Tips For Hiring A Face Painter

Discover our top tips for hiring a great face painter for your next event.

Hiring a face painter is always a fun addition and can create some really memorable moments, as well as fantastic photos.

>> Hire a Face Painter

However, if you’re not a professional event planner, it can be difficult to know how to choose a face painter who is guaranteed to deliver.

In this article, we’ve listed everything you need to know to help you make an informed decision.

Let’s dive in.

1. Who is the Audience?

Let’s start by looking at your guests. The key is to understand their needs.
Most often, audiences can be broken into three categories:

Kids – for example, a kid’s birthday party
Families – for example, a local town event or festival
Adults – for example, a corporate event

When it comes to face painting, children’s and family events are by far the most common.

However, face painters can also be booked for adult events, such as brand events or photoshoots.

Just remember, the audience will influence who you hire.

2. What Format is the Most Suitable?

Painting During the Event

This is the classic approach to face painting.

The face painter sets up a table or small station at the event and paints throughout. Guests can come over and choose their design.

In this case, face painters are booked for a set amount of time.

Ideal for:

Birthdays
Communions and family events
Weddings
Family festivals

Painting Before the Event

The alternative, which is less common, is to do all the painting before the event. The face painter does all the painting ahead of time and leaves before the event kicks off.

They may be booked for a set amount of time or for a specific design brief, depending on the entertainer.

Ideal for:

Corporate events
Hen parties
Filming & photoshoots

3. How will the face painter fit in with the event?

Think about the overall feel of your event. What mood will your guests be in, and how will face painting fit into the atmosphere you want to create?

Event schedule

Consider your event schedule and when face painting will work best.

For example, at a children’s party, you might want to start with face painting before moving on to other activities. This means the children can enjoy the rest of the event in full costume, and it makes for great photos.

In contrast, for something like a family open day, the face painter may need to be available throughout the entire event.

Event size

It’s also important to consider how many guests you’re expecting.

As a general guide, allow around 5 minutes per person. This means a face painter can typically paint up to 12 guests per hour. If you’re expecting a larger group, consider booking them for a longer period or hiring more than one face painter.

Venue layout

What’s the layout of the venue (which might be your house)? Will there be enough room for the face painter to set up comfortably?

For example, where will they be positioned, and is there enough space for both the table and a small queue of children?

The good news is that face painters usually require minimal set-up, often just a small table and two chairs.

4. Look for Pictures and Videos

Before booking a face painter, it’s ideal to see their work in person, but this isn’t always possible.

Photos and videos are the next best option.

On PartyWizz, you can view images and videos of each entertainer directly on their profile.

5. Face Painting Ideas and Inspiration

If you’re booking a face painter, it’s worth thinking about the types of designs you’d like to offer your guests.

For children’s parties, popular options include animals, superheroes, princesses, and simple, colourful patterns. You could also explore fairytale themes or magical designs, depending on the style of your event.

For older guests or themed events, you might prefer more subtle designs or something that ties in with the overall look and feel of your party. Light touches, such as small designs or a bit of glitter, can work really well without feeling over the top.

Many face painters will have a set menu of designs for guests to choose from, which helps keep things moving and ensures everyone gets a turn.

If you have a specific theme in mind, it’s always a good idea to discuss this in advance so the face painter can tailor their designs to suit your event.

6. Look for Testimonials and Reviews

Ideally, you’ll be able to get a first-hand recommendation, but this isn’t always possible.

Instead, take the time to look through testimonials and reviews.

On PartyWizz, you can see reviews for each entertainer directly on their profile. You can also ask friends or family if they’ve had a good experience with someone.

As a final step, you can check platforms such as Facebook or Google for additional reviews. Just keep in mind that these aren’t always verified.

7. Check their equipment is suitable

Make sure the face paints they use are safe for the skin and dermatologically tested. This is something experienced face painters will already be familiar with.

8. Check for a Quality Vetting System

If possible, look for a platform or provider with a clear vetting process. While it’s not essential, it can offer additional peace of mind.

At PartyWizz, we use a strict vetting process to ensure we partner with high-quality entertainers.

9. How Long have they been Face Painting for?

Make sure the face painter you’re booking has some experience. This doesn’t mean you can’t hire a newer entertainer, but it’s worth checking they have a few events under their belt.

At PartyWizz, we carefully select our entertainers to ensure they can consistently deliver a high-quality service.

10. Are they Available?

Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to check availability. Start as early as possible, as calendars can fill up quickly, especially during busy periods and holidays.

On PartyWizz, you can simply select your date and location to view face painters who are available.

You’re now ready to book a face painter with confidence.

If you’re looking to make the process easier, you can explore a range of face painters on PartyWizz, compare options, and book directly online.

We’re proud to work with experienced entertainers across a variety of events, helping you find the right fit for your occasion.