If you’re planning a children’s birthday party, face painting is one of those activities that works with almost any age group. Over the years, I’ve painted at many children’s parties across Western Sydney and other parts of Sydney, and one thing I’ve learned is that no two parties — or children — are quite the same.
Some children arrive at my chair knowing exactly what they want. Others spend ages looking through my display boards and albums before making the very important decision between a tiger, butterfly, superhero or something completely different!
If you’re thinking about having face painting at your child’s birthday party, here’s what you can expect.
What do I need to provide for the face painter?
Not very much!
For most parties, I simply ask the host to provide a table and two chairs. I bring the rest of my face-painting equipment and supplies with me, including examples of designs that children can choose from.
For outdoor parties during summer, I also need a shaded area where I can work comfortably and safely. On particularly hot Sydney days, an indoor location is preferable where possible.
That’s really all the host needs to organise. I travel to your party venue and set everything up there.
What face-painting designs can children choose?
Pretty much anything!
I bring display boards or albums showing different designs, which is helpful for children who prefer to see something before deciding. But children certainly aren’t limited to those designs.
Some of my favourite requests come from children using their own imagination. If they have an idea, I’ll do my best to turn it into a face-painting design.
Children can also show me a picture of something they like — including an image they’ve found online — and ask me to create something inspired by it.
There’s usually a nice mix at parties. Some children immediately point to something on the display board, while others sit down and tell me exactly what they’ve imagined.
How many children can be face painted in an hour?
As a general guide, I can paint approximately 12–14 faces per hour.
Of course, this can vary depending on the designs children choose. Some are quick, while particularly detailed or unusual requests can take a little longer.
If you’re organising a larger party or event, it’s therefore helpful to let me know approximately how many children you’re expecting. We can work out how much face-painting time is likely to be needed.
What ages are suitable for face painting?
Face painting can be enjoyed by almost any age group.
For very young children, I find it helps to have a parent nearby. Sitting in front of someone they don’t know while having their face painted can initially feel a little strange, and having Mum or Dad close by can make them much more comfortable.
And face painting certainly isn’t restricted to children!
At many parties, once the children have had their turn, I find some of the adults deciding they’d like something painted too.
What if my child doesn’t want their whole face painted?
That’s completely fine.
Not every child wants a full-face design. Some prefer a smaller face design, while others would rather have something painted on their arm.
And occasionally a child decides face painting simply isn’t for them. If balloon twisting is also part of the party, a balloon can be a great alternative.
The idea is for children to enjoy themselves — there’s no need for anyone to have their face painted if they don’t want to.
Do you travel to children’s parties?
Yes. I provide mobile face painting across Western Sydney and other parts of Sydney, so I come to your party or event rather than you having to travel to me.
Depending on the location, there may occasionally be a small travel charge — typically around $20 — which I’ll let you know about when you enquire.
Can face painting be combined with other party activities?
Absolutely.
Face painting works particularly well alongside balloon twisting, and the two are often combined at children’s parties.
It can also be incorporated into an art party, giving children several different creative activities to enjoy rather than having just one form of entertainment.
If you’re not sure which combination would work best for the number and ages of children attending your party, feel free to ask when you enquire.
Planning a children’s party in Sydney?
Whether your child has been planning their design for days, chooses something from my display when I arrive, or sits down and invents something completely unexpected, I’ll do my best to turn their idea into something they’ll be excited to see in the mirror.
If you’re planning a birthday party and looking for professional face painting across Western Sydney or elsewhere in Sydney, you can have a look through my Party Services and Gallery pages to see more examples of my work, or contact me to discuss your party.