Choose Your Business Name

Pick something memorable, fun, and easy to spell (remember people will be searching for your name on social media, so spelling matters). Your name will represent your brand, so choose something that feels like you!

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A lot of artists keep it simple, with names like “Painted Faces by Penny,” “Farrah’s Face Painting,” “Bessie’s Body Art,” or “Alice’s Artistry.” Don’t overthink it, the goal is just to identify you from others, not define your whole business. At the end of the day, what really defines you is your professionalism, positive attitude, communication, and work ethic, not a name.​​

​Check if your name is available in your state by searching your Secretary of State Business Registry. ​​Here's a website with links to the Secretary of State for all 50 states: Find My State Registry

​​​Pro Tip: Before you settle on a name, search for it on Google to make sure you’re not picking the same name as someone else — it can save you a lot of confusion later. Once you’ve got a name you like, check if the URL is available using GoDaddy or any website builder. This way, you can secure your online presence from the start!

Decide Your Business Structure

Most artists start out as a Sole Proprietor because it’s simple and usually free. If you go this route, your legal business name will just be your own name, with a DBA (“Doing Business As”) if you want a separate business name.

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You can also form an LLC if you want a bit more legal protection and separation between your personal and business finances. Just keep in mind there can be setup fees and extra taxes. Take some time to research your options before deciding what’s best for you. Where I live in TN it's nearly a 7% fee on all yearly earnings, so I chose Sole Proprietor for now. Ask a tax professional to find out what makes the most sense for you if you're not sure!

Register Your Business with Your State or Local Tax Authority

1. Register your business with your state or local tax authority.

2. Obtain any required business license or permit in your area.

3. Apply for an EIN (Recommended) — makes taxes easier and allows you to open a business bank account.

4. An EIN is a free federal business ID from the IRS that helps you avoid giving out your Social Security Number. Apply here: IRS EIN Application

Business Forms / W-9 Section

When you start taking paid bookings, you may be asked to provide a W-9. This is standard when working for another painter, a company, or a larger event.

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If you aren’t registered as a business, you can still fill out a W-9 using your full name, the name you use for your business (if you have one), your home address, and your Social Security Number.

If you have a registered business, use your business name and EIN instead. This keeps things organized and easy to follow, and it separates insurance protection from paperwork/legal requirements.

Obtain Liability Insurance

Even if you’re just starting out, liability insurance is worth getting — it protects both you and your clients. Most professional face painters carry it, and it’s usually very affordable (around $10–$20 per month).​

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Some providers that offer nationwide coverage include Beauty & Bodywork Insurance and Hiscox.​​

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Tip: Download a copy of your proof of insurance so you can easily provide it to other painters you collaborate with or businesses that request it. It's customary when you work for someone to provide proof of insurance and a copy of your W-9.

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is one of the simplest ways to stay organized and make your life easier. It makes accounting, tracking expenses, and filing taxes much less stressful — and it also helps you see exactly how your business is performing.

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When you open your account, make sure to bring your EIN (or your Social Security Number if you’re a Sole Proprietor), your business registration, and any required licenses.

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Tip: Consider getting a business credit card as well. It’s great for larger purchases like bulk paints, supplies, or equipment, and it can help you earn rewards points. Over time, it also helps you build business credit, which can make loans or larger purchases easier in the future.

The Great Pricing Debate

One big question new painters often ask is: Do I charge lower prices because I’m new, or do I charge closer to industry rates to avoid undercutting others?

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Charging low: This can help you get experience and bookings faster, but some painters feel it can devalue the industry.

Charging standard rates: This respects other professionals and avoids undercutting, but it might mean fewer bookings at first.

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There’s no right or wrong answer — you have to make the decision that feels right for you and your business. No matter what you choose, you won’t please everybody, and that’s okay. Focus on offering quality, honesty, and professionalism, and your clients will value your work.

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Pricing Tip: Get on the face painting Facebook groups and try searching for the term "pricing" to see what other artists are charging in their areas. There's a wealth of information on these pages, so check it out before you land on a final pricing structure.

Create An Online Presence

1. Create a simple website to showcase your work and services.

2. Set up a Google Business Profile so clients can find you easily and leave reviews.

3. Create social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) and start sharing your work.

Services & What to Offer

When you’re deciding what services to offer, start with what you enjoy and can do well. This might be full face designs, cheek art, glitter tattoos, or specialty effects — whatever fits your style and skill level. Don’t feel like you have to offer everything under the sun right away. Focus on quality over quantity.

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Keep in mind there’s a real cost to any service, not just in supplies, but in the time it takes to practice and deliver a professional-looking result. For example:

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• A full glitter bar can cost $100+ in supplies to start.

• Glitter tattoos may require $100+ for stencils, glitter, and practice.

Before offering a service, do your research: see what’s working for other artists, ask questions in Facebook groups, and learn from real-world experiences. One of my favorites is Face Painters WTF, which is full of honest, funny, and sometimes crazy job scenarios.

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Pro Tip: Always be honest about what you can deliver. Do not use AI-generated artwork as your own work — it creates unrealistic expectations for both you and your clients. A simple word menu is a professional and effective way to showcase your offerings and help clients understand exactly what you provide. As your skills improve, your service menu can grow naturally. Focus on building confidence first, then expand into more advanced offerings when you’re ready.

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By starting small, practicing, and being intentional about what you offer, you’ll build confidence, develop your skills, and create a reputation for quality work without feeling overwhelmed.

Practice and Test Your Workflow

Before you take on paying clients, it’s important to practice your workflow so you can work confidently and efficiently. Try a few mock sessions with friends or family to simulate a real event. Focus on:

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• Speed and setup – practice arranging your kit so everything is within reach and you can start quickly

• Clean-up – make sure you can clean brushes, sponges, and surfaces efficiently between clients

• Communicating with “clients” – practice talking with kids (and adults) while painting to keep the experience smooth and fun

For more detailed tips on techniques, brush handling, line work, and common mistakes, check out the Practice section on our Face Painting Basics page. These foundational skills will make real events feel much easier and more enjoyable.

Get Your First Bookings

Start small and keep it manageable. Offer your services to friends, local schools, or community events first. This helps you:

• Gain real-world experience in a low-pressure setting

• Build confidence in your speed and workflow

• Collect reviews and feedback that will help attract future clients

Treat each event as a learning opportunity. Over time, you’ll get a better sense of how long designs take, how to organize your setup for different event types, and how to communicate with clients professionally.

Helpful Idea: Track your time, note what worked well, and make small improvements after each session. These observations will give you a head start when you begin booking paid events regularly.

Build Your Kit

Before you start taking bookings, make sure you have all the essentials to deliver professional, safe, and polished work.

At a minimum, you’ll want:

• Paints – professional-grade, cosmetic face paints made for skin

• Brushes and sponges – the right tools make a huge difference in your line work and blending

• Glitters and shimmer powders – use cosmetic-grade products that are safe for skin

• Cleaning supplies – wipes, sanitizer, water cups, paper towels, and anything else needed to stay hygienic

By having a well-stocked kit, you’ll be ready to handle any job confidently and look professional from the very first face you paint, even if you're brand new.

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Bonus: I’ve put together a full kit buildout with detailed cost estimates on another page, so you can see exactly what supplies you need and what they typically cost to get started. This is a huge help if you’re trying to budget and plan your purchases without overspending.

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Ready to Build Your Kit? Visit our Face Painting Kits & Supplies page!