How do you work festival events?

I'm glad to see this thread, it reminded me that we need to get some lighting figured out before the outdoor season starts. Last year on Canada Day my daughter finished the last face by the light of my cell phone!!!! Normally we would have called it a day but it was a boy who'd waited in line for a long time earlier in the day but had to leave before his turn, and we'd promised him if he returned we would paint him. Naturally he came just as we were packing up but we couldn't say no! One of those headlamps would have been great!

We've never taken it to festivals, but we do have a "power box", it is a rechargeable portable battery that is pretty good. We bought it years ago when we lived in the country and our hydro went out regularly. But it's bulky so I'm thinking of trying some other things first.
Here's a pic:

hi,

i just took a class by terra fender on festivals...and it was great!!!!

she has a book, that i would highly recommend for those new to festivals;)

http://www.bellarougedesign.com/Bella_Rouge_Design/Books.html

ttfn
rebecca
www.artybrushstrokes.com

I agree with Rebecca about Terra's book. It is clear and easy to read, lots of good information and it's written from experience. Great resource, Highly recommended.

Jenny

Sounds good. I will look into that book. Thanks everyone!

Instead of a generator you can get a charger at home depot. The one I have seen has 2 to 4 plug ins and other stuff like a radio. you plug them in at home and charge them up then take them with you and it runs your lights.

Here in Texas, I would just die without my fan. If an outlet is not available I bring along a battery operated one.

Wildcatfin wrote:

I do usually add battery/ solar powered fairy lights as well though, mainly to light my kit for me, thats all thats needed.

Where does one find solar powered fairy lights?

Generators also pose a fire risk if you are working out of a tent. Remember, they are an internal combustion engine, meaning they produce A LOT of heat, which will ignite the side of a tent should it touch it too long. The extra heat also might not be very favorable in already hot weather.

We usually pay for the extra electricity. It's usually not that much more and it's well worth it. You can make up for the extra cost easily. Being able to stay open longer means you can paint more faces, and depending on what you charge, you can cover the extra expense with just 2-3 faces, the rest are all gravy for you.

Wow good to know about the fire hazard....sheesh!

tanyamaldo119 wrote:Wow good to know about the fire hazard....sheesh!

Yeah, it's not something a lot of people think about, but having a firefighter as a dad it's kinda ingrained in me to recognize them, lol.

I can't stand fuel fumes (and the noise gets to me) so when I've needed a generator at events, I make sure they are at least 30 feet away - I've only used battery or supplied power when I need to be contained.

http://equipment.forconstructionpros.com/product/10082189/McGill_Electrical_Product_Group_Emerson_Industrial_Automation_String-O-Lights

These are the same kind lights I use at many festivals. LOVE them. I got mine at Lowes, it is the best $80 investment I have made so far. Highly reccomend them.

HI! I usually opt to use the generator provided by the event. Most of the time this is located far enough away from my booth that I have needed an extra long extension cord. ( The generator was being used by multiple vendors.)

For lights I use two sets of white Christmas lights around the metal interior of my E-Z up tent. I also use 2-3 metal, circular clamp lights. These are available at a store like Lowe's or Home Depot for around $10 each.

Also be prepared for rowdiness. I find that the later at night it is at festivals the more party folks you'll be painting. Go ahead and prepare yourself that for possibility!

DeannaB wrote:

Wildcatfin wrote:

I do usually add battery/ solar powered fairy lights as well though, mainly to light my kit for me, thats all thats needed.

Where does one find solar powered fairy lights?

I got mine off ebay. They are decoration only. I use spotlights for actual light and yesterday I just bought a battery operated lamp for my kit table.

And I second the motion to prepare for rowdy party folks, after 9pm it all gets a bit crazy.. although by then for me I pretty much only do henna as the kids have gone home...

If you can park close enough there is a power converter made for the car that plugs into a power outlet in the car and you run your lights off your battery.
I have one and have used it on occasions. If your battery is good, it will run for quite a while.