Face Painting — FAQ

Do you use safe products?

Yes. I use professional, cosmetic-grade face and body paints designed for skin—brands such as Make Up For Ever, Mehron, FAB, MAC Pro, and other top-tier professional lines. I never use craft paints.

What about glitter—is it safe?

Yes. I only use cosmetic-grade glitter, which is cut into smooth, rounded shapes so if a bit gets near the eyes it won’t scratch. I’m also incorporating biodegradable, seaweed-based cosmetic glitters that feel silky and are eco-friendly. I apply glitter by lightly sprinkling with clean fingers or, when appropriate, a clean brush—never craft glitter.

Do you use stencils?

No — everything is 100% freehand. This avoids stencil smudging and ensures every design is clean, original, and professional. If a stencil is required, advance notice is required and there is an extra charge for custom stencils.

How do you handle hygiene?

Hygiene is a top priority. I follow professional standards at every event:

• Clean sponges for each child.

• Sponges are washed during and after events with dish soap, then sanitized with rubbing alcohol before being used again.

• Brushes are cleaned regularly during use: water rinse, olive oil followed by soap wash, plain water rinse, and professional brush cleaner (or a 70% isopropyl alcohol spray but this is not ideal since it damages paint brushes).

• Fresh water is changed frequently.

Can you paint sensitive skin?

In most cases, yes. If there’s a history of reactions, I can do a quick patch test on the inside of the elbow first. Parents always have final say.

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.

Do you offer airbrush?

Yes. Airbrush face painting is $125/hour + supplies + travel.

Booking, Pricing & Minimums

What are your rates?

• Face painter (artist): $100/hour

• Assistant (optional add-on): $50 first hour, then $25/hour

  • Helps with hygiene, questions, and crowd/line control; does not paint faces

  • Please Note: Staffing Applicants should scroll down for staff related FAQ

• Outdoor water station (if required): $20

• Additional artist (second painter): $100/hour per artist (recommended for high-volume events)

Example: 1 artist + assistant for 2 hours = $250 + travel.

Minimum booking times

• Residential / small groups: 2-hour minimum

• Businesses, schools, daycares, non-profits, corporations: 3-hour minimum

• Outside Greater Montréal: 4-hour minimum (+ travel expenses)

Assistant vs. second face painter—what’s the difference?

• Assistant: speeds up hygiene and line flow; does not paint.

• Second painter: a second artist painting simultaneously for higher throughput.

Setup & Logistics

What do clients need to provide?

• Two adult-height tables (not picnic-height)

• Good lighting

• Full shade outdoors

• No loudspeakers nearby

• Line management by parents/staff (or book an assistant)

For large/public events, please provide stanchions/barriers to create a safe working perimeter. I bring director’s chairs and all painting supplies.

Can you handle large/public events?

Yes. For public events a 3-hour minimum applies. Perimeter barriers, hygiene, and line-control requirements are not flexible (events may be inspected).

Travel

What are the travel fees?

• $15 – $50: Chomedey, Ahuntsic–Cartierville

• $20 – $50: Mile-End, Plateau, Westmount, Downtown, Village

• $30–$60 (TBD): other Laval addresses

• $25–$75 (TBD): Nun’s Island, Lachine, Outremont, Pointe-Claire, NDG, Verdun & harder-to-reach areas

• Outside Greater Montréal: 4-hour minimum + travel expenses (transport/driver or Uber/taxi; food & lodging for overnights)

Transport is either done by bike, bus/metro or Uber or Uber XL, depending on circumstances (time of day, equipment needed etc).

Q: Why do you charge so much for your services?

My rates reflect the professional quality, safety, and expertise that come with years of experience in face and body art. All materials are professional, cosmetic-grade, and designed specifically for skin — never craft products.

Professional materials are expensive, and maintaining a fully sanitized, high-quality kit is essential. A single palette or specialty paint is costly, and a full-body or elaborate event design may use several.

Each booking also covers unseen work — preparation, sanitization, product maintenance, travel logistics, and ongoing skill development. You’re not only paying for time at the event; you’re investing in safe, polished results and an artist who can deliver them efficiently and beautifully.

While rates may change over time, they remain fair within industry standards for professional-grade work and safe, reliable service.

To give a sense of the actual numbers:

• Mehron face/body paint palettes: $25.98 CAD each before tax
  (One head-to-toe body paint in a single solid colour can use up an entire palette.)

• Premade liquid metallics: $26.98 CAD each before tax

• Glitter gel: $29.98 CAD each before tax (and it doesn’t go far)

• Metallic powders: $22 CAD each before tax

• Mehron mixing liquid: $22.98 CAD each before tax

• MAC Pro palettes: higher priced than Mehron

• Split cakes: similar costs but smaller quantities

• Paintbrushes: $5–$30 each, plus protective covers

These examples barely scratch the surface.

Policies

Special requests & high-volume setups

Assembly-line/speed painting, special textures, or client-provided transport require 1 week’s notice.

Last-minute changes

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

Deposits & cancellations

• 5+ days before: deposit retained; no extra fee

• Within 5 days: 50% of booking due

• Within 48 hours: 100% of booking due
  Deposits are non-refundable unless I cancel.

Communication

Please provide clear written instructions and one main contact to keep everything smooth and on-schedule.

Q: What kinds of designs can kids choose from?

A: I offer a wide variety of designs ranging from simple cheek art to full-face creations. Kids can choose from popular themes like superheroes, animals, princesses, or seasonal favorites. Or I can custom create if you tell me your concept or I can recreate photos you show me.

Q: Is the face paint safe for children’s skin?

A: Yes. I only use professional, hypoallergenic, water-based paints that are safe for sensitive skin and easy to remove with soap and water.

Q: How long does it take to paint each child?

A: Simple designs can take about 3–6 minutes, while more detailed full-face designs may take 7–15 minutes depending on circumstances such as how much is the child moving.

Q: Do you need access to anything at the venue?

A: I require a 5-foot table, a tall stool or director’s chair (so I can work while standing), and good lighting. Working at the same height as the child in two regular chairs slows the process, strains my neck, and makes it harder to see details; however, I can adapt if standard chairs are the only option available. If needed, I can bring my own setup, provided the client covers the cost of an Uber XL roundtrip or arranges transportation for larger items such as the director’s chair and table.

Jagua — FAQ

Q: What is jagua body art?
A: Jagua is a natural plant-based gel that temporarily stains the skin a dark blue-black color. It looks similar to a tattoo and typically lasts 1–2 weeks.

Q: Is jagua safe?
A: Yes, jagua is natural and safe for most people. However, it should not be used on children under 6 or people with certain fruit allergies.

Q: How long does jagua take to apply and dry?
A: Application time varies by design. After application, the gel needs to stay on for 2–3 hours before it is washed off. The stain will darken over 24–48 hours.

Henna Body Art (Mehndi) — FAQ

Q: How long does henna last?

A: Traditional henna designs usually last 1–2 weeks, depending on placement, skin type, and aftercare.

Q: Is your henna natural?

A: Yes. I use 100% natural henna paste made from henna leaves, lemon juice, and essential oils. I do not use “black henna,” which can be harmful.

Q: Can you create custom henna designs?

A: Absolutely. I offer traditional patterns as well as modern, custom artwork tailored to your preferences.

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Is “black henna” safe?

In the past (1990’s to 2015), “black henna” was a real concern because some mixtures contained added chemicals like PPD, which can cause chemical burns, hospitalization or severe allergic reactions.

Today in North America, this is generally not an issue. What is often sold as “black henna” is either:

• Henna mixed with jagua fruit (to deepen the color), or

• Pure jagua gel, being relabelled as ”black henna” which is made from a South American fruit that naturally stains the skin a blue-black shade. Both are safe when used properly.

⚠️ Travel caution: If you’re overseas, especially in areas where products aren’t strictly regulated, you may still encounter unsafe “black henna” containing chemicals.

Body Painting

Q: What types of body painting do you offer?
A: I provide designs for photo shoots, live events, performances, advertising, and private parties.

Q: How long does a full body painting take?
A: Depending on complexity, a full design can take anywhere from 2–6 hours.

Q: Is the paint safe for skin and easy to remove?
A: Yes, I use professional body paints that are cosmetic-grade, non-toxic, and easily removed with soap and water.

Adult Face Painting / Maquillage Artistique

— FAQ

Q: What is artistic makeup for adults?
A: This includes fantasy makeup, themed character looks, and custom creative designs for parties, events, or stage performances.

Q: Do you provide makeup for Halloween or cosplay?
A: Yes, I specialize in unique looks for Halloween, comic conventions, theater, and more.

Maternity — FAQ

Q: What is maternity body painting?
A: It’s a celebration of pregnancy, where I paint a custom design on the baby bump. It’s often paired with photography for a keepsake.

Q: When is the best time during pregnancy to book a session?
A: Most clients schedule between 6–8 months of pregnancy, when the belly is beautifully round but before the final weeks.

Q: How long does a session take?
A: A typical maternity painting session lasts 2–4 hours, depending on the design.

Photography — FAQ

Q: Do you provide photography along with painting services?
A: Yes. I offer professional photography packages to capture the finished artwork, whether for maternity, body painting, or events.

Q: Can I book just a photography session without painting?
A: Yes, I also offer standalone photography sessions depending on availability.

Wedding Body Art — FAQ

Q: What types of wedding body art do you provide?
A: I create custom henna, jagua, or painted designs for brides, bridal parties, and cultural ceremonies.

Q: How far in advance should I book for a wedding?
A: At least 1–3 months in advance is recommended, especially during peak wedding season.

Murals — FAQ

Q: What surfaces can you paint murals on?
A: I can paint on interior and exterior walls, wood, canvas, or panels depending on your project.

Q: How long does a mural take?
A: Small murals may take a few days, while large or detailed pieces can take several weeks.

Q: Do you provide design consultations?
A: Yes, I work with you to create a concept sketch before starting the project.

Halloween — FAQ

Q: Do you offer special Halloween makeup or body painting?
A: Yes, I create unique looks ranging from spooky to glamorous.

Q: How early should I book for Halloween?
A: October is very busy, so it’s best to book several weeks in advance.

Seasonal Window Painting — FAQ

Q: Do you paint storefront windows for holidays or promotions?
A: Yes, I create hand-painted window displays for holidays, sales events, or seasonal themes.

Q: How long does window paint last?
A: The designs can last weeks to months depending on weather exposure, and they can be easily removed when needed.

Interior Wall Painting — FAQ

Q: Do you offer decorative painting for interiors?
A: Yes, I provide artistic interior painting including murals, accent walls, and custom designs.

Q: Can you match colors or themes to my décor?
A: Absolutely. I work with your style and palette to create a cohesive design.

Event Staff & Additional Talent — FAQ

Q: Can you provide multiple artists for large events?
A: Yes, I work with a network of professional artists and performers to staff larger events. If talent I have worked with before I already booked then I can do open call outs for new talent & do your talent scouting for you. I am also connected to several agencies who provide larger event staffing & organization.

Q: What kinds of additional talent can you provide?
A: Options may include balloon artists, stilt walkers, hula hoop performers, animators, musicians, hairdressers, photographers, or themed performers depending on your event.

Q: Can you provide general staffing?

A: For an additional fee, I can recruit extra staff—starting with trusted colleagues I have worked with before, and if needed, extending to a public call-out. Subcontracted roles may include assistants, crowd control, entertainment, servers, bartenders, coat check, and more.

FAQ for Staff Applicants

Q: Why do you pay assistants less than what the client is being charged for the assistants?

Confronting me about this is like walking into a coffee shop and demanding to know why a cappuccino costs $5 when the barista is making minimum wage. It shows a misunderstanding of how business works. Client pricing and staff wages are two completely different contexts.

What you’re seeing on my website is client pricing, not staff wages. Client pricing is based on how a proper business plan is supposed to work — covering overhead like preparation, practice, setup, cleanup, materials, transportation, recruiting, and administration. In reality, though, I haven’t been able to raise my rates since 2008 because the market won’t support it. That means much of my own labour ends up unpaid, even though technically it should be included in client rates.

The assistant role is a support position, not an artist role. Assistants don’t do the face painting itself, and their pay reflects that. The going rate for an event assistant in this industry is about $20/hour. In my case, assistants also receive a share of tips (above standard), and I pay for setup and cleanup time — hours that are often expected as unpaid labour elsewhere.

When a client pays for an assistant, that money goes directly to pay the assistant. For example: if a client pays for 3 hours, but setup and cleanup add an extra hour, the assistant is still paid fairly for 4 hours of work. I do not profit from assistants. In fact, assistants often cost me more than they bring in, because I put in unpaid time recruiting, training, and supervising, and sometimes face losses like damaged brushes or supplies.

Normally, any artist acting as an agent would be earning extra income from hiring and managing staff. In my case, I’m not — I only offer assistants because it benefits the client. A smoother event increases the chance the client will hire me again or recommend me, which helps me build my reputation and keep my business alive.

At the end of the day, if the rate doesn’t work for someone, that’s fine — they don’t have to apply. But comparing client pricing to staff wages isn’t accurate or fair, and treating an artist like they owe you an explanation for it is inappropriate.