Guide to Hiring a Face Painter in Auckland
How much experience do they have? This will give you an idea of their experience working in a high-energy, time-sensitive environment - even more pertinent when working with young children who can be restless. A lack of experience can lead to a poor result and/or a long wait for others in the queue.
Ask to see samples of their work from their bookings. Images of their past work at events and parties will give an indication of their artistic skills and style. Artists may have a portfolio of images - some they have posted on their socials or website. Artists who try to pass off another artist’s work as their own, or use generic public-domain photos, are a big red flag.
What do others say? Google business reviews are invaluable. They usually give a great snapshot - not just about the quality of the service, but also (and equally importantly) about the quality of the communication with both the host (especially leading up to the event) and the guests on the day. Local facebook community group recommendations can also be reliable sources of information.
How are their communications? Do they respond promptly to enquiries? Are they easy to talk with on the phone – friendly yet professional? Do they provide a booking summary and proper invoicing (for corporates)? The booking summary (in writing) should outline all the details of their services for your event, including cancellation policy, to avoid misunderstandings. An invoice should be provided for corporate clients including their GST status.
What supplies do they use and where do they source them from? Professional face painters will use high quality, professional brands - compliant with FDA and EU regulations - that are non-toxic, skin-safe and purchased from reputable face painting suppliers. Great professional brands regularly used are Tag, Fusion, Superstar, Bodyfx and Mehron. Regular craft or cheap paints, even if listed as non-toxic, may still contain harmful chemicals which can lead to irritation, staining and rashes. These types of paints will also provide compromised results.
Professional artists can easily invest thousands in their kit and products.
Did you know that reputable face painters use cosmetic-grade glitter and never craft glitter? Cosmetic glitter has undergone rigorous testing and is specifically formulated to be safe, smooth, and non-irritating for skin use. Craft glitter can cause harm due to its sharp edges, larger particles, and has no skin safety standards.
What are their sanitation practices? Professional face paints have anti-microbial agents in them to keep them safe to use, however the artist still needs to have a process in place to work hygienically. Eg. Not painting sick kids, cleaning their brushes in a multi-step process between guests and deep-cleaning their kit regularly so that it’s clean and fresh between events.
How many faces can they paint in an hour? A professional face painter can usually paint around 12 guests an hour at a private party, or up to 20 in a public event where they may offer less detailed, quicker designs. Knowing this can help you plan for enough artists at your Auckland function.
Good artists are able to do a great job quickly without compromising quality, whilst making it a friendly, safe and fun experience at the same time. Professional painters will also have invested hours and hours of dedicated study and practice to make it look easy!
What are their rates? Their rate will be reflective of their expertise and skills, and “too cheap” is usually something to be wary of. Quotes will be based on the number of guests requiring a paint, length of the booking, service required, number of artists and the specific event they are quoting for eg. birthday party vs busy public event. Travel charges can be an additional cost.
Do they offer other services? Some face painting companies offer additional services such as glitter tattoos, festive bling/gems, balloon twisting and UV “glow” paints. Some may even dress up in costume or offer bubble shows.
*An important consideration: Where party entertainment companies use character artists, they are often actors first and face painters second, so their skill level can vary a lot. They may have minimal face painting training, little, if any sanitization, slow painting technique, and mixed results. So it does pay to check the experience of the actual artist providing the face painting in these kinds of bookings.
Conclusion:
By asking these questions, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will be booking the right face painter for your Auckland party or event - an artist that brings experience, expertise, high-quality products, professionalism, a commitment to safety and hygiene, and great communication. All of this will ensure that your occasion is positive, fun, safe, and memorable for you and your guests.
Ana Butterworth
Owner - Face Painting by Ana
It can feel like a minefield when you’re looking at the entertainment options for your event or child’s big day. In New Zealand, face painting is an unregulated industry, which means there can be a bit of a gulf in quality and safety standards from one artist to the next. So, before hiring a face painter, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure that they meet your requirements and can provide a high-quality and most importantly, safe experience.
Here’s a guide to a few key questions to ask before you book…
