Pregnancy bump painting
Painting a pregnancy bump is a special event for the pregnant mother – and also quite an honour for you! It marks an exciting and important time for her and her family – so it is vital that it becomes an experience to remember fondly. Keep your focus on her: her wishes, her needs and wants.
1. Plan: Chat to the mum-to-be in advance, ideally in person, and discuss the theme and any ideas that she may wish to incorporate. Plan the design on paper if possible. Discuss the colour scheme and placement. Check for any health issues or allergies.
2. Timings: Assess how long you might take to paint the design – factor in plenty of breaks. It’s possible to do a quick one in an hour – but I generally take at least 2 or 3 hours.
3. Costing: This is up to you obviously – but I suggest your usual hourly party rate, with a minimum of 2 hours – this allows you to set up calmly and clear up after the photos. Arrange payment before the day if possible.
4. Comfort for her: Mums-to-be need to be comfortable – so let her choose her favourite chair and ensure she takes plenty of breaks, drinks, snacks as she wishes. Adjust the heat to suit her. It’s important to make it a really special experience. Consider and discuss having some music or incense if she likes. Be sensitive and prepared to provide emotional support as necessary.
5. Ergonomics for you: You may have to sit on a low chair and have several small tables with paint and kit close by. Be very careful to look after your own body and back, as you may be in a difficult position for quite a while. I generally sit on a low chair slightly to the side of her chair rather than being directly in front.
6. Design: As well as the elements you will be including, explore different pattern configurations to paint (triangle, diamond, mandala etc) or a flow diagonally across the body, rather than the obvious round shape. Decide where the focal point is to be – it doesn’t always have to be dead centre. It can be from the lowest point or from one corner. To make it really impressive, consider and discuss taking the design around the body – onto her side, arms, legs, breasts, shoulders and face. Take this into consideration regarding the final look and where the best angle is for the photographs.
7. Beginning: It is important to plot and briefly sketch the design while she is standing up as it looks very different from sitting. It’s wise to check positions several times during the painting to make sure it still looks good when upright.
8. Embellishments: Decide on what she will be wearing specifically for the finished look – sarong, bra or crop top, trousers? What colours? Headdress of some sort – scarf or wrap? What about props? It’s worth discussing this in advance and bring along some possible options.
9. Photography: Photographs are an essential part of the process! I highly recommend employing a professional photographer and make sure you have a nice backdrop of some sort – or outside. Try for different angled shots and also consider different lighting aspects. Find out if she would like her partner or children to be in the photographs. Check for consent if you wish to use the images.
10. Future bookings: You may wish contact local mother and baby, ante-natal groups or similar to promote your services.
