How many samples do you display?

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

Just wondering. I have 2 large plastic frames filled with full face, 4 x 6 photos. One for more girly designs and one more  for boys. I try to incorporate photos of adults as well. Then I have another frame with body art and cheek designs. Somehow I wish I had MORE designs to display.

But when in TOO MUCH?  I've seen videos of Disney facepainters and it seems that there a very limited amount of choices. If I did the same 8 boy and 8 girl designs, I have no doubt that I would build up my speed. But I like showing both cheek/arm/etc art and full face designs. I like to display my best stuff to show my abilities, but I don't want to spend the time on a very time consuming design.

What are your opinions?

[AMAZINGface]

Hmmm...  Display.  I know when I have too much to see or read, I don't 'see' or read much at all.

So, recently I took advantage of one of those scrolling picture frames and uploaded (downloaded...whichever!) lots of my favorite pictures and that way it can catch a customers eye if they care to watch a few pics go by and it gives others something to do while someone they're waiting for is getting painted.  Need a source of power in this case.  They can hold like up to 200 pics, so if you just uploaded say, two or three angles of the, say, 8 - 10 things you wanted to offer, it can scroll by quickly enough for your customers to make a choice.  I did upload alot just to keep people engaged.  Some watched, some didn't!

Also, I often just print out a list of ideas to choose from.  That way you don't have to tax your creativity on the spot too much.  Just like the Disney thing you mentioned.  Like, if they can ask for the 'Horned Monster' you can give them several horns or change up the color or make it a half-face for a little one...  Also I note boy or girl, too.  That way they don't get stuck in 'all cats are orange and brown with black, blah, blah...' 'cos I LOVE changed-up colors of the standards. And if your venue has some theme like pet rescue or sports, you can offer related things like puppies and kittens or baseballs or logos.  I like to match girls outfits, too.  Seems to make it even more personalized because if they see a teardrop mask, they're likely to want it in the same colors they saw it on someone else, too, but you can give them a whole look by matching what they're wearing.

Nothing is preventing you from trying both.  That way you can show off your faves in the frame and on a separate poster, list your offerings, too!

So, to answer your question:  5.  

Kidding!

-Daina

[Sherry]

I have a small sign that I take to parties that has 22 pictures to choose from.  Then I have 3 signs with 3 different price ranges to choose from that I take to fairs and festivals.  Total of 86 pics to choose from, but I do think it looks a bit too busy or cluttered sometimes.

[artsyface]

Hello

I used to do a big poster board. Now I use 2 mini size albums. 8 boys and 8 girls. It works out great!While I am painting a face,  the other person in line will look at the album, it gives them something to do.  I also always have a bowl of goodies for  the kids after they get painted. Investing alittle goes a long way. It makes a little girl and boy happy after they have been waiting sooo long in line!! I think parents appreciate it! A little goes a long way!! I usually do dummies (lollipop)

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

Never put out candy, but I think that's a nice extra. People like that. Good thinking!

A new EXTRA that I brought to last weekend's jobs were bendable straws.
I hate painting a great face knowing that it will soon be destroyed (at least around the mouth)
from drinking and eating. In the past I told the kids to ask the host/hostess if they have
any straws. Heck, I know I don't usually have any at my house.

So, now I am bringing them with. Cheap and the hosts appreciated my thoughtfulness!

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

I used to have a binder with my sample pictures.
The kids started ripping out the pages and pointing,
"this is the one I want!" Cute. I kept having to reprint
pages. That's when I gave that up.

I do have one of those nice printed photo books. I try
to be very careful who I let look at it. I was originally
planning to only take it on sales calls. "Here are my samples..."

Now a few pages are notched, but all in all, it still looks pretty good.

Recently, I tried to NOT use my boards, but the kids seemed confused
as I told them the many things I could make. It wasn't until I pulled the boards out
that everyone knew what they wanted. I guess that I am keeping the boards!

[Alison]

I have LOTS of Samples.  But I only put out SOME of them.  IF I'm going to put out any at all. 
At least 20 at a time...

But I change which ones I put out at almost every party. 
It usually goes by how I feel at the moment - Do I want to put out Samples or Not?
And, if so, Do I want to bring a lot of attractive Butterflies (again)?  Or perhaps the more complicated skulls etc.  Photos?  Books?  Nothing?  Words?

By always changing, I do not get bored.  (Haha - bored with the board). 
I have the Option to do new stuff at any time.  And also the Option to keep things simple and do the 'been there-done-that-already" stuff if I can't focus. 

Abs
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