Starting a Face Painting Business

Why not work on your own hours and be in business at the same time? A face painting business offers you these advantages and also be able to work with kids at the same time!

Putting smiles on the faces of children thru painting can be both rewarding and profitable. If these features appeal to you then this business guide will push you to success.

The key in starting a face painting business is foresight and preparation. As a business owner looking to develop loyal face paint clients, you should be keen in how you manage your operation. Here are 4 systems you should know to get your business off and painting.

Step 1 is to have good paint supplies and care.

Find a supplier who can offer you water based paint that can be washed off easily with water and mild soap. Make sure they are FDA approved paint. You don’t want to encounter skin allergy problems with your clients. Work with at least 18 colors, it will save you a lot of time than working with just 8 colors. An 18 color wheel usually costs about $60. You will also need to invest on several sponges for application, as well as a number of glitter gels, special effect materials like waxes and fake blood, temporary tattoos and stick gems and jewels. Invest for several types of brushes too as well as lots of tissues and mirrors. The normal start up cost for face painting business is about $150-$200.

Step 2 is developing face painting management plan.

Before you start painting, estimate how many heads you can work on. It maybe a good idea to hire some help if there are too many to handle. Practice face painting down to 4-5minutes a face. A 10 minute work on a face is poor time management. This means you can cover only 6 faces in an hour where it should be around 15. Next have a set of 15-20 facial designs to choose from. This way, you are in control of your painting styles. Always visualize the end face product on each face.

Step 3 is packaging your business image.

Create a portfolio of your work. Take your camera and shoot photos of your finished products. This will be a valuable tool to showcase your business to prospective clients. Have a business card with your business name and contact information printed on it. Hand it out and make it easier for customers to reach you and remember you. Another important thing is to know your rate. If your rate is $30 per hour then stand by that rate and don’t allow customers to decide your rate for you. And then decide a system of charging. Will you charge by the hour, per face or work for tips?

Step 4 is getting referrals and repeat business.

Face painting is not limited to birthday parties. You can cater your services to company events, fairs, as well as fund raisers. Make follow up calls to customers for referral business. Offer discounts to repeat customers. Provide quality service and network with your clients.

19 Comments

  • elaine said on December 1, 2009
    I would like to start a face painting business in merritt island, florida. I need more information on licensing, permit, insurance, etc.
  • Gulia said on February 14, 2010
    hello i am guli! i am in dubai! i am looking to start face painting business. Can you help me please?
  • duamutef said on April 28, 2010
    hello i'm in n.y.c and i would like a face painting business i would like more info. on the requirements to face paint in the park, blockparties, street, like licensing, insurance, permits
  • Desiree said on July 1, 2010
    Hi my name is desiree, i started my face painting business at 13. When do i need to start paying taxes, getting a permit, licensed, and insurance although i'm under 18? Please email me.
  • Jullianna. kelly said on July 22, 2010
    Business location: hillsborough county, Tampa/ Brandon, Florida. I want to start a face painting business I've done one gig n got $100 I charged $75. Where do I go next what license n insurance n permits do I need? Can I continue booking gigs or should I get a license first?
  • Edward Pascual Caoc said on August 8, 2010
    Hi Gulia! I just read your post and I think I can help you if you are still interested.Do you have sponsor? so you can apply for the license, after that you can have your business but not only for facepainting, it will be better for you if you will apply for party need license so you can have also balloon decor, styro designs so you can have all the services that your client will ask from you including some performances like clowns, magicians. Actually its a very good business because the cost is low regarding the materials but the service you are giving is high so it means the profit is high! if you want you can call me, i'm a filipino 34yo living here in dubai.+971553491184
  • Fenya said on January 16, 2011
    hello I'm in LA Ca...i would like to start a face painting business but i would like to know more info, on it as what do i need with where is the best place to get the items and the requirements ...please email me back thx
  • mandy walker said on April 23, 2011
    Hi, Just wondering if you need a permit or license for face painting in a park as we are considering starting a face painting business and am unsure what we need to get started..Please email me any info welcome...Thank you
  • Ghada said on May 17, 2011
    hello I am living in Dubai and I am Interested in doing face painting activities in birthdays and private kids parties as free lancer, but I'm wondering if such activities need a license or permit, please email me your feedback. Thanks in advance
  • mylanie l. floresta said on January 23, 2012
    hello I am living in Dubai and I am really keen to do face painting in all kind of birthdays. But I dont where to study face painting, buy the material and if such activities need a license or permit, please email me your feedback. Thanks in advance, Mylanie
  • MELISA DUNN said on April 30, 2013
    YES ID LOVE SOME INFORMATION TO ON HOW TO GET STARTED IN FACE PAINTING, I'VE DONE EVENTS LIKE AT HOTELS, BUT I KNEW THE MANAGEMENT THEIR AN I DIDNT HAVE TO HAVE ANY PERMITS ,OR ANYTHING, I GUESS ITS ON WHO YOU KNOW, AN I JUST WANNA BE SAFE AN NOT GET INTO ANY TROUBLE ,SO I WANT SOMETHING TO BACK ME CERTIFICATE , LICENSE ,JUST SOMETHING.I LIVE IN DAYTON,OHIO AN THEIR WILL BE TONS OF EVENTS AN I WANT TO DO MY FACE PAINTING. I HAVE PICTURES OF MY WORK.
  • Juanita Reteria said on September 26, 2013
    I would love more info on how to start my own business. Please be in touch. I am in the process of building my portfolio and community contacts and resources.
  • Rachel said on October 29, 2013
    I am interested in becoming a face painter and would like to know how and where i need to start. I am in Lehigh acres, fl any information would be beyond helpful. Thank you.
  • Bonnie said on July 4, 2014
    Hi! I'm interested in starting a Face Painting business, not sure if I need permits, business license or business name. I am in Florida. Would you please advise? Thank you! Bonnie
  • Victoria Hallam said on August 1, 2014
    Hi I have face painted before at local fairs but am now thinking of starting it as a side job for a small business please can you advise if I need to get a certificate any check to work with kids I had a check at work but as now thinking about a small business wondering if had to get my own? Please can you advise. Thanks
  • Willa D. White said on August 21, 2014
    please help me to setup my face paining business in Indian River County, Florida.
  • Brownbeauty said on June 28, 2015
    Woodbridge, VA 22191 United States
  • Tashira said on July 8, 2015
    Hi I want to start a face painting buss can you help me I live in Clearwater fl
  • Chastyn said on March 3, 2016
    Hello, I want to start a face painting business. I am excited and ready to start. Can you please help me? I live in Fort Lauderdale Florida.

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