We’ve been working at music festivals for years, and it’s always an exciting, high-energy experience! One of the first major adult festivals we started with was Body & Soul, and over the years, we’ve built up incredible memories from working at festivals like Indiependence and Electric Picnic.

Indiependence is still a regular festival for us every year, and we often attend Electric Picnic depending on availability. No matter the festival, one thing is for sure—we’ve seen it all and learned how to make festival face painting a smooth, fun, and creative experience!

Essential Tips for Festival Face Painting

Festivals bring a unique atmosphere, and while they’re fun and full of energy, they also come with challenges like rowdy crowds, unpredictable weather, and maintaining a professional yet relaxed vibe.

Here are some of the biggest things we’ve learned from years of working festivals:

Have a Sturdy Chair & Secure Setup

• Festivals can get wild, and clients aren’t always as still and cooperative as they would be at a corporate event or family festival.

• A solid chair and a well-secured marquee help ensure safety and comfort for both you and your clients.

• If needed, don’t hesitate to request a security guard to be nearby—especially for late-night sessions when festival-goers have had a few drinks.

Glitter is EVERYTHING

• At music festivals, glitter is a must-have—some people don’t even want a face paint design, they just want to be completely covered in sparkle!

• Bring a wide selection of glitters and biodegradable options for eco-conscious festival-goers.

• If clients want a design, they’re usually very relaxed and trust you to take creative freedom, so have fun with it!

Keep Your Station & Yourself Clean (As Much as Possible!)

• Festivals are muddy, crowded, and chaotic, but keeping your setup as clean as possible makes a huge difference.

• Baby wipes, sanitizing sprays, and clean water changes will help keep everything fresh despite the conditions.

• If people start cramming into your marquee, a security guard or assistant can help manage the space so you can focus on painting.

Engage with Clients in a Fun but Professional Manner

• Festival-goers love banter, laughs, and a good chat while getting painted, so interacting in a fun, lighthearted way makes the experience even better.

• That being said, it’s important to stay professional and set boundaries—if a client is too rowdy or disrespectful, don’t hesitate to politely but firmly move on to the next person.

Enjoy the Music & Have Fun!

• One of the best perks of working at festivals is getting to experience the music, the atmosphere, and the incredible energy.

• Take a moment when you can to soak in the festival vibes—it makes the experience even more rewarding!

Looking Back at Festival Memories

From our early days at Body & Soul to the busy queues at Indiependence and Electric Picnic, festival face painting has always been a huge part of our journey. It’s unpredictable, full of surprises, and always an adventure!

Whether it’s creating bold, artistic looks, layering clients in glitter, or simply enjoying the festival energy, we love every part of it.

If you’re planning to work at festivals or just want to see some of our past designs, check out our Instagram & Facebook galleries for inspiration!

➡ [View Our Festival Face Paint Gallery]

Stay creative,

Selena, Amber & The Team