Day 15

I thought I would think about the pressures of this industry a bit. I remember starting out and I would be nervous. My hand would shake and I would have a hard time making smooth lines. Once i did a face or 2 and the kids had their big smiles, I would get lost in my face painting world and relax. I would remember that they are kids who are so tickled to have their faces painted and I could do no wrong. I had to realize that kids for the most part, unlike adults, are naturally accepting, honest, easy to please people. They just want to look special and beautiful if they are a girl or scary if they are a boy (90% of the time). They do not judge, they are not critical and i feel that the rare few who are, learned it from their parent, and I feel badly for them. They need that love and acceptance more than ever. So when you hear a child say to you "that's not the color i wanted!!!" or "this is not like the picture!" or "why didn't you make the picture go that way instead?" just breathe.......and rather than be ticked at the kid, look past that child and wonder where this judgement comes from. They are emulating someone else, Lord help them. Let them know their beauty or their coolness. The kids are craaaaving it. That is what you are selling. It is not just artwork and paint to be washed off that night or sweat off that hour, it is a memory. Don't ever underestimate your power to "fill" a child's bucket.
This pic is from a party I did for a good friend. Most of them wanted tropical faces.
I love this job.
kim baker