My introduction!

Hi!

I'm Anna. I live in Orange, CA (originally from a little town up north called Ukiah).

I recently graduated from Chapman University, where I got my BA in Art and a minor in Math. Soon after, I began face painting for a small company here in Orange County! My sister began painting for them first, when she saw their ad for new face painters on Craigslist, and thought she'd give it a go. I had a lot of theatrical makeup experience, so she told her boss, and got me the job! I've been with them since June, doing mostly birthday parties for kids, but also a few festivals. We paint in all of Orange County and LA County, and will go even further out for a really long gig.

You would think I'd be suited to FP because of my art education, like many of painters on the board. But it surprises most people to learn that face painting is really my only painting experience! I never once put brush to canvas while earning my degree, as I am primarily a sculptor. I also took beginning classes in photo and drawing, but just never got around to the paints. The basic drawing instruction does definitely help, however, and to me FP feels like a combination between makeup and drawing.

As I've only been at it for a few months, I've got a lot to work on and improve. I'm very satisfied with my skill level at the moment, as I think I pick things up quickly and my work at gigs is looking very beautiful, but I know that I've got to increase my speed. I also am working on learning sponging techniques (my boss, who does quite a bit of training and practice techniques, almost never uses sponges, so I'm late to the game!), and expanding my kit to be a bit more special. So far I'm using only DFX for paints. I'm also working on creating my own repertoire of designs, both cheek art and full face, that are unique to myself and that I can use instead of or in addition to the book of designs provided by my boss.

Our company also provides glitter tattoos and airbrush tattoos (stencils, not freehand). I've learned how to do both (much easier and faster than FP, I think!), but they aren't very popular for gigs yet. I don't think people realize how perfect they are for pool parties, especially since we get FP pool party gigs once in a while (duh, painting on dripping kids is not fun, and swimming with FP just does not mix!). We've also discussed pursuing henna, which is something I'd really like to learn, but I think will be challenging. I especially love intricate Mehndi, but I think it is something to learn in the far-off future.

I'm excited to have a good resource for advice here at the forum, as well as to get some inspiration and put in my 2c here and there!

hello and welcome

Hey we are neighbors (well kind of). Make sure that you check out http://groups.google.com/group/west-coast-face-painters It is a wonderful place too. We have jams in Monteclair (Ontario area), Studio City and San Diego. Let me know if you want more info? This is a great group that you will learn much from. Hugs Helen

Welcome!

Welcome to the forum. I also wasn't much of a painter. I was much more comfortable w/ pencil & ink. This is a great learning resource! You'll love it here.

welcome.

Welcome to the group!

Hello and welcome.

Gidday & welcome to the group from Cradle Mountain, Tasmania Australia.

Welcome from LA