FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I book?
A good rule of thumb when estimating how much time you need is 3-5 minutes per face painting. Due to the delightful imagination of children, a 100% accurate estimate is hard. A purple-sparkle-princess-unicorn is going to take longer to paint than some stars. Please book enough time so that we don't have to disappoint your guests. Overtime is by the half hour.
Why should we choose you?
- Imagine it's years from now and you're looking through your children's photos. Do you really want to see your child's face wearing a tragic lack of talent? Photos last forever. It's not worth saving ten bucks.
- We have worked so hard to maintain a 5 star Google rating. Go read some of the wonderful things our customers have to say about us.
- We have been doing this forever and that's why we can offer both speed and quality. What's the point of hiring an amateur at a cheaper hourly rate that takes longer? It could end up costing more.
- We attend professional training conventions such as Austin Entertainer's Convention, MAX (Midwest Artist Extravaganza Convention), and Capital Kidvention. We are taught by amazing face and body painting artists such as Dutch Bihary, Pashur, Nick Wolfe, Mark Reid, Freida Haas, and many more.
- We are insured. Companies often need us to provide proof of / or an additional insured policy certificate.
- Have you seen our gallery of art? We are real artists.
- We are always using the highest quality products and follow safety standards. Don't settle for less.
- We are trusted by the Broadmoor, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Colorado Springs Country Club, Phil Long, Sprouts and many more.
- See what our happy clients have to say about us.
SO MANY REASONS!
When and how do I pay?
Cash or check: Please pay when we arrive so we don't have to bother you during cake or presents.
Credit Cards: 7 days in advance via a Square invoice that is emailed to you. It can be paid via a link on the invoice.
Do you do festivals, corporate, military events?
If you can think of a type of event, we've probably done it.
- birthday parties
- festivals and renaissance fairs
- block parties
- pumpkin patches and fall festivals
- Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
- grand openings
- prom after-parties
- full body painting / adult night club events
- baby showers: prenatal belly paintings
- Military events and parties (please allow time to get us on base)
- Halloween makeup and gore FX
- "learn to face paint" workshop parties
- farmers' markets
- fund raisers
- family reunions
- holiday theme parties
Do I have to pay for your set up and tear down time?
No, we get there early enough to be ready to start right when your booking begins. If you require us to be set up and ready to paint more than 15 minutes prior to the contracted start time, this will be charged at our hourly rate. Please feel free to forget about us when we're done. We can tear down and let ourselves out while you are enjoying your party.
You couldn't start painting at the contracted time because my guests arrived really late. Can I just pay for less that what I contracted?
Sorry that happened. We book events back to back and we have to go by what is written on the contract unless you can pay overtime. Additionally, we turn down events if someone calls and asks about the time slot during which you hired us. We must stick with the start and end time on the contract. Anything outside that range is charged at half hour increments. Hopefully your artist doesn't have an event after yours and can stay to paint later so you can pay the overtime.
Do you book face painting parties outside Colorado Springs?
We serve the entire Front Range. If you are more than a 30 minute drive outside Colorado Springs, there will be a trip charge. It's usually a flat fee but please call or email for a quote.
My niece is an artist. Can she help out so I can save money?
We learned this the hard way! We never paint alongside volunteers, amateur “helpers”/students. This opens up our company to a multitude of liabilities and associates our company with poor quality work, questionable cosmetic products, and makes line management impossible. People in line want to choose an item from one menu. Amateur volunteers can't paint these, and we've seen them take 10 minutes per face. Results are so poor the kids get back in our line and ask us to remove and repaint it. With all that in mind, you are NOT saving money/adding free staff by doing this. Our insurance does not allow attendees or amateurs to use our paints either. If this situation is not remedied, we have the right to leave without refunding payment.
Do you bring everything or do we need to set up tables and chairs for you?
That's up to you. If you would like us to bring a table and chairs, we can do that and we always have what we need in our vehicles. If you're tight on space, you can have us set up in a place that works best for you such as a kitchen table. Discuss your needs when you book the event.
Is face paint safe for skin?
Yes! Have you ever wondered why liquid cosmetics such as foundation never mold... even after sitting in a drawer for years? Cosmetics contain antimicrobial preservatives. These keep bacteria from growing in water based paints (and cosmetics in general) while being gentle and safe. Our brushes and sponges are cleaned with antibacterial soap. Your child has a greater chance of catching a virus while waiting in line than from having their face painted. Additionally at the artist's discretion, we won't paint skin with any kind of condition such as conjunctivitis, cuts, sunburn, or other rash.
As far as allergies, if you have sensitive skin please request a patch test prior to being painted. I have been painting since 2009 and nobody has ever complained of a reaction. These products are thoroughly tested but people can suddenly develop allergies at any time so we can't guarantee there won't be a reaction.
What kind of "paint" are you using?
Face paint isn't paint, it's cosmetic makeup specifically for skin but we call it paint because it is applied with brushes. Many amateurs use acrylic craft paint which is irritating, peels, stains, and looks terrible once it dries. Your child is about to get a free wax when you remove it because it can't be washed off. It hardens with their peach fuzz glued to it. We use only FDA approved face / body paint for the skin because we are committed to the safety of our clients. These water based formulas are specifically designed to be hypo-allergenic, gentle and easy to remove with mild soap and water. The brands we use are Global, TAG, FAB, Paradise, Wolfe, Fusion, Kryolan, and more. We use only skin / makeup grade poly glitters.
How far in advance do we have to book?
Halloween and 4th of July weekends are booked sometimes a year in advance. Winter is very slow. You should contact us the minute you have your date and time nailed down. Bookings are first-come-first-booked.
How many artists do I need to book?
Each artist can paint 12-17 faces per hour so if you have an idea of attendance, that should help you decide. If there are other things for attendees to do such as a bounce house or balloons, you can hire fewer. The more artists, the less time guests will spend in line. You should contact us for more information.
Can we just get something small painted on the cheek so it's cheaper?
Depends on the "something small". Painting a small Mona Lisa on someone's cheek takes more time that a full face rainbow or flowers takes. Imagine trying to paint small details on a wiggly child as opposed to the same design larger. We are fastest at painting the favorite menu items that we have painted every weekend for over a decade. Most of the paintings you see on our gallery page are done in 3-5 minutes. This is why experience matters - we have this down to a fine science so that you get fantastic quality and speed at an affordable price.
When I called, you said you were available, is that all I have to do?
No, because we get price quote calls and emails every day that may not book. In fairness, we have to book the client that completes the contract first. You must complete a contract to solidify your booking. We can't pencil-in tentative dates.
How much does a face painting party cost?
Check out our pricing and specials. Artist fees range between $100 and $150 per hour. Rates are based on duration, event requirements, artistic needs and location. There is a 1 hour minimum.
Can you paint my baby's face?
For your child's safety, we'd prefer not to paint the faces of kids under 3 years of age. Paintbrush bristles are joined to the wooden handle with thin sheet metal called the ferrule. Not ideal near the eyes of a wee wiggler. We're happy to paint a design on a little arm for kids under three. At that age, they like to be able to see it without a mirror anyway.
It's time for you to leave, but a bunch of extra kids showed up. Can you stay longer?
Overtime is charged in 30 minute increments. Sometimes this happens despite your best efforts. Please do a head count at the beginning of your party. Here are some options: Ask the artist if they can stay longer. If it looks like more than you planned, please discuss it with the artist. She may be able to arrange to stay longer, but if she can't, she may be able to take down our menu and paint some limited designs to get everyone's face painted.
My kid hates getting their face painted, but it's so cute! Can you do it anyway if I hold them?
PLEASE don't make us! You are our customer and we want you to be happy, but the idea of forcing a child to get painted goes against what face painting is all about. We as parents tell our children to be leery of strangers and that's a good thing. Some apprehension is to be expected. We will first try to paint a design on the arm if there is an aversion to the face. Our policies support both smiles and safety. Face painting is supposed to be a fun experience - enjoyed by kids and parents alike.
How do I remove face paint?
Face paint is formulated for easy removal with mild bar soap and water and a wash cloth. Light colors come off with just a baby wipe. Some colors will linger. If this happens use a washcloth with soap and cold cream. Should the paint get on clothes, use OxyClean or stain pre-treater along with regular laundry soap. If the clothing is white, peroxide can be used as well.
My event is huge. How can I get the most faces painted for my money?
A line manager could really help things along. It is amazing how much time it takes for children to choose a design, sit in the chair, look at the mirror, and get out of the chair. Our painting may take 90 seconds but those other activities are part of our 12-17 face per hour estimate. Having a person to discuss designs with the child before they get in the chair will reduce the time greatly. Additionally, can you imagine waiting in line with your child only to be told they can't be painted because we have to leave? The other advantage to a line manager is ending the line. Guests cannot get in line at our end time. We do our best to prevent people from getting in line if there won't be time to paint them, but a line manager can be dedicated to that job while we are painting. Please ask us about a dedicated line manager, or you can provide one.
The weather is bad and I want to cancel my party. What do I do?
As stated on your contracts and invoices, we do not offer refunds for inclement weather so please secure an alternate indoor location for your event in advance. Unless I-25 is closed due to weather, we work rain or shine. If you need to cancel the event for some other reason, please do so within exact 7 days prior to your start time or you will owe us the contracted amount. Should you need to reschedule your event, you must do so at least 7 days prior and we will make every effort to meet your needs, although it is based on availability. Please keep in mind that we have likely turned away prospective customers when you book us and we have lost income if you cancel or reschedule. When you completed our contract, you agreed to the terms and conditions before you submitted it. This is binding. If you have questions at any time, please email or call us at 719.499.5652.
