The answer is YES, tips are ALWAYS appreciated but NEVER expected! If you choose to tip, it can be included with your final payment the day of the event. At larger events, I may put out a tip jar to allow your guests to show their appreciation for a job well done. However it's always up to you, the client, whether I do so or not. If you prefer no tip jar, simply let me know!

FAQs Archive | Faces by Franchesca

Q: How Safe Are Your Materials? / How do I Remove it?

I am fully insured under a policy specifically for face painters and henna artists under Beauty & Bodywork Insurance. I use only high-quality, professional-grade, hypoallergenic materials approved for use on skin. Allergic reactions or serious injuries are extremely unlikely, but if you or your child have a severe skin sensitivity, allergy, or skin condition and you are concerned, it may be better to be safe than sorry. The face paints, airbrush tattoo ink, and glitter tattoo glue I use are all approved for cosmetic use and safe for skin. The henna and jagua I use are plant-based, all-natural and free of harsh chemicals and dyes. They should not cause any reactions unless you are allergic to the plant-based ingredients. People with a berry allergy should not use jagua. Removal differs for each material. See more about removal here .

Q: What Is Your Booking Process Like?

The process begins when you fill out my booking form here . I usually respond within 24-48 hours to inform you whether I'm available for your event, and what the price will be. If you choose to move forward with booking, I'll send you a contract to sign and return with your 50% deposit. The completed contract and deposit payment are required to hold the day of your event, and once finalized, constitute a promise from me that I will be there. Deposits are refundable, minus a $50 cancellation fee, if you cancel more than 72 hours before the event. Cancellations within 72 hours are due the full amount. Rescheduling depends on artist availability. Rescheduling must occer at least 72 hours prior to the event or a fee will be charged. We set up early so that we can begin working on time! Full payment is due the day of the event, no exceptions.

Q: How Far Out Do You Book Events?

It depends on the season and the time of year! Booking early is highly encouraged. The more notice you give me, the more likely I am to be available. However, last-minute bookings are sometimes available, so please reach out anyway!

Q: How Does Your Pricing Work?

Please see our pricing options here !

Q: Why is it so Expensive? Can't I Just Do it Myself?

Face painting and freehand body art are similar to tattoos and other aesthetic body arts, in that it's not the materials you are paying for, it's the artist's time and talent. Plus, like any freelance/entrepreneurial business, there's a lot more than you think going into it behind the scenes! The costs -- buying and maintaining a professional grade kit (I have invested thousands in my kit over the years), marketing and insurance, plus the time it takes to schedule bookings, keep up with customer contracts, run a website, and learn new designs -- are all wrapped up into that hourly price you see. It may seem like all we do is show up at parties and have a great time (and we DO do that!) but more than half of the total work for that party, went into it before it even started! That said, I always encourage people to try face painting and henna on their own! Make sure you are buying actual face paint, and not just acrylic paint (even if it says "non-toxic" it is not necessarily made for skin). If you buy pre-mixed henna cones, make sure you buy them FRESH from a professional henna artist (such as on Etsy). People who have tried doing body art themselves, usually have a renewed appreciation for the amount of skill it really takes to be a pro! I also offer private classes to those wishing to learn face painting or freehand temporary tattoos. Please inquire here if you would like to set up a private lesson.

Q: Do I Need to Provide Anything?

The only thing you must provide is shelter! If the event will be outdoors and you cannot provide shelter, a 10x10 pop-up tent can be provided for an extra $50. As a professional, I bring all the supplies I need to create fantastic face and body art for your guests. I will need a place to set up that is accessible and will not impede foot traffic -- if you have a table and two chairs, that's great; otherwise please let me know and I will bring my own at no extra cost.