Working for a Talent Agency?

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

At my last party, I met an Elmo performer who owns his own entertainment company. He watched me as I worked on a few full faces. Then he asked if I did arm and cheek art as well (his wife is their face painter). I was surprised that he thought that cheek/arm art was more impressive. He also questioned if I was with an agency. Said no, I do all my own booking.

But I have been thinking if it's a more profitable avenue to work for them and me! I know their website said that facepainting started at $150, so if I get at least half, I might be interested. Just don't tell me I can't work on my own.

Anyone out there working for someone else?

[Sherry]

I have before, by several different companies, but not on a regular basis.  They were companies from out of town who contacted me to do gigs in my own area. 

One was for Verizon Wireless for a gig in Savannah.  Their PR or advertising company hired a company based out of California to hire the face painters and they in turn contacted us.  Weird!  But I loved it!  It was the St. Patrick's Day celebration and was super fun.

I think it's a great idea for you and an extra avenue to get regular work.

[Wildcatfin]

Beware as some won't let you work OR advertise or even have a www apart from with them...or even turn up in a decalled car! Did a gig once as a favour when their 'painter' pulled out last minute and they wanted me to hire a plain car or park 15 mins walk away! Uh, NO. Like the mall would notice in a sea of car parks, pfft.

I also did 1 gig with an agency which 4 years later I have NEVER been paid for.
And another where they didn't remotely stick to the details they put in their contract and the other painter (they often hired her) was so awful everyone queued for me so she threw a fit and bawled me out in public AND to them. Etc.
Be aware it is VERY rare for agencies to pay 'properly'. As in I have heard of even those run by pro painters paying below the odds...they tend to aim at beginner/ student painter so they can say they will give x number more of painters than anyone else and the quality/ speed etc is often low...most i know only take them if they know its unlikely they'll get a privately booked gig that day, its better than nothing.

Then again I have a few contacts now who are acts/agencies that originally i worked alongside when we were booked separately for parties. Thats fine - they either add a % on top of my quote to them or we cross-promote each other.

So TBH I steer clear of f-p/ entertainment agencies...for body painting its different but thats more events companies I'm with.
cat x

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

Chatted with the agency man today. He LOVED my work; that's why he wanted to meet me. He said to email him when I want to work - he could book me every weekend! He had asked my rates. I told him $85 - $100 depending on location with 2 hour minimum. He said my rates worked with him. He is also looking for talent to  go into character costumes for parties. If you are close to Chicago, send me a message. I'll give you the specifics.

He knows a friend of mine who is a caricature artist. He's hired him in fact. Soooo, I'll be calling him to see how it is to work for this agency. But so far, it sounds like a GREAT opportunity. Ca-ching!

[sparklingfaces]

I agree with what's already been said. You just have to recognize those who are only thinking of the money YOU can mae them. Those are the ones you should steer clear of. It should be profitable on both ends. In regards to not advertising at an event, I don't really have any beef with that. I can understand that the agency is trying to advertise itself and say "look how good MY face painters are! Don't you want to book me again?" As long as they are paying me, I could care less.

I think it sucks when bad painters get good jobs. I was trying to negotiate a job at a festival I henna at every year, they said they had an exclusive contract with a face painter already. Being a vendor there myself, I see how bad their work is, on top of that they use acrylic paint... Sadly the organizers don't know any difference and frankly don't care as they are getting a "deal"
Sad...

[Sherry]

Yes, I think most people are pretty clueless about face painting quality.  When I first started I was surprised to find out about this whole "professional" face painting world out there.  But as time goes on, I think more and more people will get educated about it SLOWLY.   

I'm sort of curious about the costume characters part.  Did he say what it entails or pays?

[Alison]

I agree with what's already been said. You just have to recognize those who are only thinking of the money YOU can mae them.

I came across a neat quote recently - "BE WHO YOU ARE AND SAY WHAT YOU FEEL BECAUSE THOSE WHO MIND DON'T MATTER AND THOSE WHO MATTER DON'T MIND."

I was reminded of it as I read Sparkling's response.  Because that's a good way to find out which agency you'd be willing to work with.  Speak up.  Expect your regular rates - because you will feel crummy about it when you have to turn down a 'real' job if you're already locked into an agent's job.  And then be yourself.  Do the same good job you'd want to do if you were just representing yourself.  If the agent tries to talk you down (aka talk down to you), then that's one of the people who wouldn't matter in your life.  If s/he wants to work WITH you, then it's, well, another job.