Fancy's Face & Body Art

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Talk to them live

This can be on the phone or in person, but I think it is important to do more than just accept a referral from a Party Store, Agency or Internet web site.

Get a "feel" for them

While talking to the artist, get a feel for them: are the friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Remember, this person is going to be interacting with your children, friends or employees and is representing you so you should be comfortable with them.

Ask what type of paint do they use (see below)

Its your children's skin: Make sure you know what is going on it. (see below) Make sure that they are using FDA approved paints. We use only FDA approved paints such as Snazzaroo, Mehron, Wolfe Brothers, Diamond FX, etc . They all wash off with soap and water or baby wipes and glitter tattoos, metal tattoos, airbrush tattoos are easily removable with alcohol.

Find out if they use brushes or face paint sticks

This has an impact on the number of faces they can do in a limited amount of time as well as the type and style of work they are doing, It is also a consideration with respect to the age of the children (my opinion) and what you need to do to set up for them.

Hand painting is very unique and creative. It is most appropriate for most venues. I can paint between 12 and 20 full face or cheek art designs in an hour while some face painters can only do 10-12 faces an hour. Each design is hand created and is more value for your buck.

Ask for references if you don't know them

If you haven't seen their work firsthand and you don't know them, ask the painter for references or you can find out their client list. They may be limited, as many clients don't want to be bothered, but once again the purpose is for you to feel comfortable with the artist.

Ask them what type of work they do (cheek art, Full Face, etc)

You should have a clear understanding of what you can expect as far as the type of work they do. (See Below)

Ask for samples of their work (website or pictures)

Some artists pages are copyrighted images of someone elses work, ask if the website pictures were made by them. You have the right to see the quality of the work you are going to be paying for so take a look at their work. Know what you are paying for!!!

Get a firm quote on the services and what is included

Make sure you have a firm agreement up front; it prevents conflicts and problems later on. Quotes can be on an Hourly Basis or as a Flat Rate. Typically Flat rate is based on the number of faces to be painted, the Type of Work or a Day Rate. Rates vary greatly based on where you are located. I can quote rates for my work only in the area in which I work. NOTE: After the Artist is finished, if you liked their work and their personality at your party or event, you can show your appreciation with a TIP we always appreciate it.

What You Need to Provide

Space - Depending on the type of painting, and the type of event - Party, corporate promotions, festival etc., you will need to provide a washable surface, a couple of chairs, water, paper towels and something for the artist to drink (at least it's a nice offer to make). Fancy's face painting provides everything (except a cool drink) for your piece of mind but some other face painters don't. Know what you are getting into when booking.

Activities - Face painting is done one at a time. It can take a while (most of our designs take 1 to 5 minutes) so it is best to plan other activities for the children while faces are being painted. The best activities are the ones that allow children to pop in and out as their turn for painting arrives. Many children (and adults) can literally sit for hours watching the painting... but best not to count on it.

Supervision - Keep an eye on the children, including deciding the order for painting. The artist needs to concentrate on the painting and should not be expected to determine who is next nor keep the kids from getting unruly - WHICH, as the mother of 2 children, I KNOW NEVER HAPPENS. Personally, I usually start asking the next child in line what they want painted a minute or 2 before I am finished with the current face just to minimize time by making certain the next child has decided what they want before its their turn. Adding a Line Manager makes it even faster so the Artist can paint instead of wasting time figuring out what everyone wants.

Type of Art Work

Cheek Art - Things painted on cheeks, or portions of a persons face (and arms). My general rule is that up to 1/2 of a persons face is cheek art, and anything over that is Full Face.

Full Face - Anytime a large portion of the face is covered, I call it full face painting. Also, if a base coat of paint is applied to the entire face, I consider it full face painting.

NOTE: It takes about the same amount of time for Full Faces or Cheek art. Many cheek arts actually take longer than full faces.

Parts - This is often rolled into cheek art category. It includes arms, legs, hands, neck, shoulders, backs, bellybuttons, feet, etc. Usually it refers to doing designs in a limited scale to these area.

Full body - Fairly obvious. This is where the entire body or multiple body parts are painted.

Character - So your kids want Mickey Mouse painted on their cheek or Elmo painted on their arms. This is character painting and the important thing to remember is that the characters image may be copyrighted and protected under the laws of the U.S. So what? well, just thought it is important for you to know that in case someone says, " sorry I can't do that because..." Usually only happens for Corporate parties and not personal parties though.

Application Techniques

Brush ï¿½ this is the most common method of applying face paint. It provides fine detail work, is flexible easy to use and transport. One nice thing about the Brush is that is also provides a unique piece of work each and every time. The biggest disadvantage of the Brush is that is takes longer than some other methods to apply.

Sponge ï¿½ Sponges are excellent for covering large areas quickly such as faces, arms, etc. The sponge is also good in blending colors together to soften lines. The sponge can also be used for special effects such as beards and bruises. Application over stencils is also possible with sponges which can increase the speed of application.

Finger Painting ï¿½ Can be fun but generally not meant for professional face painting. (however, if you are married and have a fun loving spouseï¿½ï¿½ï¿½.)

Types Paint

Note: Almost any paint that hits clothing, fabric, or other porous material may stain that material so be careful.

Face & Body Paints

Water Based Cakes ï¿½ this is an excellent paint for brush and sponge work. It is water soluble, washes off easily with soap and water, and cover very well. Some of the colors are not as vibrant as can be seen with other types of paints but the over all advantage of these paints make them, in my opinion, the best choice for almost ALL face painting requirements. I use this for base colors, detail work and all applications on children. There are several manufactures of this paint and some have FDA approval. These paints dry well, although if the skin moistens again, perspiration, rain, etc.. the paint will re-wet and is subject to smearing.

Water Based Liquids ï¿½ These are good paints for face painting. They cover well and can be applied with brush or a sponge this paint is water soluble and washes off easily with soap and water. This is a good choice for face painting. I have noticed that depending on the brand and thickness of liquid paint used, there is a tendency for the liquid paints to crack as they dry and the "canvas" moves.

Crï¿½me (Water Base) - These paints are used to create blended effects that rival airbrush work. The catch is that they take longer to dry (which is necessary for the blending effect) so on small children, they can smear the creation before it fully dries.

Crï¿½me (Grease) ï¿½ This is the traditional "stage" makeup. It is not good for most face painting such as parties, festivals, etc. The colors are very vibrant and they resist smearing from perspiration. Crï¿½me colors require a setting agent to reduce smearing as they do not dry in air. Removal of crï¿½mes (regardless of what is claimed) really is done with cold crï¿½me. It comes off easy with the cold crï¿½me.

Face Paint Markers ï¿½ These are markers, which is an applicator of liquid based face paints. They can be either water based and remove simple with soap and water or alcohol based which last up to several days yet remove with alcohol or lotion.

Commercial Makeup ï¿½ Lipstick, Blush, Eyeliner, Foundation, etc. Donï¿½t forget that regular makeup can be used to great or enhance the effects of face paints.

Other Paints

Acrylics ï¿½ I HAVE A LETTER FROM ONE OF THE MANUFACTURES OF THIS PAINT STATING WITHOUT RESERVATION THAT IT IS NOT TO BE USED ON SKIN.

This paint is used by a LOT of face painters. (BE CAREFUL AND ASK) It is relatively cheap, good coverage, readily available and vibrant colors. There is also a wide variety of colors and special effect paints (glittery, pearlescent, semi transparent..) These are the same paints artists use to paint on canvas, on fabrics or walls, etc. It is not designed for use on human skin. It does wash off pretty easily although you can see it come off like pealing paint off your wall (which is what it is). I do not use acrylics for face painting as it is not intended to be used on people and I am concerned with reactions on a childï¿½s sensitive skin.

Airbrush Acrylics ï¿½ Another very common paint used especially by airbrushers is fabric acrylics. All the considerations, pros and cons, of above are similar. DONï¿½T USE THEM>>>>> PERIOD

Markers ï¿½ Often times Water Soluble markers are used for painting. I have never tried them so I canï¿½t comment on them

Aerosol Spray Paints ï¿½ DONï¿½T USE THEM>>>>> PERIOD

Tempera Paints ï¿½ Some people have used them. They are NOT made to be put on a person's skin so don't do it. They do not have a FDA child safety rating.

Henna ï¿½ Not really a paint but in a parallel field. It provides a semi permanent "Tattoo". In face painting, as defined as parties, street work and festivals, it really does not fit. For a long term, up to 3 weeks, temporary tattoo, it is pretty cool.

Special Effects

Glitter ï¿½ Fun stuff for kids especially. Just avoid application very close to the eyes. Glitter MUST be the polyester type and NOT metallic. For parents, it is the hardest thing to wash off because the glitter, especially fine grain, likes to stick onto the skin.

Credit this article to a Chicago Facepainter

Health & Safety

Terms & Conditions

We adhere to safety guidelines for the health and safety of our clients.

Paints: We only use professional high quality water based face paints and glitters

Clean sponges are used for each face.
Paints are removed easily with water.
Paints may not be suitable for sensitive skin or babies. (List of ingredients on demand.) Skin tests available to check this.
We will not paint over skin conditions or cuts.
We follow strict health & hygiene guidelines, and all sponges, brushes and hair bands are cleaned during and after every event

Child Safety:

Please make sure you supervise your child, although we are there to entertain, we are not to be left alone with children; we are not babysitters. Make sure your child(ren) are not unruly and excessively touchy feely with the table and contents. Some children can get excited and come into another childï¿½s face while I am face painting it. I will need space to be one-on-one with each child for best results. Please make sure there are other things to entertain children so there will not be a big line at one time.
We will not paint a child, or anybody else, without their own consent.
During face painting we always explain what we are doing and chat with clients to put them at ease.

Terms & Conditions

Please read these points for a happy, stress-free event!

Who We Will Paint

We will not paint on wounds, infections, dirty or sensitive skin. Slips explaining this (to be given to parents with invitations) are available.
Some young children are not good subjects, and we may refuse to paint them.
We will not paint anyone however young, against their own wishes.
We reserve the right to refuse to paint any person or part of a person we feel is unsuitable, or with what we consider to be offensive symbols or subjects.
We will not use photos of painted children without parental permission. Printable permission slips (to be given to party guests' parents with invitations) are available. Photos will only be used for publicity purposes, and copies can be emailed free.
If more guests want to be painted than we were booked for, we may not manage all in the time quoted. If we can we will stay longer, if you wish to pay for the extra time. If not, we may paint small fast designs on as many as we are able.
At parties, one guest queuing is enough. We paint on through games and food, as 5 minutes absence from them does not upset most children.
We are not there to control or entertain the entire party, although we donï¿½t mind an audience! Clients are responsible for their children at all time.

Equipment

We use only highest quality, professional water-based products, but they may irritate sensitive skin. If a child has sensitive skin, or allergies, please tell us before we paint them. We may be able to paint on less sensitive areas. We are not liable for any allergic reactions to paint.
A clean sponge is used for each face, and all are machine washed between bookings. Brushes are cleaned with professional soap between bookings and we also use cotton swabs.
Please arrange a space for us with good light, and do not touch, or allow children to touch, our equipment. For safety reasons, please donï¿½t play in this area; we will not be liable for any damage or injuries should this occur.

Removing Paint

Remove painted faces with a washcloth and soap, baby wipes, cold cream or cleansing lotion.
Paint will not survive baths, or overnight (unless on your pillows!). Most paints wash off with a cloth. We exercise reasonable caution, but are not responsible for damaged clothes or property.

IF UNIQUE IS WHAT YOU SEEK!