Face-Painting 101

FACE PAINTING 101

First let me give you my background information.  I began clowning in 1991 under the toot-ledge of relatively good entertainer.  Late in the year of 1992 I went out on my own.  I had been a doodler as a young person and had played around with sketching on paper but painting on face is a different medium.  For one thing, it moves.  Some kids twitch and literally move their hole bodies while your painting them.  I will address this more later.  A few years later I hooked up with another clown, who was also an artist, and I learned quite a lot from her over the years.  I have watched, practiced and learned and today I am considered a pretty good face painter. 

It is my intention here to give you the steps to creating a good environment for being a successful face painter, but remember you must practice practice practice to be the best!

I would like to suggest that you give thought to how you want to present yourself as a face-painter.  Do you want to develop a character or clown persona?  If so, plan and make your dress (costume) from head to toe.  For instance, I have a Beret that I glue-gunned butterflies, a little bird, and grapes.  A hat and other accessories are according to your imagination of who you are, your character.  This persona you are creating should reflect who you want to be when you are painting.  You may simply want to wear black pants, a dress shirt and maybe a tie.  The possibilities are endless, you decide.

Now that you have your look, you need to start gathering your tools.  Good tools make your face-painting easy.  So don't try to cut corners here.  The following is a list of what you will need to get started.  The list will be followed by a description of suggested brands etc..

1.  Caboodle to put your tools in
2.  A basket or carrying case
3.  Paint Brushes
4.  Paints
5.  Glitter
6.  Sponges
7.  Hair clips
8.  Small mirror
9.  Scissors
10. Water Cup
11. Tip Jar


Caboodle – 
This holds all your paints and supplies.  I like a caboodle that comes with a mirror. I also have a separate little hand held mirror.  There are professional 
paint cases at some of the websites I will mention later when discussing paints.

A Bag or Basket - 
I use a green plastic basket to carry; wipes, my tip jar, my water cup, and little toys I use to play with the kids when not busy.  I have seen clowns
use a red wagon and even a cooler to use to transport these items.


Paint Brushes - 
This is one of the most important tools of your trade.  Invest in the better quality brushes.  Experiment with different brushes til you find what works for
you, but truly, spare no expense here.

Paints -   
Again, this is very important.  The better the paints the better your painting.  I recommend either Kryolan or Snazaroo.  I find their paints to be best when
painting the children.  For my own face I use acrylic (Liquitex).  I need something that will stay on in all kinds of weather which is why I use acrylic.  This
works very well for me, but you must do your homework and pick something that is right for you.  Another great makeup for the performer is Mehron. 
Mama clown at http://www.sillyfarm.com/  has many of the things I have discussed here and more.  She also has the paint carrying case (cabootle) I
spoke of earlier.  You may also check out your local art store for a paint case.

Glitter -     
Be sure to select a glitter that is for face painting!  Using anything else can cause injury to eyes.  Look for polyester glitter, not metallic.

Sponges - 
A few sponges for applying color to the whole face will be needed. 

Hair Clips -
For long hair that is around the face, especially on windy days!

Small Mirror  - 
I like a larger mirror that is a part of my cabootle but a nice small hand held is needed for several reasons.  The child who is finished but wants to
continue admiring themselves   can continue to look.  While I usually don't let them look while I'm painting, small children sometimes need the
security of seeing the art work being created.  So, again the little mirror comes in very handy.

Scissors  - 
I have scissors for cutting balloons to size for a couple of my balloon sculptures, but I have been asked for scissors enough times to feel they are
an important part of my tool box.

Water Cup & Tip Jar  - 
I usually buy several theme plastic cups at the party shop.  You can change cups depending on the time of year or age of children, or event.  I have
a cup for 4th of July, I have a Dora the Explorer cup, etc..  Again, you must pick what you feel reflects you and your face painting.  My tip jar is an
empty oatmeal container, cut down a tad and covered with color paper.  I created text and graphics on with my graphic software.  The text reads,
“Tips appreciated, but not required”.  I feel very strongly, for me, I want all children to get painted.  Just my two cents. 

I mentioned at the begining painting children who are bouncing all over the place.  It does happen.  When this happens keep it simple, don't try to do fine lines and move with the child.  I keep my brush near them and paint and pull away quickly as they move.  It sounds complicated but trust me it's not.  It just takes some practice. 

Well there you have it!  Face painting is one of the most rewarding things I have done.  To see someone (big or small) look in the mirror and to see their face light up as they become what you have painted them is so exciting.  The development of your face painting talents (weather for pay or free) is a continuous process.  There are new movies and new characters to learn.  You will also notice techniques of artists and face painters you watch.  Remember to practice, practice, practice, and never forget, Have Fun!