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FREQUENTLY ASKED BUSINESS QUESTIONS
(This is a guide only, it is up to you to do your research and decide what is best for you).
WHERE DO I FIND OUT ABOUT TRAINING? There are many professional painters out there who do provide training for face painting and it would be wise to take a course to get the basics for safe face painting. Look in your phone directory or surf the net for your nearest local painter who provides a basic training course. Most are happy to help. There are courses for airbrush tattoos out there and again look on the web or ask colleagues for your nearest possible person. Other things such as nail art and glitter tattoos tend to be self taught. Often attending "jams" helps with training for these activities. Contact other local face painters to find out where these may be held in your area and go along. Its a good opportunity to network with other artists and learn new techniques.
DO I NEED INSURANCE AND WHERE DO I GET IT? Anyone painting, airbrushing, doing casualty fx or glitter tattoos on children other than their own should have public liability insurance. If you are painting for a school you may be covered by their public liability, but it is wise to check as you may find that it doesn't cover face painting unless specified. There are several companies out there that provide insurance for these areas of trade. Some are listed below: Performing arts insurance with Rees Astley Professional Beauty Direct - you need a qualification to apply to them.
DO I NEED A CRB CHECK? Strictly speaking no responsible artists are left alone with children and therefore a CRB check is unnecessary. However, many companies and especially local authorities like people to have them. As a self employed person it is difficult to obtain a CRB check and we, therefore, suggest you read the information the CRB website for more information. This system is changing towards the end of 2009 to a new system.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR TAX AND VAT? If you are earning money from face painting, airbrush tattoos, glitter tattoos, casualty fx you should pay tax on the money earnt and you will need to register within the first 3 months of trading, otherwise you may be fined. If you have any questions relating to tax you may find the answers here or contact your local tax office. Most artists do not need to register for VAT. If your sales are over £67,000 for the last 12 months you have to register, otherwise you may be able to register voluntarily if you think it would be beneficial. More information on VAT can be found here.
I'M OWED MONEY FOR A PAINTING JOB If you are owed money for a job in the first instance contact the company concerned giving them an opportunity to address the issue. If all else fails and you have taken reasonable steps to recover your money ie writing to the company several times and giving them warning that if you do not receive payment you will take it further, you can contact Money Claims Online which is the online version of the small claims court.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I CHARGE? This is a difficult question as often depends upon where you live in the country as to what prices you can command. However, when deciding your prices, find out what other local artists charge and network with them. Also, check that you are covering the costs of your petrol, insurance, tax, consumables, time invoicing etc. These all need to be included in your costs before you take any money out for yourself. You will be surprised at how much this mounts up and how little is left for your own pocket.
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