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What Is a Face Painter and How to Become One

Face Painter

What Do Face Painters Do?

As a face painter, your primary responsibilities include applying non-toxic face paint or non-permanent tattoos to guests at public or private events. Face painters can work at amusement parks, sports stadiums, festivals, state or county fairs, street fairs, and private parties. You create hand painted designs or turn children into specific characters, such as cartoon heroes or animals. Many face painters are freelancers, so you may perform a variety of administrative duties, such as accounting, scheduling, and making sure that you have the appropriate supplies for each gig.

How to Become a Face Painter

To become a face painter, you need a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of face painting. You can acquire these skills by training with more experienced face painters or through formal study. Some face painters come from a fine arts background, where they learned illustration, design, and painting. Some painters, such as those who do henna, may need more specialized training. If you work at an amusement park or another venue, you need to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Strong math and customer service skills are also essential qualifications.