31/07/2026
We agree.
Look at these two images - (one kindly created by my friend for the purpose of this post with an Amazon kit who has never face painted in her life before, the other painted by me)
Which Tiger would your child prefer to be painted on their face? 🐯
So, can I be a little controversial now?
Why do people keep booking face painters without looking at the quality of their work first? It’s something that puzzles me time and time again.
In almost every other profession, people ask to see examples before they book.
You’d never hire a decorator without seeing their finish. You wouldn’t choose a cake maker without looking at their cakes. You wouldn’t book a wedding photographer without viewing their portfolio. You wouldn’t hire a magician who couldn’t perform magic.
Yet with face painting, people often hear, “Yes, I do face painting,” and that’s enough.
Why?! 😫
Professional face painting isn’t just about putting paint on a face.
It’s artistic talent. It’s years of practice. It’s understanding colour, line work, symmetry and design. It’s using professional cosmetic-grade products that are designed for skin. It’s hygiene, insurance, speed, queue management and knowing how to create something that makes a child’s eyes light up the second they see the mirror.
Anyone can buy a face painting kit. That doesn’t make them a professional face painter.
Before you book anyone, ask to see their work. Not just one or two lucky photos. Ask to see what they paint at real events. Ask to see their practice boards. Read their reviews. Look at the consistency. Could they produce that quality all day, every day, under pressure?
Because quality matters. Children notice. Parents notice. Your guests notice.
A professional face painter becomes part of the atmosphere of an event. Their work appears in family photos, on social media, in your marketing, and in the memories people take home. Poor quality stands out just as much, and not for the right reasons.
If you’re spending money on entertainment, don’t settle for someone who simply says they paint faces. Ask them to prove it.
The professionals will never be offended. In fact, they’ll probably be proud that you asked.
