Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Cold.
Hi Denise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was working part-time as a graphic artist for the UVU Alumni Association when my job ended because they merged with another department and wanted a full-time person with a graphic arts degree.
Even though I had a ton of real-world experience, I had a very difficult time getting even a part-time job anywhere. It was like I’d hit a brick wall. Maybe it was my age or lack of degree but I was getting turned down for everything.
After many interviews I decided I needed to think outside the box. I remembered we’d hired face painters for an alumni event and their job looked much more fun than mine, so I search for everything about face painting that I could find online and bought a tiny face paint set from a local painter in the parking lot at a local mall on New Year’s Eve 2010.
Within three years of buying that first little kit, practicing on friends an loved ones, attending conferences, starting a Youtube channel and diving into learning face painting, I was flown to Amsterdam as a featured instructor at EFABE, an international face and body paint conference, sponsored by Mehron Europe.
Since then, I’ve been invited to teach at conferences and taught private workshops all over the US, Holland and Canada and been a featured artist on FABAtv, an online subscription face and body art service. I’ve been able to enjoy several cruises provided by Royal Caribbean where I face painted for guests and been hired to face paint for many fabulous events both in Utah, North Carolina and Florida.
Finding face painting was a life changing experience for me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle of the job is always looking for work. It’s literally a gig economy where you are waiting for the next email or phone call to come through.
I’ve been very lucky to have a small network of fellow face painters and event coordinators that subcontract me for their events so that helps fill my calendar.
I just moved back to Utah so I’m hoping that I can start rebuilding client relationships and bring smiles to more of the great events that have been such a huge joy to serve at over the years.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The short answer is I show up with my kit full of colorful paints and give guests the experience of being transformed. They can choose to become a tiger, a fairy, a scary skeleton or be adorned with lovely flowers that compliment their beauty.
I try to earn the compliment “you’re the best face painter we’ve ever seen” which I receive at nearly every event. I’ve been trained by the best and have trained some of the best face painters in the world.
Many of my fellow Utah face painters are equally talented and we push each other to maintain a high standard of training and quality of service. I follow best practices and am registered with the state and insured and use the best quality products available.
I think what sets me apart is my experience of having worked events since 2011. I have colorful custom menus with my work so I can move the line quickly and hosts know exactly what I offer their guests. I’m fast and friendly and the person in my chair is the center of my attention. I’m not overly talkative, I’m more of a child whisperer. Parents tell me often their child has never sat so still. You are in good hands.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love about Utah is the people. They are generally very kind and polite and willing to help others. I’ve had people offer to carry my kit for me, help me find parking, refer friends to my business and offer me delicious food. I’ve had some fabulous clients.
Having lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for a few years, I would have to say the thing I like the least is that Utah doesn’t invest in parks and public venues enough. I’d love to see better transportation options and gathering spots that aren’t run by corporations.
Pricing:
- Face Painting Services $250.00/2 hours
- Airbrush Tattoos $300/2 Hours
- Glitter Tattoos $250.00/2 Hours
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.PaintedParty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintedparty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintedparty
