Join Our Team

Getting Started with Our Team of Incredible Talented Artists

Welcome to Dixie Land Face Painting & Balloons 💕

We’re so glad you’re here!

At Dixie Land Face Painting & Balloons, we’re all about creating a fun, memorable experience for our clients—and we’re always excited to connect with talented, dependable artists who want to grow, improve, and enjoy what they do. This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to get started as part of our team.

How Working With Us Works

The simple version:

We book the events, and when we need additional artists, we offer those opportunities to our team. Rather than hiring random artists, we prefer to work with people we know, trust, and have trained—that’s where you come in.

Your Role

You’ll be working as an independent contractor, not an employee.

That means:

You choose which jobs you want to accept
You’re free to work with other companies or book your own events
There’s no set schedule, you decide what works for you

What You Can Expect

Training and ongoing support
Opportunities for events as they come in
The freedom to say yes or no—no pressure

The Goal

You stay independent while having consistent opportunities to grow, gain experience, and work with a reliable team.

Getting Started

Getting started is easy!

We’ll begin with a quick phone call, followed by an in-person training where you’ll learn the basics and get a feel for how everything works.
From there, you can grab a practice kit or start building your own—it’s all about practicing, improving, and getting comfortable.
You’re also welcome to come to events as a line manager first, so you can see how everything runs before jumping into painting.

Step 1: Phone Interview

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Step 4: Practice Time

From here, it’s all about PRACTICE! You’ll build your skills until you feel confident painting by practicing a little every day.

Step 2: In-Person Training

You’ll learn the basics and get a feel for the work.

Step 5: Shadowing Opportunities

You’re welcome to attend events as a line manager, just to get a feel for things!

Step 3: Practice Kit

Now your purchase a practice kit or you can get started building your own kit.

Step 6: Start Painting

Join us at group face painting events (2+ painters) and do the basic menu as a “Trainee”. Then progress from there!

MENU IDEAS (LIGHT) - Copy - Copy_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited.jpg

Practice, Practice, Practice…did I mention, PRACTICE?

This is what will make you or break you in this industry. Some of us are quick learners and will pick it up faster than others, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep pushing to try more styles, techniques, etc.

Great things to focus on first: clean line work and teardrops, one-stroke techniques, sponge work, and flowers. Be sure to spend extra time on women’s and teen designs, as we do many adult and corporate events and these skills are especially important.

*This is the most important commitment you make to us—and to yourself—so consistent practice is key.* I will always be down for a paint jam during the week, sp don’t hesitate to ask!

On-The Job Expectations

Below you’ll find our general expectations, but the most important things are showing up on time, taking pride in your work, and making sure every guest has a great experience with you from start to finish.

Communication

Quick responses are extremely important.
Please respond to job requests as soon as possible—even if you’re unavailable.

Arrival Time

Timeliness is critical to maintaining our reputation!

Artists are expected to:

Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early for every event, an hour if you’re parking downtown.
Plan ahead for traffic and parking
Arrive fully prepared and ready to begin at the scheduled time

Professional Appearance

Wear all black - Pops of color are okay, especially for sporting events
Clean, polished, and approachable

Event Flow Expectations

To keep lines moving and clients happy:
Focus on fast, clean designs.
Avoid overly detailed designs when busy.
Average 2–4 minutes per child.
Help manage the line when needed.

Professional Attitude

Be friendly, patient, and adaptable, especially during busy events.

Sanitation Standards

Use only professional face paints.***
Use clean water (change regularly).
Keep your kit clean and organized.
Always use clean water, clean tools, and keep your kit looking fresh and well-maintained throughout your event.

Availability

Most events are on weekends
Typical jobs are 2–4 hours
Many artists work 1–2 events per weekend

Event Photos

After each event, send:
Photos of your setup
A few design examples
This helps with marketing and improving skills.

Compensation & Pay Structure

Artists are paid promptly after events. Tips go directly to the artist, and mileage reimbursement is provided for distant events when applicable. I value my contractors and work hard to ensure everyone is treated fairly and professionally.

Payment Method

Contractors are paid via Venmo or Zelle following completion of each event, within 72 hours.

Requirements Before Working (even on the job training)

Once you are able to paint the basic, speed menu, you can start painting at a “Training Rate”. You just need to do a few things first so you can begin working events:

Step 1 – Get Insurance

Obtain & maintain active liability insurance: https://www.insurebodywork.com/
Submit a completed W-9 form

Step 2 – Download a W-9 form,

Fill it out and send it to us at dixielandfacepainting@gmail.com | Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024)

Step 3 – Get a Kit

Option 1: Borrow a Kit - Rent ours while training ($1/event).
Option 2: Buy Your Own - We’ll guide you step-by-step.

Step 1 – Get Insurance

Obtain & maintain active liability insurance: https://www.insurebodywork.com/
Submit a completed W-9 form

Step 2 – Complete a W-9 Form

Download, fill it out and send it to us at dixielandfacepainting@gmail.com

Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024)

Step 3 – Get a Kit

Option 1: Borrow a Kit - Rent ours while training
Option 2: Buy Your Own - We’ll guide you step-by-step

Training & Pay Levels

Pay is based on skill level and ability to work independently. Advancement between pay levels is determined by Dixie Land Face, based on demonstrated skill, speed, professionalism, and readiness for the next level.

Training Level

$50/hour

Works alongside a team (not solo)
Able to complete basic/easy designs
Focus is on speed, consistency, and learning event flow

Intermediate Artist

$80/hour

Able to complete half-face and full-face menu designs
Comfortable managing a line
Approved to work solo events

Advanced Artist

$100/hour

Able to complete adult designs, including florals and more detailed work
Comfortable with custom requests
Demonstrates strong speed, quality, and professionalism

Senior Artist (1 Year)

$115/hour

Has worked with Dixie Land for at least one year
Maintains strong performance, reliability, and skill level

Additional Compensation

All tips go directly to the artist
Mileage fees (when applicable) are paid to the artist
Holiday rates (if charged to the client) are paid to the artist
Parking costs are covered by the client

Note on Income Potential*

Once you start working for yourself you are able to charge the industry standard that we do, ranging between $100-150/hour, per artist. If you work hard, you can do very well in this business!

Early Arrival

Artists are expected to arrive 30 minutes early for setup and to account for traffic or delays
Pay is based on the scheduled event time booked by the client, early arrival is part of professional expectations and is not separately compensated.