Fairs, Festivals, Birthday Parties?

[Sherry]

I was thinking about a topic on your goals for your business for the New Year.  Things have slowed down for me since Christmas and since I'm less busy it had me thinking about this topic.

I really prefer fairs, festivals and large public events to the more intimate birthday parties.  When I thought about my goals for the new year, I thought  I would like to have 2 artists I could rely on to take on the birthday party portion of my business and I could focus more on the other types of events.

I think I like the feeling of being completely in charge.  If things slow down, no biggie at a fair or festival, but if it's a birthday party, I feel like I should be doing something and it's awkward.

If I've been slammed all day and I'm closing up and I turn away a child, he can't come back with his mother who hired me and have me paint him anyway... off the clock.  And did I get any special bonus tip for working over?  No.  O.k., that's another story and another incident.     My point is I'm in charge and it feels nice to know that when it comes down to it, I don't feel pressured into doing what I don't want to do.  The only negative I find is if it's a pay per face, I do feel more pressure to do a better face.  If I'm paid to be there, in the back of my mind, I know that each person is getting this service for free, so I'm less hard on myself on my faces.

[Glitterfly Faces]

I agree with the larger events that I am incarge of as well.
I have only done fairs and birthday parties so far. But, I feel at parties, I need to stay in the assigned position and work until everyone is happy.

[sparklingfaces]

I think I like festivals best because of the continuous line and speed I need to paint at....lol.... but some birthday parties offer the same however I feel the need to be slower at birthday partys to fill the time.

I like the RUSH

[Sherry]

Yes, me too and it can really kick your painting up a level when have the long, busy events.  BTW, love the design on your new avatar Sparkling.

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

I like corporate events. They pay better than parties and are willing to book more time as well. I've had gigs for a hospital where I painted for 5 - 6 hours straight. It rarely got slow. Every event I do has been fun. I haven't done festivals or any ppf affairs. My biggest problem is leaving on time. I can be a soft touch. But all of your suggestions have given me a lot of help on that.

[Alison]

Taking Polls is Fun.
But I'm still not sure what's the difference between a Fair and a Festival.
To me, they both seem like places where you pay for your space
and then charge pay-per-face.  Can take as much or as little time as you want on each one.
Can take breaks whenever you want.  Can change your mood whenever you feel like it.....
Good stuff. 

How much are you guys willing to pay for a space?
How do you feel about then getting rained out?
Are you Required to be there once you pay for the space?

I'm thinking I'd like to do more of those, but, in liking the Freedom of working only for myself,
I wouldn't want to be Forced to be there if something else came up. 

BTW - I sure wish I could See Sparkling's avatar larger.....

[Sherry]

Fairs are normally longer and last about 10 days to 2 weeks around here.  Festivals are normally 1 - 3 days.  So, if you like fairs, you have to be willing to be out there for a long stretch.  I think most events want you to show up and don't like you to pack up early... some are stricter than others.  I am pretty dependable and will show up each day early, set up and ready, by I have left early at times when business was too slow or it was too cold to be sitting out there or when I was just missing my kids.  The paperwork warns about arriving late or leaving early, but I've never had anyone actually call me on it or penalize me when it has happened.

They understand when the weather isn't right for it.  I've had several warn me that a storm was on its way and that gave me time to pack it in. 

[Alison]

I would think that the people running the Festival would be
chagrinned about Their responsibility to You (You pay to be there, right?)

[Sherry]

Yes, some don't see the big picture and that you might not come back the next year and only try to bring in as many vendors as possible.  Not thinking about how it might affect your potential sales.  Others see it a different way and really value and treat their vendors well.  Human nature, I guess.

[Alison]

Oh yeah - We really see interesting sides of people's personalities when we're working with/for them.