Today I volunteered to face paint at the Libraryfest.  Yes, I admit that it was a bit self-serving because I am hoping to get some paid jobs as a result of the business cards that I handed out.  Still, I was there for four hours, using my own supplies, happily painting all of the kiddos I could. 

The kids were wonderful.  Most of them are so sweet and happy.  The smiles when they look in the mirror are priceless.  It just tickles me when they tell me how pretty they are.  Or when they growl like the tiger or mew like the kitty I just painted them as.  There was the sweetest little girl all dressed in purple who wanted to be a purple kitty.  There were two sisters that wanted to jaguars and they looked fabulous if I do say so myself.  There was the sweetest little boy who got painted as a puppy and he was so good and still.  I was amazed that such a little guy could sit so well.  I absolutely love the grown-ups who want to be painted too.  I know some think they should just let the kids get painted but I think the adults who get painted are so fun.  They waited in line too.  Why shouldn't they get painted if they want to? 

Most of the parents were also great.  They happily waited in line and thanked me for painting their kids.  But why are there always that vocal few who just make everything yucky.  The one mom who comes back and starts pawing through my supplies and sarcastically asking if she could help.  She can't believe they only have ONE painter.  Well they only have ONE painter because ONE painter volunteered to paint the kids for free.  And those supplies you seem to think are public property are actually MY property.  I have paid hundreds of dollars for those paints, brushes, sponges and glitter. 

Another man came back and loudly complained when told the line was already closed.  He said I told him I was closing for a break.  Yes, I took one break.  Unfortunately during the four hours - I had to urinate.  I guess next time I should just wear a depends since that one five minute break was so inconvenient.  It's not even so much what is said as it is the way they say it.  Like they are so important and should absolutely get what they want, NOW!  The ones that I feel bad for are the kids of these jerky parents.  How embarassing for them.  The parents need to think about the example they are setting for their children. 

I am so thankful that the library provided me with a line manager.  Doreen was sweet and really helpful.  So I'm glad that I was able to participate and plan on participating again next year.  I will set down a few more ground rules before the event though.   It's always a learning experience.  I learned what does and doesn't work today so next time, I will be more prepared.  Some of the library staff needed to just back off.  I understand that they want to help get more children painted but I can't let other people use my supplies, teach them what to do and continue my painting too.   

I will be painting at lights on after school at my son's school on Thursday.  Another volunteer job but hopefully some paying jobs will be coming shortly.  I don't have the budget to advertise or to rent a booth at a festival so I'm hoping to maybe book some birthday or halloween parties.  I would love to get a website up too.  I bought my domain name from Go Daddy and my BIL said he would put a website together for me but he never did.  I would love to get a restaurant job but so far I haven't had any luck there.   I am going to call the one festival and see if there is anyway they would let me paint for a percentage of what I make instead of paying the booth rent.  Face painting is different than a craft booth where everything is made in advance.  I can only paint as much as I can paint.  Face painting - while you wait.    I'm not guaranteed that anyone will even want to be painted on a pay per face basis.  I consider it more of an entertainment item than a hard good.  I guess it doesn't hurt to ask.  They worst thing they can do is say no.