May 8, 2017

Meet Penelope Chan of Penny Paints in Pasadena

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Penelope Chan.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had been painting my friends’ faces for fun since I was a teenager. When I moved to Long Beach to go to college, I needed a part time job, so I decided to put my painting skills to use. I had no idea how to break into face painting at parties, so I cold-emailed my portfolio to a random party entertainment company I found online and they hired me. I hadn’t had any formal training in painting when I started, and I learned a lot on the job. I’m forever grateful for that first chance I got to learn while working. I got face painting gigs through that company for a few years before striking out on my own in 2014.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Gig work has a steep learning curve and being a good painter is only part of the job. I was intimidated by all the driving, especially into areas I had never been before. I also found out quickly the importance of being prepared, leaving early to avoid traffic and arrive on time, and acting professional while on the job. I got the hang of it eventually and now it’s no sweat. I also learned to deal with the occasional unsatisfied customer. 99% of jobs go perfectly smoothly; I strive to please each client. But once in a while I get a complaint. That used to make me fall apart but now I’ve learned to use these occasions as a chance to improve, and remind myself that nearly all aspects of this job are under my control.

I also learned the hard way to take better care of my equipment. A few years ago, I left my train case in plain view on the passenger seat of my car while it was parked on the street overnight. Stupid. Someone smashed the car window and stole the case. I only discovered the theft when I got in my car to drive to a gig. Fortunately, the thief opened the case and found nothing but face paint, glitter, and paintbrushes inside, and tossed it on my neighbor’s lawn. They called me and I got my stuff back the same day. I was overjoyed, but still had to pay for a new window!

Please tell us about Penny Paints.
I paint faces at children’s birthday parties, baby showers, charity events, daddy-daughter dances, barbecues, school carnivals, harvest festivals…any event where there are people wanting to be painted on! My specialties are tiger faces and abstract tattoo-like designs. Face painter is also a bit of a misnomer since I can paint on any body part- I’ve painted on arms, legs, necks, hands, backs. Most people also associate face painting with children, but I’ll paint on anyone. At every party, there are always a few adults bashfully lingering near me before finally asking if I can paint on them. A few pregnant women have requested I paint their on bellies. Those jobs are really fun- a semi-spherical canvas has so much potential!

I’m proud of my ability to paint almost any design requested. I’ve gotten some strange ones in the past- one boy wanted to look like a raccoon, and a girl wanted me paint a skunk on her arm, but I can pretty much paint what I see so if I get a request for something unusual I just search for an image on my iPhone.

I’ve also put my passion for faces into work as a makeup artist for film and theater. I have a separate website for this. In my mind, face painting and makeup are the same art but business-wise no client seeking a face painter for parties wants to know about my makeup work, and vice-versa!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have concentrated a lot more on professionalism. It goes a long way and costs nothing. I learned only recently how important prompt replies are. A client told me the main reasons she hired me were my swift reply to her inquiry (she had reached out to several other face painters), and my website. I don’t think I’m the best face painter, but she hired me simply because of the ease of communication.

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