How do I book a party or event?
The best way is to contact me via email by filling out the form below. You can also contact my directly by using the contact information on my pricing page. Once we schedule a date, you can lock it in by paying a 25% deposit. The remainder of the payment is due at completion of service.
Do you offer discounts for charity events?
I do occasionally offer a small discount to charities, non-profits and educational groups. However, the number of charity hours I offer each year is limited, so please contact me well in advance of the event. I do not paint for free/tips only at events. This isn’t because of any unwillingness on my part. The truth is, I simply can’t afford to paint without recompense. Please contact me about your event and we’ll see if we can work out an arrangement. I may be willing to paint for a trade or equivalent non-cash payment.
Why don’t you paint Spider-man/Disney characters/Dora etc.?
I do not paint licensed characters or cartoons for money. This is a violation of copyright, and something I am personally firm about. I know kids love their favorite characters, but I can’t, in good conscience, profit off of someone’s intellectual property. I can often create a design that is inspired by a favorite character that will be just as fun and exciting. You can read more about my stance on licensed characters here.
Do you do theme parties?
I love themed parties! I can create a variety of designs to match your specific event. I love a challenge, so give me a call and see what I can offer for your event. Popular face painting themes include:
- Jungle
- Princess
- Masquerade
- Super Hero
- Monsters
- Animals
- Fairies
- Tattoo
- Aliens
- Pirates
- Oktoberfest
- Fall/Spring/Winter
- Christmas
- Horror
- Teen/Adult Faces
Why do you charge so much?
It may seem like $50 for a party is a lot, but if you consider that this amounts to $5 per face for 10 kids, which is less than I charge at carnivals and other public events, it’s really a good deal. This fee includes my travel time and expenses, materials, and time spent developing designs. Many face painters charge higher fees, but I strive to keep my services affordable for everyone.
How many faces can you paint in an hour?
It depends on the design. For private parties, I do custom, elaborate designs. Plan on 1 to 2 hours for 10 faces. For large events, I can do about 15 faces in an hour if I restrict designs to smaller, less elaborate creations. I require a minimum of 2 hours for events (more than 15 faces) because 1 hour simply isn’t enough time to meet the demands of most big events.
Can I book for two hours and add more time if needed?
It may be possible to extend a booking if I don’t have anything else scheduled for later that day. My normal rates will apply, and time must by booked out in a minimum of 1/2 hour increments.
What’s the difference between a private party and an event?
I define a “private party” as 15 or fewer faces. Private parties are custom events where I offer full, elaborate faces for each guest. Events are large group gatherings of 16 faces or more. At events, I focus on fast, high quality designs that can serve as many people as quickly as possible. Essentially, the amount of detail and attention each face receives will be determined by how much time I have per face.
Do you paint at carnivals/fairs/craft shows?
Yes! I have a lot of regularly scheduled events where I offer my services on a pay per face basis. You can see the designs I offer at this type of event here. My prices may differ at various events because some vendors require certain minimum prices. When possible, I charge my normal rates. You can see a list of upcoming events where I’ll be working on my homepage.
What is a premium face?
Premium faces are elaborate, highly detailed creations that are perfect for special events and occasions. Whether you want beautiful scroll work and gems up your arm for a dance or wedding or a gruesome, gory makeover for a Halloween party, I can make it happen. I don’t have firm prices for premium faces because I need to know what you have in mind before I can determine the time and materials it will take on my end. Contact me for a quote.
Can you modify your designs?
Certainly. I can change colors, configurations and even adapt a design for a girl or a boy. I can also add bling (plastic gems), glitter, fake blood, etc. to enhance a design. I’m always willing to accommodate my clients, so don’t be afraid to ask for changes. I can usually make less expensive designs fancier (applying one-side designs to both sides of the face, etc.), but I can’t usually do cheaper versions of the more expensive designs. Talk to me about what you want and I’ll see what I can do.
Do you take requests?
Most of the time, I am willing to take requests. Of course, I’ll never paint anything inappropriate or vulgar, and, as stated above, I don’t do licensed characters. Other than those limitations, I’m pretty open. In a pay-per-face situation, I’ll always quote a price before I paint, so you’ll never be surprised by what I charge.
The Painted Otter 
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