Don’t hibernate! Top tips for thriving in winter

When the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, many face painters start to notice their work slowing down. But don’t pack away your brushes just yet – winter can still be a season full of opportunities! With a bit of creativity, strategic marketing, and a few clever add-ons, you can keep your bookings strong right through the colder months.

Here are my top tips for making the most of the winter season as a face painter.

Where to Find Winter Gigs

Even if summer fairs have packed up, there are still plenty of places looking for creative entertainers. Start your search early and reach out directly to organisers.

Here are some top spots to find winter work:

• • Corporate & Staff Parties: Companies often hire entertainment for adult staff Christmas parties as well as for the children of the staff

• • Shopping Centres: Many have winter wonderlands or Santa’s grotto areas needing face painters – start now!

• • Indoor Play Centres or Soft Plays: Offer pop-up sessions during weekends or holidays

• • Pubs & Restaurants: Family Sundays, brunch events, or holiday promotions

• • Local Councils: They frequently host Christmas light switch-ons – anything to get feet in the town centres

• • Schools: Winter fairs, discos, and Christmas events are good particularly for newer painters wanting to get cards out and spread your name.  Not necessarily lucrative, but local and good networking opportunities

• • Christmas Markets: If you are free, it is a lovely festive atmosphere – not always lucrative – but you might meet people you know, have time to chat and promote – good for networking

• • Event Planners:  Make contact with agents – send pictures and an email of introduction, then follow up with a phone call

• • Facebook Events:  Browse the ‘events’ section and reach out to local events.  If they are advertising on Facebook, it means they have an active events organiser.  Take advantage and send a friendly email explaining how you can HELP them and COLLABORATE.  Don’t just sell your wonderful face painting – put yourself in their shoes – solve their problems!

Tip: Don’t forget to update your website and social media with winter-themed images and festive designs so people can see what you’re offering.

Chat GPT:  If you find writing and composing emails a block for you (possibly because of dyslexia or other) then don’t be afraid to use AI. You’ll be surprised how quick it can be.  I suggest composing an email in your own words to start with and then ask Chat GPT or similar to improve it.  You can also ask for suggestions of companies in your area to write to.

Add Money-Making Extras

What about expanding your repertoire of activities that you can offer this winter?   It might be a whole new ball game – however, when outdoor events are fewer, offering a wider range of activities or products can help boost income and attract new clients.

Here are some add-ons to consider for the winter season:

• • Balloon Twisting: Always a hit and a great way to entertain lines indoors

• • Glitter Tattoos or Temporary Transfer Tattoos: They last longer than paint and work well under coats and scarves

• • Hair Tinsel or Sparkly Hair Accessories: Easy to apply, on-trend, and festive!

• • Mascot Appearances: If you are the right character (!) and have access to costumes, mascots can draw big crowds at winter events

• • ️Mini Crafts: Think ornament decorating, card-making, or colouring tables for kids
  • Retail Products: Sell small glitter pots, bling and face gems, or themed accessories to upsell at events

Offering packages that combine these elements can really increase your per-event income.

Create Winter-Themed Packages

Get creative with your event bundles! Tailored packages make it easier for clients to book and help you to stand out from the competition.  This has to be something you are comfortable to undertake.   There are other considerations, including buying resources in advance, working with a team and possibly altering your insurance.

Some ideas:

• • Frosty Fun Package: Face painting + glitter tattoos + snowflake hair tinsel

• • Santa’s Workshop Package: Face painting + Christmas crafts + balloon twisting

• • Winter Wonderland Package: Face paint + face gems + festive photo backdrop

You can offer these for corporate parties, community fairs, or private family events – they’re easy to promote as ready-made entertainment solutions.

Final Thoughts

Winter might seem like a quiet season for face painters, but with the right mindset and a bit of creative marketing, it can be a surprisingly profitable one. By expanding your services, targeting festive events, and embracing the magic of the season, you’ll keep your brushes busy – and your business thriving – all winter long.

So grab your glitter, stock up on hot chocolate, and get ready to paint some festive smiles!