Should I do it?

A couple days ago I learned about a huge fair/carnival that will be taking place in my neighborhood. When I talked to the lady running it, she told me that they didn't have any face painters registered to be there and would really like me to come. There are only a few problems: one, I have never done a three day event in my life; two, I would need to buy a lot more supplies; and three, it seems really overwhelming.
But even though I have these things holding me back, I really feel like this is something I need to do to get my name out there.
So my question for you guys is, should I go for it?

Oh, and if I do it, I will be paying for the 26th, the 27th, and the 28th, but I will not be there at all on the 27th. So if anybody wants to come down to Naples and split the cost of the space, you can have that entire day.

You need to way up the cost of buying everything you need, booth, tables, chairs, signs, etc against what you are going to earn over the three days, and if you plan to go for these types of gigs after this one.
- Don't forget to way in the cost of the booth space, if they are charging you.
The way I see it, if you are planning on doing say a couple of these a year it's worth setting yourself up and doing this gig. Hopefully the gig will pay for your set up and it all balances out.
This week I bought a tent/booth for $160 Aust dollars and two tall makeup chairs for $60 each plus 4 small chairs for $40 total and a foldable 6ft table for $60. The signs I'm making myself. So in total it has cost me $320, and the gig I got them for should make me $500 approx,
So they are paid for and I have them for future gigs.
I come from a big city that has heaps and heaps of large scale festivals and school fetes, so I'm sure I will get lots of use out of them.

I think if you can find someone to cover that day, go for it! You'll be tired afterwards but it's definitely a good opportunity.

Oh I forgot to mention Public Liability Insurance - another $185.... and that was cheap.
*** I also have a very large full size kit so I don't need to add anything to that, if you need to buy more supplies that can set you back even more.

I found a tent for $120 on amazon. I can borrow the table and chairs from my church. I plan on getting the insurance and purchasing more supplies before then. I just need to get someone to cover that Saturday.
Considering the fact that it is a child-themed event and there are no other face painters going to be there(I have this in writing), I think that I will be able to bring in a good profit. I am just hesitant because I have never done anything this big before.

Have you got a helper?
I wouldn't consider doing it on my own.
I usually make my husband come - he's not a good painter but he'll take all the money, line manage, do glitter tats or airbrushing and he will paint if I'm desperate. Not to mention get me a drink, wash my brushes, change my water and hold the booth while I nick off to the loo.
I also feel a hell of a lot less intimidated if I'm not alone.

Oh, I think you will be fine. just make sure that you have a cooler with some water and directions to the closest bathroom. You CAN do it. You will have a great time. Enjoy.

If the lady wants you to be there... Cause a Face Painter is an attraction... and you aren't sure if the event will pay for itself.... Have you asked her to forego the booth fee? Esp. if you don't find someone for the third day. That way you both can find out if it's worth it.

Some people get paid to be at a festival... I haven't worked that one out for myself yet... but one day... oh yes, one day!

TBH you'll be surprised how far your kit goes. You prob will not need as much as you think you do - after a week painting in 80,000/ day crowds (PLUS) at the rugby I often only have to top up black, white, pink and rainbow. Of course GET extra so you have it! And I do only buy the biggest snaz/ grimas sizes to begin with.

Fairs etc are a great way to get your speed up AND your techniques down pat. You get into the swing of it in a good queue and really sort yourself out. I started f-p when I was a teacher in a zoo and was used to 6 hrs straight painting, it got me good fast and I could never understand other UK painters complaining about having to do parties over 20 kids for over an hour. I prefer longer gigs, less flapping about more paint!

Go for it. Plus of course if you can hand out cards, or take photos, just think how your business will get advertised.

Cat x

Also, be sure to check before buying the insurance.
Most policies start in April or May for the year, so if your event is before the start of the coverage year, make sure the company you use offers a pro-rated amount and doesn't charge you the whole annual fee for just a few weeks of coverage.

I decided not to do it because it is way too soon to get everything ready in time. But the lady who is in charge of the fair does want to hire me for some other community events, and I won't have to pay a fee for those.