Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to ask when I am hiring a face painter?

There are several factors to consider when you decide to hire a face painter for your next event.   Once you decide what kind of event you will be hosting, you can use the following information to get the answers you need when you go to hire a face painter.  Click on the questions for our answers.

1. Talk to the artist in person and ask to see examples of their work.

2. Ask what kind of paints do the face painters use?  Safety and hygiene policy?

3.  What kind of faces do they paint and how long do they take?  How do they manage long lines?

4.  How much is it?  Is there a deposit?  Is there a contract? 

5.  What do I need to provide for the face painter?

6.  Can we take pictures while you paint?

 

1. Talk to the artist in person and ask to see examples of their work.  He/She is going to be interacting with your party/event guests and you want them to be personable and friendly.  They are your entertainment and they also reflect you and your company.  Make sure that the services that you are wanting are ones they provide.  Don't expect someone who specializes in face painting to entertain your party with magic acts and balloons.  Some will, some won't.  Ask for references if you are still unsure about the artist after talking or meeting with them. 

**We would love to talk with you!!  If you would like to see us "in action" e-mail us and we will let you know what public events in Alabama are coming up on the calendar.   As to your specific event, our face painting artist will dress up in a costume for an additional fee.  For corporate events, we can wear our standard face painting outfit (Starshine Faces shirt and apron) or a company shirt that you provide (make sure we have a place to change clothes if you don't get the shirt to us in advance!).  We also have add on packages available including henna, glitter tattoos, UV paints, gemstones and hair color that you can add to our face paint packages.  We prefer not to do balloons for birthday parties where the majority of the children are under the age of 3 (balloons are a very dangerous choking hazard).  Don't ask us to do magic...we can't.  

2. Ask what kind of paints do the face painters use?  Safety and hygiene policy?

**Starshine Faces will NEVER use acrylic or tempura paint on you or your guests.  These paints are not FDA certified for use on skin.  We only use FDA and Child Safety certified face paints.  We also use glitter that is specially designed for cosmetic use.  It is a fine polyester dust-type glitter (yet, very sparkly) and we will never use the metal craft type glitter on anyone.  Do not let someone put craft glitter or craft paint on you or your child's face...ever.  For more information on acrylic paints and face paint you can visit the links at Snazaroo and the FDA

We will not paint any person who is obviously sick (cold, runny nose, watery eyes, etc) or has a rash or other skin problem.  If there is a question, we will opt on the side of caution.  This is for the safety and health of the artist and other clients.  If there are questions about allergic reactions to the face paints, a patch test is offered. 

3.  What kind of faces do they paint and how long do they take?  How do they manage long lines?

**Our half faces and full faces can take anywhere from 3 to 7 minutes to paint, which means we average about 10-12 children per hour.  We do not provide air brush painting at this time.  We will also paint other body parts (arms, legs, backs, necks, pregnant tummies, etc.).  Cheek Art takes 1-5 minutes to paint and stamps take practically no time at all.  These are great for large corporate events where you need lots of painting in little time.  Some of our half faces take less time than detailed cheek art and the faces have a greater "Wow" effect. 

**For some events we can incorporate a number system to prevent children or adults from having to stand in long, boring lines.  This also allows children to participate in other activities that may be planned.  Every person who would like to be painted is given a numbered sticker and they can check back periodically (or the next numbers can be announced) to see what number is currently being painted (this number will be posted on a sign so it is easy to see).  There are other methods of line control as well and the best one will be suggested for the type of event you are having.

4.  How much is it?  Is there a deposit?  Is there a contract? 

**Depending on your event the costs are usually by the hour or by the face.  Birthday parties and smaller events up to 20 people are by the package.  Festivals, some fundraisers, and larger events are by the hour.   Let us know what kind of event you are having by sending us an e-mail and we will quote you a price.   After talking to us, if you would like to book us for your event, a contract will be sent out for you to sign and return with a 50% non-refundable retainer for all events.  Your date will be held as soon as the deposit is received (first come first serve on all dates) and the contract is required at least 7 days before the event date.  If you have any questions on these, just ask us.  When the artist gets to your event, the remainder of the payment is to be paid upon her/his arrival. 

Remember, no matter who you decide to hire, if you enjoyed their work, tips are always appreciated. 

5.  What do I need to provide for the face painter?

**We can provide everything we need, but it is easier if you can provide some of the following items: table, two chairs, paper towels, water, and plenty of elbow room.  If the temperature is higher than 95 degrees (and it is most of the year here in Alabama) then the space needs to be air conditioned (some of the paint colors and the painter tends to melt in hot, humid weather).  Otherwise a shady location if it is warm outside is much appreciated. 

**Things you do need to provide no matter who you hire are other activities for the guests and supervision for those in line.  Painting faces takes time and although lots of people will stand around and watch, the children have more fun when they can go play something else and check in from time to time to see if it is their turn.  The face paint artist is concentrating primarily on the design and person they are painting.  For this reason, they are unable to attend to unruly children or unsupervised children who may be waiting in line and it is not their place to discipline or supervise them.  At small parties and events, our artists will give the party host the numbered stickers to hand out.  This way the party host decides the order of who gets painted and any arguments about who is next will be the hosts responsibility. 

6.  Can we take pictures while you paint?

**Don't forget the camera!  We have heard time and time again, "I wish I had my camera!"  Parents love to get their kids home and take pictures instead of just throwing them in the bath to "wash all that paint off."   A photo is a great addition to thank you cards, or a perfect reminder of the company picnic.  With digital cameras, you can just e-mail the event pictures to your guests. 

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