The Tribune

The name ‘Candy Clowns’ has created a sparkle in the eyes and heart of every child who is looking for the experience of a lifetime. This face painting business can be seen all over town at fairs, fun days, promotional events and parties.

Who would have guessed that a fun-filled interest such as face painting can be so satisfying and lucrative? Krislyn Sargeant, proprietor of Candy Clowns, uses her creativity and artistic skills to paint facial animation, which adds a distinctive aroma at any celebration.

I spoke to her about why she directs her artistic skills to this business.

Question: When did you get started in this business, and what was the attraction?

Answer: I was introduced to this business 12 years ago, and my attraction was essentially the love and passion for children and art. Money, however, was a factor as well.

Q: How long have you been in the business of face painting?

A: It has been two years since I’ve decided to take face painting on as a business.

Q: “Anything can be art, but it has to be intended by the artist.” Do you agree with this statement?

A: I do believe anything can be art. Intended or not. Artists tend to create things with no plan or idea of the final result. However, it’s art nonetheless.

Q: What is a typical day for you?

A: A typical day would be two hours of face painting at a party with 30 or more children. Most parties will go into overtime for an additional hour for the adults to be painted also.

Q: What form of peace, if any, does this career offer?

A: My spirit feels happy, and my mind is relaxed, when painting. I’m very much at ease when I’m working.

Q: “Art is collaboration between God and art”. Is this statement true?

A: With art being anything, and God being the creator of everything, art is indeed a collaboration between God and art.

Q: What area of craft does face painting represent?

A: Face painting is most similar to make-up application. It requires creativity to get the desired look of both the artist and person being painted.

Q: Where do you look for creativity and originality?

A: I usually look at what someone is wearing for creativity and originality.

Q: Do you consider face painting an art or skill?

A: Face painting is both art and skill. It’s a form of art that requires perfection. You wouldn’t want to put unintended crooked lines on a spider man face.

Q: How important is precision to your face designs?

A: Precision is very important even though some designs are not as accurate as I would wish. But this is usually because children tend to get distracted so easily. However, I usually save those perfect designs for older children.

Q: Which do you feel is more important? Good work with bad attitude or good attitude and bad work?

A: Neither statement is significant, but it is wise to be remembered for good work and good attitude.

Q: What are your happiest moments in this industry?

A: My happiest moments in this industry are having being called on each year by repeat clients, who say: “We just want to do something small this year.”

Q: Do you believe that people think visually? If so, why?

A: I believe people think visually, because that is the way our brain works. If we say the word ‘strawberry’, automatically a picture of a bright red fruit appears.

Q: How important is choosing the right colours and type of paints for this business?

A: Choosing colours is very important because our complexions are different. Brighter colours suit dark-skinned persons, and darker colours would be best used on light-skinned persons. But I use a variety of hypoallergenic water-based paint brands.

Q: How do your clients view your work?

A: My clients view my work as beautiful and professional.

Q: How long does a simple design take to paint? Any inside secrets you would like to share?

A: A simple design can take 45 seconds. There are no inside secrets, but there are lots of personalities that you would have to know how to deal with.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you?

A: Customers usually ask: ‘Were you good at art in school?’ ‘Do you have any children?’ ‘How long were you doing this?’ ‘And are you available next week?’

Q: Do you often get asked to offer your services for charity?

A: I wouldn’t say often. Nonetheless, I am sometimes asked to work for charity. But I do have plans for volunteering my services a little more this year.

Q: Is it OK to copy other face painter’s designs?

A: It’s not OK to copy another artist’s original design. However, it is OK to add your own twist to a design just to make it different.

Q: If a guest has a cold or has cuts on his or her face, then can they still be painted?

A: My brushes are sterilized thoroughly after each use. I won’t paint a runny nose if it is obvious, or paint a cut that interferes with the process.

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

A: Most important would be to plan your events in advance, and be truthful about your estimated party size.

Q: What advice would you give people who are contemplating this type of business?

A: I would tell young people contemplating this career to practice the art of face painting, perfect it and always strive for professionalism.

Until we meet again, fill your life with memories as opposed to regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

• NB: The columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT THE COLUMNIST: Deidre Marie Bastian is a professionally trained graphic designer/marketing voordinator with qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova South Eastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.