyfox]

Yep- but if you work at an art festival- take a look at the HOURS it takes them to set up...it is all relative. :) that being said, I try and keep my kit super quick to clean up.

[@flash_flood_area]

Yeah, I have definitely had some great gigs and some highly disappointing ones. Also, I always wonder, if by getting an assistant, whether I won't make any money then, myself?

[@fairyfox]

The answer is both!! Making the leap to an assistant is huge and there is a lot to consider. If you are thinking about it, but not ready to take the plunge, I would consider getting another face painter to come and work a gig, and see if you even like (maybe you'll love!) not painting alone. If you have a line, you will make more money with an assistant, but if you're gigs are full of long pauses, you will lose money by not painting alone. Are you considering a line manager, or a second assistant painter??

[@flash_flood_area]

@@fairyfox Haha, thanks for the reply, Laura, I've considered both! I've also considered just teaming up with another painter, but I feel nervous about it all.

[@13breejess]

i need help and i’m thankful i’ve come across your channel. i love your spirit and enjoy your advice, laura! i would love help with: which supplies do i need or should by to get me started? there’s so many options, i love it all!

[@fairyfox]

Finding what works for you is a JOURNEY for sure. My two biggest keys- build slowly- and enjoy what you have. There is always going to be more- but make sure you have every color of the rainbow and some sparkles, after that the rest is just fun and extra.

[@virginiaaquinowall3161]

Thanks.

[@fairyfox]

You're welcome

[@charleencollins1130]

I’m in a small town and make good money per hour, $100-$150 per hour..I’m moving to a large city and competition is going to be a new to me…suggestions for a “new arrival” regarding pricing and finding business…

[@flash_flood_area]

Yikes, my pricing is sooo much lower than yours, and I live in a mid size city 😕

[@fairyfox]

I support people charging what they want- and I think you will find people who want you! Just remember moving to a bigger city means more people- so yes there will be competition , but more friends- more events- and probably bigger corporate accounts. It can be intimidating ( like really, I did it once and was super stressed) but I had a friend in the industry tell me to put on my big girl panties and get out there. It is advice I still tell myself when I get nervous. Big girl panty time.

[@charleencollins1130]

Corporate accounts, company event pay well, birthday parties a bit different..I take into consideration the venue, of course...all I'm saying really is value yourself...I originally looked on line and went by the cost I found...not everyone is the same, not every event is the same...really enjoying the art is the key...

[@charleencollins1130]

@@flash_flood_area maybe, maybe not..you are probably worth more than you think! lol...we are all sorta afraid to set our value...Please dont get me wrong. I'm not greedy but I had to learn, practice, work...I could never do what some of these gals do with tutorials etc..most "women" are afraid to expect more, we paint for friends etc..

[@charleencollins1130]

@@fairyfox I agree...

[@sadiecaitchronicles1321]

Hi, Laura. My name is actually Shannon... my daughter has taken over my account because her life goal is to become a KZbinr right now. :) I am just starting out with face painting and have been practicing on my kids and boards but not in the public yet. We have a Church event coming up to honor some heroes in our community. More specifically, police, fire, and EMS workers. I was thinking about volunteering to paint for the event just to get more experience but I don't know a lot of designs yet. I found a fire chief hat that I've practiced and I'm happy with, as well has a helicopter but I'd like to find an easy design for the fire fighter crowd and EMS. Trying to keep it really simple and narrow it down to a handful of event-related designs that I can focus on practicing and only offering those designs. Can you help direct me to a few simple designs for this idea? Thanks!

[@charleencollins1130]

…what about “copy rights” when painting cartoon characters…

[@fairyfox]

It is a GREAT question, and actually something I have come to believe everyone has to figure out for themselves. Sure there are laws- just like speed limits and people break laws all the time- not endorsing criminal behavior- but sometimes I feel like marvel owes me a little something for all the brand ambassador stuff I do for them! Haha. I try hard not to ever make it seem like I am endorsed or official or anything- but if a kid asks for Mickey I don’t mind painting the mouse.

[@charleencollins1130]

When artificial nail started years ago it was fabulous money...then people from other countries came and started doing a set of nails for $15 instead of $75...destroyed the industry...

[@fairyfox]

It can be really hard- and I totally hear you! The nice thing about face painting it is hard enough- and the good products are expensive enough that it doesn't attract too many people to stick with it.