Kid’s Face Painting

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Montreal & Laval Face Painting

“April-Anna’s make up art services are extremely unique in style and detail.
We were extremely impressed with her work and her commitment to our school (UTT) She works with so much passion, enthusiasm, and devotion.
We highly recommend her!”

– Yael, Spring 2016

Hygiene Requirements
Proper hygiene is non-negotiable. Every child must have a clean face before painting. Parents are responsible for this, but in practice, we often still need to wipe or clean children ourselves. This, along with brush-washing between each child, takes time which must be factored in.

Skipping or rushing hygiene is not an option — it risks health, increases the chance of eye infections, and could result in inspection issues with Health Canada in the case of public events.

We will not serve sick children; we reserve the right to refuse service. If your child has a headcold (it’s not allergies), flu, or COVID; do not ask for face painting.

Hours of Operation

  • 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM → Standard rates apply

  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM → Early booking surcharge: +$25 to $50

  • 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM → Bookings may be possible by special arrangement with an early-rising artist (subject to availability, additional charges apply)

Office Hours:

I don’t have real office hours, but generally speaking, by appointment, they are as follows:

  • 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (for video chat meetings, business inquiries, and scheduling).
    Please note: These hours apply on days without client bookings. My availability for calls or inquiries may vary depending on scheduled appointments.

Costs

Agencies / Small Businesses / Schools / Daycares / Non-profits / Corporations
• 3-hour minimum – $100 / h + travel

Residential – small groups (10-20 kids)
• 2-hour minimum – $100 / h + travel (supplies included)

Large groups (20+ kids) 
• Recommended 1 Artist w/ Assistant – $150 first hour, $125 each additional hour (artist + assistant)

• 1 Artist, no assistant, client provides assistance, $100 per hour plus travel (please read policies)

• Extra artists – $100 / h per artist (3-hour minimum)

How long does each face take?

Timing depends on design type and the flow of the event:

  • Menu designs (pre-selected options): ~4 minutes up to 15 minutes

  • Custom designs (made-to-order): ~6 minutes up to 20 minutes
    Plan on about 10 faces/hour per artist with simple designs; if we are able to paint 15 or more per hour is a happy accident but we will not promise that due to the demands of the job & each unique circumstances.

  • As a general guideline, you can expect about 10 faces per hour, per artist when guests are choosing from a menu of simple designs.

    While it is sometimes possible to reach 15+ faces per hour, that level of speed depends on having an assistant (extra charge) on site to manage the line, handle brush and sponge washing, and keep things moving smoothly. Without support, the artist must juggle everything, which slows the process.

    We don’t guarantee maximum numbers because every event is unique — design choices, age of participants, and event logistics all affect timing. Our priority is always quality, safety, and a happy experience for each guest.

Public & Large Event Policy

3 Hour Minimum

For large public events (municipal events, festivals, corporate gatherings, school fairs, fundraisers, etc.), additional requirements apply to ensure safety, hygiene, and crowd control.

As a precaution, we operate to Health Canada–level hygiene standards.

Public events may be subject to inspection by public-health or regulatory authorities — non-compliance can result in fines, event shutdowns, or insurance refusal.

Assistants & Sanitation

  • A dedicated assistant is required. They handle brush-cleaning, face hygiene, answering questions, translation, and crowd management so the artists can focus entirely on painting.

  • This also ensures we meet Health Canada–level hygiene standards in case of inspection.

Physical Setup

  • Client must provide:

    • Two regular-height tables (not picnic tables). Client must provide shade from elements (sun & rain because both damage paint)

    • Stanchions with retractable belts or alternative physical barrier to create a secure perimeter around the artists’ workspace, with one designated entry/exit point. This prevents parents or children from crowding the work area.

  • Artist will bring:

    • Director’s chairs (for efficiency and ergonomics).

    • Two 10-gallon water bottles for brush-cleaning ($20 flat fee).

Rates

  • Artists: $100/hr each

  • Assistant: $50 first hour, $25 each additional hour

  • Outdoor Water station: $20

  • Uber XL transport for equipment: TBD

  • Travel fee for additional artist: TBD

Total Example (2 artists + 1 assistant): $250 for the first hour, $225 for each additional.
(Set-up is included in the booked time, so please factor this in when choosing your start time.)

Important Notes

  • Pressuring artists to “go faster” only slows the process and reduces quality. With the assistant handling sanitation and line management, everything runs faster and smoother overall.

  • Cleanup is not charged separately; the higher first-hour assistant rate is so the assistant can help clean up.

Products

I use professional, skin-safe brands (Make Up For Ever, Mehron, FAB, MAC Pro) and cosmetic glitters.

“I hired April-Anna for my daughters eighth birthday this past September (2015). We had twelve kids ranging in age of 4 to 8. I was extremely impressed with how calm and professional she was during the two hour session. The children were delighted at the range of designs and themes. I would definitely hire her again.”

– Alison Meldrum

Booking & Setup

• Large contracts require a deposit
• Time charged from my arrival / set-up start until the last child is finished (cleanup 30-45 min is free)
• Please provide a 4-ft adult-height table and good lighting
• Do not place me beside loudspeakers
• Parents / staff manage the queue
• 2-hour minimum for all bookings

Travel Fees

• No fee – Chomedey, Ahuntsic-Cartierville
• $15 – Mile-End, Plateau, Westmount, Downtown, Village
• $15 to $50 tbd – other Laval addresses
• $25 to $75 tbd – Nun’s Island, Lachine, Outremont, Pointe Claire, NDG, Verdun & hard-to-reach spots
• Outside Greater Montreal: 4-hour minimum + travel expenses (car rental / driver, transport, food, lodging)

TBD: ”to be discussed”, ie might be pragmatic to Uber instead of taking bus/metro.

Custom Designs

• New custom face painting design: 8-20 min

• Menu design: 4-10 min (may be slower if child moves)

April-Anna face painting a child

 

Freehand-Only Policy

I paint 100 % freehand (fine-art realism & makeup background).
• Standard pace: ~10 faces / hour for simple designs; complex art takes longer
• Need a specific stencil? Please supply it at least 1 week in advance
Freehand avoids stencil smudging / cleanup and is why most clients book me.

 

Airbrush Option

Airbrush face painting – $150 / h (no discounts) for birthdays, schools, weddings, corporate events and more.

Face Painting Services are great additions to:

  • Birthday parties
  • School events
  • Bat mitzvah
  • Weddings
  • Corporate parties
  • Fundraisers
  • and more!

Deposits & Cancellation Policy

“April-Anna did a fantastic job at my daughters 4th birthday party, All the children were very happy and everyone was very impressed with her designs and natural way with children. Definitely hiring again!”

– Ashley Scourse, 2016

Special Requests & Setups

Assembly-line detail work, high-volume speed painting, or client-provided transport require 1 week notice so I can plan and practise.

Out-of-Town / Transport

For events outside Laval or Montréal core, the client provides transport or covers Uber/taxi.
Overnight gigs: add lodging, food and transport expenses.

Outdoor Shade & Noise

Outdoor locations must provide full shade and keep loudspeakers away so children can hear directions.

Last-Minute Changes

Changes within 48 h (location, start time, scope) may incur a late-change fee.

Cancellation Policy

• 5 days: deposit retained, no extra fee
• 5 days: 50 % of booking due
• 48 h: 100 % of booking due
Deposits are non-refundable unless I cancel.

Communication & Accessibility

I’m neurodivergent; clear written instructions and one main contact keep everything smooth.