Face Painting & Body Artistry

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Each artist tends to be drawn to certain types of events.... In general private parties are the basis of many painters business. And, most, think of face painting as an activity for children. ByKarina is here to work with and break that stereotype! Once the quality and uniqueness of the art is witnessed, ALL the guests - of all ages- come to get in line. We have painted at parties for the "waiting to be born" showers to an 80 yr old bash! They are all fantastic and fun.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. The willingness to hire a professional artist will save you in the long run. Take the time to match the artist to your needs, capabilities, and to your guests. Decide if you, "just want someone to keep the kids busy" or "you are looking to "wow" the birthday person, the attendees, and the environment of your party.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Not all face painters are the same. I have had to put on my "face painting hero" cape to save a host because the painter they hired canceled their contract... last minute... and no back up! We take an enormous amount of pride in being able to provide only highly qualified referrals should any emergency happen... in 4 years... that has been 1 time. Unfortunately, the other thing to know is that other artists - if they are 'new" - "borrow" other artists' pictures to post on their website. As an industry, we discourage this and request the arts to make an immediate removal r credit the TRUE artist. The change doesn't always happen :( **My greatest advise- Look at the images, look for Liability insurance, and call the arts. This will give you the FEEL for whether or not you they are a fit.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Art is subjective... it always will be. If you like what you see- Hire me. If you have had any "bad" experiences... you can call references. Go with your gut feeling. If you are not sure how much time is needed for an event... Allow the professional to guide you.... even if that means spending a little more money. You want your event to work out the best it can.... that is what we are here for.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. We stand out because we are artists...not just face painters. This means that we have the ability to render just about anything and our imagination is endless.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. We love creating, helping express the internal vision and the willingness of individuals to be surprised by the end result

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Are you available to do a small party? Due to the caliber of our art, it is assumed that we only participate at high end events... which we do, though we are honored to provided our professional services at all sized events
We often are requested at commercial/ private photo shoots as well as private sessions for themed galas and parties. Children in our immediate area will often point to the advertising on our car and say to their parents, " I want that lady to come to my party!" :)

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Be cautious of those who use material - NOT INTENDED for the face- acrylic paint, etc. As a professional, not only do I carry liability insurance, I have dedicated my time and resources to conventions and classes to improve myself and my profession. My passion and ability is both felt and seen in my work... I am always feeding my heart with my love of the art!

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. Drawing since I was 5 yrs old, it was natural for me to gained my art degree from my local college, Cal State Northridge. After having 3 children of my own, I decided to add more color into my life :) - well that and I was getting invited to many social events. Loved being invited, but I was horrible shy! I figured out that if I started face painting... I could be invited and create a natural conversation piece! The more services I added, the more things I had to talk about. I JUST LOVE IT!

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I recently worked for 2 organizations... Starlight Children's Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House. The organizers were both very appreciative of my work but also strong supporters. I had such a range of children...some celebrities too. At one point I looked around me and I had a "gang" of children already painted by me... in line again. This happen the whole night. One of the little girls was so addicted to getting in my chair, she had no more room left on her body by the end of the night! I LOVE watching this process of self expression and imagination come together. I LOVE MY JOB.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. There is a vast opportunity for development on my profession; trade shows, conventions, classes, internships, etc. I am grateful to have advanced myself in a direction where I am now being asked to lead in the events that I was once a participant of.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. We do have a pricing system.... However, each event may need to be adjusted depending of the materials requested, painters required, travel, and time commitment. We always do our best to work within a reasonable budget by the client. Adding services can create the need for more time or an additional artist. We are happy to help you in creating the exact need for the amount of clients and the theme or flow of your gathering. Bykarina has the capacity to service small intimate gatherings and large events.