WHAT THE BODY ARTIST YOU ARE PLANNING TO BOOK FOR YOUR EVENT SHOULD KNOW- Body Artistry Do's & Don'ts 101

 When booking a body artist for your next event, there are several KEY things you should look for in a Body Artist that goes beyond their design ability and natural talent.

Thinking of training staff or volunteers instead? This key list of critical things you should do and not do, will guide you to be fully prepared no matter which avenue you decide to venture upon.

Although you may think of face painting or temporary tattoos as just another "add on" activity to your event, there are potential risks and benefits that can completely change the outcome of the experience for our guests. This is why I have created this list for you to consider the various options available to you. Regardless of your event  "budget" there are certain elements that are more important than others, and ones you should NEVER compromise on. Remember, you get what you pay for!

1. HYGIENE

• Prior to providing Body Artistry services to guests: You should expect your Artist to arrive "fresh". and what I mean by that is they should be looking and smelling professional. This means they should not smell like cigarette smoke, have dirty hair/ hands/ or body. Many Body Artists will go from one event to another, so a good Artist will have showered before starting their schedule of gigs for the day, and have changed their clothes prior to the event you have booked them for if they have become dirty. It is also important for them not to be wearing heavy scents, or anything else that could cause potential breathing issues for your guests. Remember, the Body Artist will be in close-proximity of your guests when providing services, they should respect your guests by being aware of their own personal hygiene at all times. Often when an Artist is working several gigs in the sun, or that involve wearing heavy costumes they can become sweaty. In any case, a professional Artist will know to change in between events, and freshen up. Keep in mind however, despite their best efforts, they may have come in contact with environmental factors beyond their control that can cause them to smell, so be respectful.

 

• During Body Artistry rendering: An Artist should have Sanitizer at their working station AT ALL TIMES and should use it on their hands and forearms BEFORE & AFTER each guest they paint! No exceptions! Do not rush an artist during this process ever! Failure to do this can lead to the transfer of contagious diseases from person to person. The Artist should clean whatever skin service they are painting or tattooing before applying any products. This means washing the skin's surface with anti bacterial wipes, and/ or baby wipes depending on the person's skin sensitivity. A professional Artist will refuse to paint skin that appears dirty, infected, wounded, or irritated in any way. Body Artists are not doctors, and in order to protect their expensive products which would need to be thrown out if damaged, and the rest of the guests they are painting at your event they must refuse the guest no matter how upset they are. You, should support that! Remember, it is not a personal decision, it is in everyone's best interest. If an Artist paints an irritated area there is a risk that the area can potentially become infected. It is recommended that ALL Body Artists wear gloves and dispose of them at the minimum ever 3 to 4 guests, if not they must thoroughly sanitize and wash their hands before and after each guests. The Artist should be changing the water every 4 to 5 guests, with cold water to prevent bacteria growth. They should also be washing brushes, sponges etc between every guest even if they are applying the same color to another guest.

 

• End of Event: At the end of the event, a Body Artist should be carefully cleaning the area where they were painting. This is done by putting all used sponges, brushes, paints etc in a sealed bag, then cleaning the table surface areas, and chairs with anti bacterial wipes, then rinsing with water. If an Artist is heading to another Gig right after yours they should thoroughly clean the supplies before putting them in the bag.

 

• Post Event-After Care: A Body Artist should always wash every bag, container, case, or any other object or tool they use to paint/ tattoo a guest once they arrive back at their studio/home promptly after. The longer items sit the more bacteria they grow. If an Artist suspects any items or tools may have become contaminated they MUST dispose of them promptly. Professional Artists keep accurate records of when they clean their products, and watch for expiry dates for insurance purposes. Generally speaking, an Artist should not be holding on to paint for more than 6 months, even if it has been barely used. At

2. SCOPE OF PRACTICE/ DESIGN ABILITY

• ​Design Ability: A professional Artist should have several books of "hand drawn" designs, as well as "Most Popular" designs for your guests to choose from. Furthermore, they should be able to free-hand almost any design from a picture or google search from their phone depending on the time it takes to complete, and the number of guests they are booked to paint within a specific time frame you have given them. Also guests from time to time may request an inappropriate or unreasonable design, at which a professional Artist should decline. An Artist should not touch your phone or have any other guest item placed on their work station as it could contaminate it.
• Skill-sets: A true Artist should be able to do Nose/ Cheek/ Full Face/ Forehead/ Arm/ Upper Back/ Leg painting and temporary tattoos without having to rely on airbrush stencils or machine to complete the task. Although Airbrushing is quicker, and provides a cleaner looking design, most face painting designs do not require it. However, for large gigs that require several glitter tattoos, or airbrush tattoos the only way that is possible for an Artist to tattoo hundreds of guests is with machines, and the help of additional Artist assistants. Henna, and Earth Jagua tattoos do require free-hand ability, and although an Artist can repeat a design from one of their books, they should be able to hand- tattoo anything a guest requests, once again, that is appropriate.

PERSONAL SAFETY OF YOUR GUESTS

• Certification: A certified Artist will have taken the time to get proper certification or training in this trade, and usually continues their education with other Artists. Although being a Certified Body Artist does not guarantee that they will be the best or a great artist, it will however demonstrate that they care enough to learn how to to properly protect your guests from un-safe applications.
• Criminal Record/ Child Abuse Checks: It is a common practice to ensure that staff or volunteers that are working your even have a clear criminal record, child abuse check, and vulnerable person's check, and Body Artists should NEVER be an exception to that rule. They are in DIRECT physical contact with your guests, and often have to work around figgidy children, or adult quests who may be intoxicated. Your job as an event host is to ensure that they not only are safe, but know how to protect themselves through preventive guest-interaction policies and procedures.

• Fresh Products: I have literally seen clowns and artists hold on to their products for SEVERAL years. I understand the investment aspect, but a good Artist should be booked enough that they change their products often, and are always trying new brands until they find one they can count on. If they are buying in small quantities per gig, it costs them more so that is usually when you see an Artist holding on to old product. Remember, old products if not cleaned properly are FILLED with bacteria! The quality of the color when applying, and whether or not the design lasts in the hot summer without painful cracking, or wiping off onto your guests clothes all depends on how "fresh" the Artists products are.

INSURANCE

• Your Own: NEVER rely on an Artists insurance to protect you. As an Event planner or Host it is best to get general event liability insurance, even more so if you are an Agent who books Body Artist's for gigs.
• The Artists:  EVERY working professional Artist SHOULD carry insurance to protect themselves, and you. No matter how well an Artist cleans their Body Artistry products, and working station, sometimes children have a reaction to the paint or tattoo products. In this case, the lack of insurance could. Ask for a copy of theirs before booking with them.
• The Venue: Responsible venues request that all Event Planners or Artist's they book carry insurance. Although most do not enforce this as they think it is financially unobtainable for most Artists. It is not! The cost for an entire year of insurance for an Artist to obtain it themselves ranges between $100 to $600 per year depending on the type of Body Artistry they will be doing.

SAFE SET UP FOR ARTISTS & GUESTS

• Seating: Most professional Body Artists bring their own fold up tables, chairs, and set up that allows them to work fast and well. Although you may want to offer them a chair and table request that they provide their own to prevent them from over-use injuries. The rotation of the torso and holding an arm up can lead to injuries even from one gig if it is two hours or more. This is because the Artist often has to hold their body very still in off-angle positions for a long period of time without being able to sit. Most Artists will bring a chair and a stool so that they can change body positions. When booking an Artist for two hours or more, it is generally accepted that you allow them to get up for 5 minutes once every hour to prevent injuries. Sometimes this simply doesn't happen because there are many quests to be painted, remember they wont work faster or better if they are in pain. Ensure you give them a break, unless they decline.
• Refreshments: Artists spend most of their time talking to guests they are painting, or about to paint. In addition, they may be working out doors for long periods of time, in which case they need to remain hydrated. Offer a coffee, water, juice, or pop to make sure they take care of themselves. Alot of Artists are so focused on getting the job done they often neglect their own self-care and end up getting sick after a gig. Remember, they are in DIRECT contact with guests who may be ill, so its imperative that their immune system remains strong.
• Food: It is a common courtesy to tip an Artist or have a tip jar near their working station. However in order to keep the working area clean and safe, no food, or money should EVER come in contact with the Artists hands or area. You can provide a tip at the end of the night or collect tips for the Artist. Artists most of the time love a meal at the end of the night, and it is a gesture that does not go un-noticed.
• Additional Hours: Do not assume an Artist is available to work over-time, and even if they are don't assume they have the energy too. Body Artistry is a very difficult job that is mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing. Because it involves artwork people often think its fun and games, and have no idea the level of Mastery, Prep, and effort that is put in by professional Artists. They may want to stay and paint additional guests, but they don't have too. Remember, unless you have a prior arrangement with them, or can pay them up front for their work ensure you prepare the guests for their departure no less than 15 minutes before their service is to end. This is because it creates conflict with the Artists and the guests who have waited in line, and is embarrassing for the Artist. Conversations about financial transactions should be done respectfully away from the ears of a guest. If you do want to discuss any grievances or requests for overtime it should be done away from their work area, and their work area should be supervised by someone else. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should any guest, staff, or volunteer touch a Body Artists products at any time with or without their permission. This is one again for protection from any liabilities for you and the Artist.

THE TRUE COST
What are you really paying for when you book a Body Artist?
You are paying for not just their supplies, but their skill level, and professionalism. I don't know how many times I have had people try to cut the cost of the gig by offering to buy supplies, or asking the Artist to do the job of two people for less than the price of one. If they are not in your budget range, that is fine, but remember these are real people who DO pay taxes, and must be accountable for their gigs to their union, insurance provider, agent, and government.
Body Artistry IS a trade, and not just something ANYONE can do. Although more and more people are learning the tricks of the trade, an Artist has set their prices for a reason. The travel time to and from the gig, the time to clean and prep the supplies in between gigs, the time to order and arrange their products, type an invoice for you, answer your questions, and put a qoute together for you, all takes TIME. 

Very few professional Body Artists are rich, so remember the price they have given you is most likely fair and reasonable even if it sounds to you like they are getting paid $100 hour, once divided into all the things they need to do for one gig, it is alot less. Just like any business, they have costs. They also have to pay for their own health insurances, travel insurance etc, so its rather insulting to make comments about their worth as an Artist. Often times this is the reason really good Artists retire early, and it has nothing to do with whether or not they are talented or enjoy painting.

So, remember, respect the Artist, and respect your Guests. Treat them well, and expect the best. Ask questions, provide support, and above all, do your research before bringing in an Artist. Ask for references, and do not allow the price of an Artist to be the main factor in deciding on who you want to book.

Looking for a Body Artist for your next Gig? Contact ArtWithSas! E: artwithsas@gmail.com P: 204.894.1075