Make sure that you will apply for a business permit in your locality to make your business legal. You can start advertising your services once you’re done with the business permit. Advertising online is the fastest way to do it. Try making a website of your business too to further promote your service. Spreading through word of mouth is still the best way to promote your business. Ask your friends and family to vouch for you and spread the word around. You can make flyers or brochures with samples of your work and the packages you offer and ask your friends to give them to officemates and other friends.

It is now time to invest on materials you’re going to use in your face painting business. Purchase a lot of paint in various colors, different sizes of brushes, sponges, face painting markers, and water containers. You can find face painting kits in the market too. If you will do the face paint by yourself, you can buy just the smaller start up face painting kit, but if you will have more than one artists, then it’s best to get the bigger kits. You can also invest in different types of paint like ones that glow in the dark or those that are glittery. It is also necessary to provide designs for parties. You have an option of printing out some designs you can find on the net or make one yourself. Compile your designs in a clear book so you can use them again in other parties.

You will be dealing with a lot of kids most of the time so make sure that you like kids before you get into the face painting business. Just have fun while working and remember to always wear a smile. If you enjoy doing your job and your passionate about it, it is considered the best job.

Technorati Tags: face painting business, makeup for face painting

The face painting make up that must be used for this must be labeled face paint. You should make sure this is the type of paint you are purchasing before paying for it. Never use acrylic or oil based paints on the face. To make the removal of the makeup easier, a face painting makeup is usually water based. To make it safe for children with sensitve skin, it’s made water-based and non-toxic. You can buy face painting makeups at craft stores, bookstores, or even at party specialty shops. They are sold either in packs or individually. If you plan on taking face painting seriously, you can purchase the individual face painting package. This package usually includes a few colors of face paint, different brushes, sponges and water containers. You can also find bigger packages which contain more paint and more materials. Face painting groups who have more than one artists doing the face painting at the same time usually buy these packages.

Face painting makeup has different types. The most popular of all is the face paint. Face paint is available in so many different colors. You have a choice of normal colors, those with metallic shades or the ones with glitters. Face painting crayons is another type of face painting makeup. These crayons are also used by some people to outline their design. If you’re making complicated or elaborated designs, these crayons could be of great help. You have complete control with the crayon unlike with the paint which tends to spread too quickly on the skin. You can also find face painting markers in the market. These are used solely to make an outline of the design especially when the artist is just new and is just slowly learning the ropes of face painting.

It is important to think about what you’re going to do with the face painting makeup, what designs, and how much of the paint you’ll be needing when you go to the store to select the face painting makeup that you need.

Technorati Tags: face painting sponges, facepaint makeup, paints for kids face

Paint is one of the basic supplies you will need. Before you go out to buy face paints, make sure you’ve already researched about the best brand. Doing this would make it easier for you in choosing the paints you will need. Water-based face paint is more advisable to use since it is easier to remove. Face paint has so many colors available and also different types of paint. You can go out and purchase face paint with glitters, metallic colored face paint and just the ordinary colors. Get as many colors as you can. Make sure that before you pay for the paints you purchased, you’d already checked if the label says face paint and not acrylic or oil based paint. Of all the face painting supplies needed, this is the most important of all.

Brushes are also included in the face painting supplies. You will need different sized brushes to do the different designs. Choose among different sizes of brush and make sure that you will pick the ones with the finest quality. If you plan on doing face painting again, it is highly advisable to invest on brushes. Don’t forget that you will only get what you pay for. There are some who like using sponges than brushes when putting different paint colors. If you’re going to do huge applications of paint, using a couple of sponges is the best way.

The basic supplies you will need for face painting are paint and brushes. Be sure you have face painting designs available for the kids to choose from.

Technorati Tags: face painting brushes, face painting supplies

Paint, brushes and sponges are the materials used for face painting. Face paints also have different categories. There are some face paints which you have to use water first before it will stick or blend with the brush. Face paint marker is another type of face paint which is usually black in color and is used to create the outline of the design. Another type of face paint is the face paint crayons. There were some who claim that this is the easiest to use and fastest to finish designing on faces. They normally come in a box of 6 to 10 with different colors.

If you want to decorate your face in quick and hassle free manner than use face paint crayons. These crayons perform the same way as face paint does sans the mess and the need for water to spread it on. These could be useful for new face painting artists who are not that confident to use paint to design on the face. You can have more control on the design you’re doing with crayons. Crayons can be used by new artists to outline the design on the face and color it afterwards. Some would also use both crayon and face paint. The crayons are used to create the outline where the paint is used to color in the areas and create shadows, if needed.

If a kid wants to start drawing and learning how to do face painting, face painting crayons are the best recommendation. There will be no water spills or paint on the floor if they will use crayons on the faces. You can find these boxes of face paint crayons in the bookstore, craft store or any party provider shops. They’re sure to always have stocks of face painting crayons. You can practice on yourself or on other people once you have them. The ultimate goal for this is to make everyone enjoy the experience.

Technorati Tags: face painting crayons, face paints

Art supplies contribute a lot to the Indian economy. The country makes a lot of revenue from Art Supplies and exports. Indian art supplies are in major demand worldwide. Each art work produced in India shows off its unique design and creativity.

Apart from Art, Indian architecture also has a lot to boast off. The ancient as well as the modern Architecture is among the best in the world.

Indian architects, House designers are recognized all over the world for their works, and are in much demand. Famous Indian artists like M.F. Hussein and other sell like hotcakes in the international market and their paintings frequently fetch more than one crore per painting.

Architecture, if looked upon in general, is a rapidly growing field which offers a lot of fame and money. But like an ancient saying “Even a pro needs his tools”, an architect, no matter how good, is useless without his kit. He needs the right kind of art supplies kike pastels, oils, colors, brushes, frames etc.

An architect’s kit comprises simple tools from drawing pencil, drawing board or architect board, drafting table, to complex machines like architectural drafting machine, rubber chair feet, and Light drawing machine.

All these tools are as important as the skill itself. A portable drafting table or a light drafting table is the one which can be carried by the architect to the work site. Hence it is also important if one needs to draft rough sketch or to convert a superb design in the memory to a sketch.

Drafting tables, since being expensive, can be bought second hand. Those who are students in the architecture field should preferably buy used drafting tables.

Manish Chunawala

http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/information-about-art-supplies-items-707514.html

Technorati Tags: art supply items, artists brushes, easel

Too often, toxic materials are included in Art Supplies. For instance, a Canadian art student fell down a stairway after he accidentally inhaled vapors from a freshly opened bottle of turpentine.

Before You Start

* Read the label. Be sure it states conformity to ASTM D-4236, the labeling standard of ASTM International.

* If the label does not satisfy you, or if you intend to use a product in ways other than normal uses, contact the manufacturer for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

* For information on specific products, contact Arts, Crafts and Theater Safety (ACTS) at (212) 777-0062, or their website.

* Do not use products past their expiration date.

* Use all protective equipment specified on the label. Use a mask or gloves that are impermeable to whatever product you are using. Protect cuts or open wounds from exposure.

* Install a ventilation system that removes old air and brings in new air. To test, blow soap bubbles. If they fall to the ground, the system isn’t working.

* Be sure you have good lighting and comfortable seating. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.

The Creative Process

* Do not eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics in your work area.

* Take breaks and stretches often.

* Never use products for skin painting or food preparation unless they are labeled for that use.

* Do not transfer art materials to other containers. You will lose valuable safety information listed on the product package.

* Wear a face mask and goggles when spraying paint or fixative. Do the spraying outdoors.

* When possible, use water based paints and inks, and products that don’t create dust or mist.

* Hobbyists with allergies or who are pregnant should consult a doctor before engaging in projects.

* Do not keep art materials on your skin, even nontoxic materials.

* Toxic solvents such as turpentine and paint thinner should never be used to cleanse the skin. Use baby oil (mineral oil) followed by soap and water.

* When you clean, use a wet mop or sponge rather than a duster. Dusts can damage lungs.

* Find substitute art materials for those which might be hazardous. For example, water-based adhesives can be used instead of flammable rubber cement.

* Take extreme care when using materials not sold as art materials since they may not have been reviewed for safety. Get MSDSs.

* When they are not in use, keep all materials covered, stored in a safe place, and out of reach of children. Use unbreakable containers.

* Carefully follow suggested disposal methods.

* Do not store a flammable product near heat, sparks or flame. Also, do not heat above the temperature specified on the label.

* After finishing the project, wash yourself and the work surface, and clean your supplies. Leave your work clothes in the work area.

Junior Picassos

Kids love the arts, too. Unfortunately, that fun can be dampened if they come in contact with materials that are toxic and dangerous. (And don’t be reluctant to ask the teacher if she is aware of these concerns.)

* Make certain the product is clearly marked for children.

* Use products that have no hazard statements and no precautionary statements for children grade six and under. The word “nontoxic” should be on the label, but follow the same hygiene practices you would if the product were toxic.

* Older children must be supervised when using products labeled with warnings.

* Get MSDSs if you intend to use a product in creative ways, e.g., melting crayons.

* Young children should use only water-based marking pens, not permanent markers.

* No product containing lead should be used by children.

* Teach children to use cutting tools safely, and to not place anything in their mouths.

John Myre

http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/how-to-enjoy-arts-and-crafts-hobbies-safely-93706.html

Technorati Tags: Arts Supplies, craft supplies

What’s Wrong With a ready made picture frame From the Local Mega-Mart? Without going into the subject of questionable quality of products made in China (which Texas pundit Jim Hightower says should be a warning label), the fact is that your choices of ready made frames are likely to be quite limited at the local “big-box supercenter.” The problem is that your finished product is going to look like everyone else’s. You are better off shopping for a ready made picture frame online or at your local art specialty store, though the latter option will most likely cost you more. There is another alternative, which is to purchase ready made frames at MegaLo Mart then paint, color or decorate it in some way.

If you are skilled and artistically inclined, this may be a good option for you – otherwise, be prepared to do some shopping. The bottom line is that of all the Picture Framing Supplies you will be using, the choice of frame is the most important one. Make it a good one. Wood Or Metal? As you know, most ready made frames are available in wood or metal finishes in various colors. Which ready made frames you will select depends largely on your personal inclinations; however, there are a few guidelines.

For example, consider the subject of the photo and the nature of it; is it color or black and white? If the former, what colors predominate? Is it a portrait? What about other picture framing supplies you have incorporated into the project, such as mat board? Is the framing matting material a particular color? Where will the photograph be displayed? As you can see, there are many issues to consider in the choice of ready made frames. Your Image Deserves The Best Whichever ready made picture frame you ultimately decide on, remember that the photo is the star of the show. You want to avoid anything that will take attention away from the photo itself. Remember that whether its a custom frame or a ready made picture frame, your photographic image deserves the best possible setting.

Susan Slobac

http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/finding-the-best-values-in-a-ready-made-picture-frame-751950.html

Technorati Tags: paint by number kits

It’s true that not all art is expensive—you can find lovely handmade things for very cheap, for less than $100. It’s also true that some art is exorbitantly priced at hundreds of thousands of dollars and up—I am not referring to the Picassos that sell at auction. For now I’m just talking about contemporary art, like mine, that is priced in a reasonable midrange—a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Suppose you see one of my paintings for sale for $1890, and you think to yourself, “Good grief, that’s a lot of money. Why on earth does it cost so much?”

Well, you’ve got to think of it in terms of what goes into producing such a thing.

Here’s an approximate breakdown of that $1890:

* Materials: canvas, primer, paint, frame supplies, and hardware (people often don’t realize how expensive Art Supplies are!):

$200

* Overhead: this unwieldy category includes the cost of tools, easel, computer, sketchbooks, camera, brushes, desk, chair, office supplies, file cabinets, shelving, rent or mortgage for studio space, phone, Internet, and utilities for studio, work truck for transporting art and materials, car insurance, gas, business licenses, taxes, etc., ad infinitum:

$250

(Note: I calculate my overhead per painting by dividing the total costs for the year by the number of paintings I made that year. I am actually keeping my overhead extremely low by basing my studio out of my home, driving an old beater of a work truck, etc.)

* Gallery commission: 40%-50%. Many people are shocked to learn that when an artist sells something in a gallery, the gallery takes up to a 50% cut of the sale, or more in some cases. This is an industry standard. It may sound unfair, but if a gallery is able to bring the artwork directly to buyers, in the end it is worth it because the artwork is actually being sold. My time is better spent in the studio making artwork than trying to attract potential buyers. Galleries have storefront property to maintain and plenty of their own overhead. Just like any other retail store, they mark up their products so that they can pay their expenses and make some profit. So the gallery’s commission is about equal to the artist’s bottom line for a given piece of work:

$940

* The artist’s time—After I subtract the cost of materials and overhead from my cut of the sale ($940), this is what is left as payment for my time:

$500

Of course the time spent on a work of art varies greatly from artist to artist, and from piece to piece. The thing that most people don’t realize is how much time must be spent on things outside of the studio. This includes time spent planning, sketching, and brainstorming, researching, talking to clients, writing promotional materials, photographing and cataloging work, packaging and transporting work. Tack on the time it took to actually make the painting.

Assuming I am very efficient, (I am) with all of these things accounted for, a painting may take me a total of 20 hours of work. You are paying not only for my time, but also for my skilled labor—all the knowledge, experience, and intuition that is the culmination of years of study and work in my field.

For this painting, I end up getting about $25/hour. To put that in perspective, graphic designers charge $60-$75, a good attorney or therapist may charge more than $100.

You might think that if I’m selling a painting straight from my studio rather than in a gallery, the price would be much lower, right? Well, no. The price would be about the same. This is because I must keep my retail prices consistent to be fair to all the collectors of my work. You would not be happy if you bought a painting in a gallery and then realized someone else bought a comparable painting straight from the artist for half the cost!

So when somebody buys directly from me, I end up getting more of the money—and direct sales can be a godsend for an artist. This is where I get most of my actual profit from, which allows me to grow my business. I am so grateful for all the work I sell in galleries–it allows me to open up to new markets that would not be available to me otherwise. But if I relied on gallery sales alone, I would not be able to make ends meet.

When you understand just how much goes into a piece of artwork, and how small the actual profit is, you will understand it from the artist’s point of view. The price will sound very reasonable—you will realize that you are getting a steal. Think about these things next time you see a painting or a sculpture that seems to be very expensive at first glance.

People should pay for the nice things that they want—buying art is like any other purchase of something that you want. It’s exactly like treating yourself to a new flat screen TV or the latest gadget, a beautiful sofa, a sexy leather jacket or a vacation. You wouldn’t raise an eyebrow about an $1890 price tag on a large flat screen TV. But TVs come and go, while original artwork, if well-made, will last hundreds or maybe thousands of years. It can be something beautiful that gives you joy or comfort every day when you look at it, something that you can pass on to your children after you are gone. Art is timeless and unquestionably human—if you connect to a piece of art on a personal level, and you know it is something you want to live with every day, if you have the money, it is well worth paying for.

That said, you still may blanch at a large price tag and wonder to yourself, “Is this price negotiable?”

The answer is maybe. It never hurts to ask. If somebody is buying multiple paintings, I’ll often give a small “bulk discount.” If you’re buying 10 or more paintings to decorate your whole home, I may give you up to 20% off, free shipping, or an additional small painting for free. If you are a repeat collector, I know that you are the backbone of my livelihood, and I am very likely to give you exclusive deals to show my appreciation for your loyalty. I can’t speak for everyone, but I would bet most gallery owners and artists feel the same.

Many galleries and individual artists are also willing to work with a customer to create a payment plan that works for them. Most commonly, I break the final sum into monthly payments, for up to 6 months. This makes it possible for people to purchase my work even if they can’t pay all at once.

Cedar Lee
http://www.articlesbase.com/visual-art-articles/why-art-is-expensive-704229.html

Every established or aspiring artist is faced with one inevitable expense-the voluminous amounts of paper required to sketch an outline of their future creations. Some mistakes can be covered up or incorporated into the sketch while others ruin the entire sheet of paper that must then be crumpled up and thrown away or turned over for one more use. Not only is paper costly, it drains away resources in the forms of the trees, water and other materials required to make it.

Now NEATO, the innovators of CD/DVD labeling, has announced their newest contribution-the Dry Erase Easel Pad! Each pad comes with ten sheets of dry erase paper that is guaranteed erasable for life, quickly and cleanly getting rid of an errant mark, a blatant mistake or an entire sketch. These sheets are perforated and can be torn off easily, applied to an easel with repositionable adhesive and used again and again.

Amateur and professional artists aren’t the only ones can find this revolutionary new paper cost effective. Professional illustrators can significantly reduce their overhead costs and raise their profits, as can executive assistants who are responsible for presentations that must look professional. Art schools will be able to funnel needed funds to other supplies such as markers, oils, charcoals and other media rather than buying reams of tablets. Public schools will be able to offer more art classes with the savings they reap from the dry erasable easel pads.

Mothers and daycare workers, too, will delight in the convenient and portable erasable pads. And because the erasable pads don’t tear, artists and youngsters alike will be be able to take them places they wouldn’t even consider prior to this innovation.

The erasable pad isn’t the only revolutionary development in the art world, however. In 2007, Artist’s Advantage introduced the WINDMILL at the National Art Materials Trade Association trade show and won first place for Best New Product.

The WINDMILL, as its name implies, allows the artist to revolve a work a full 360 degrees for an entirely new perspective to their work and access to the entire canvas. The artist can have either complete exposure of the surface or exposure of edge to achieve “museum wrap” quality. Not only does the WINDMILL reduce fatigue suffered in long painting sessions, disabled artists find their work more accessible.

The stand along WINDMILL unit comes as a wood based studio easel that can attach easily to trees, posts, fences or other handy outdoor devices when painting outside. A stand-alone pivot assembly is another option.

For more information on easels, visit http://www.easeldisplay.com and http://www.easelset.com.

John Parks
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/dry-erase-easel-pad-686308.html

Do you remember those days as a kid pasting newspaper clippings onto paper and bundling dozens of papers together with some fancy ribbon or a string? Do you also remember all of your hard work falling apart two months later?

Now there’s a grown up way to save and preserve your treasures: Scrapbooking.

The concept behind scrapbooking hasn’t changed since grade school. You can still place photographs, newspaper clippings, poems, and tickets into your scrapbook to display and preserve your memories.

However, scrapbooking techniques and tools have matured substantially since you were a kid. Scrapbooking albums have replaced the messy bundles of paper. These albums are generally bound or placed in a three-ring binder. In this way, your hard work won’t fall apart. Furthermore, new specialized covers allow protection from the outside elements.

Paste is also a thing of the past. Specialized glue dots and two-sided tape makes mounting your treasures simple and mess free. Many of these products are so strong that you can now decorate your scrapbook pages with ribbons, feathers, flowers, or even metal charms.

Due to these new techniques and tools, the uses of scrapbooking have expanded drastically. Scrapbooking is still used to hold personal keepsakes and for gift giving.

However, now scrapbooking techniques can be used to make baby announcements, grandparent books, gift cards, artwork for kid’s rooms, recipe books, and even educational tools.

What Do I Need to Start Scrapbooking?

The best thing about scrapbooking is that although there are a plethora of scrapbooking supplies available on the market, you really don’t need a lot to make your very first scrapbook. Basically, all you need to scrapbook is an album, some glue, a pair of scissors, and some photographs or newspaper clippings. Any fabric, ribbon, or bits of leftovers from other projects can be used to embellish your scrapbook.

As you get more acquainted with scrapbooking, you will find products that save you time and frustration. Many of these products are well worth the extra cost. At the top of this list is an exacto knife. This strong and versatile blade allows you to cut almost anything into any shape. When the blade is dull, the end is simply broken off to reveal another sharp tip. Just be sure to place the object you plan to cut onto a mat or wad or newspaper before using the exacto knife. Otherwise, the knife will cut right through your picture and into your scrapbook page or dining room table.

The next best tool is a pair of tweezers. Trying to pick up and place small gluey pieces is a hassle. Tweezers, though not very high tech, allow you to move pieces without touching them.

Speaking of gluey pieces, various glues and affixing options are available. These quick and less messy options include glue dots, two-sided tape, Xyron, acid free photo tabs, and polypropylene corners.

To increase the preservation of your scrapbook and your treasures, look for albums with acid free, lignin free pages. Both acid and lignin accelerate photo fading and general deterioration. Lignin is a chemical found naturally in the cell walls of plants. If the lignin is not removed in the paper manufacturing process, the chemical will cause the paper product to gradually yellow and crumble. Lignin and acid free products come in virtually any color and texture.

—–

Lena Fields loves helping others to save special memories using the fun and exciting art of scrapbooking. For more scrapbooking resources, please visit Scrapbooking Success.

Lena Fields
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/easy-way-to-get-started-scrapbooking-4024.html