Just Getting Out There

I've been TRYING to get the courage to get out there and face paint! I seem to have some sort of block in preventing me from just getting out there! It's been a few years... yes, years. I used to do balloons and was very critical of my work and wouldn't do a sculpture until I had perfected it. I tend to be overly critical of my work and lack the confidence to just do it! I see what my friends are doing and I can't even BEGIN to do what they can do. All my friends are VERY supportive and think that my work is good, but how do I get the confidence?

Well... to be blunt. Get over it.

Face painting is a fun thing that most kids and parents just have fun with, they aren't looking for a masterpiece.

Painting on the job is different than painting at home for photos - I'm sure most of us paint a bit differently when we are under the gun without the luxury of time.

Just do it.

Absolutely!!!! What I do at home on an actual canvas, is entirely different than what I do on a HUMAN canvas.

Why not try volunteering for a few places? Maybe a daycare? Local YWCA? What about your local churches? Do you have children? Are they involved in groups of some kind?

Once you do a few volunteer sessions, I think you would start to develop some confidence in your abilities. Why, because they will ask you to come back, so you know it's based on your skills.

Good Luck & practice practice practice!!!!!

The first time will definitely be the hardest so just know that it gets easier! MAKE yourself do it this first time. You owe it to yourself.

Find a few kids you can paint, and their joy and excitement about your painting will boost your confidence!

I'm in the same boat. I've even taken my set out with me...and was too nervous to actually try to use it lol. We should make a pact .

I feel your pain. When I first started, I didn't have any willing victims...er, I mean paintees to practice on, so my very first gig, I just went out there and did it.

After the first couple of faces or so, you realize that, pretty much no matter WHAT or HOW you do, kids are going to LOVE it.

I was also lucky enough that when I first started painting, NO ONE had seen a full face in my area, so they were wowed enough that I wasn't just doing a small heart on their child's face, and I think a lot of face painters still have that luxury, especially in smaller and/or rural areas. If you're one of those painters, really relax, you're going to knock their socks off!

In re: the painting at home....so....I've never actually done painting that wasn't at an event (i.e. I've never done the uber elaborate stuff while waiting hanging out at home or at a jam), and I'm very jealous of those of you who have willing models. Somehow I've never quite been able to get the hang of painting my own face (and, yes, I'm make-up challenged as well). ::fingers crossed:: that I'll be able to make it to FABAIC on the road in October to finally get a chance to play!

Thank you for all the suggestions! I just needed a shove.

I've volunteered for a foster family picnic at the end of the month.

I also had a face painting jam at my house this week and found out that I'm not that bad.

So, I'm off to practice, practice, practice! Thanks, everyone!

PatB.

Good for you! Let us know how it goes!

It is something we all go through and rest assured it will pass. Just keep in mind that glitter, dots and stars cover almost any boo boo.