We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amy Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I have been drawing and painting since I could remember, I went to school for graphic design, because I felt it was a safe option as an artist. However after working as a Marketing Coordinator, Graphic Designer, etc professional for ten years, I was ready for something more creative, and different environment. One day I took my 8 year old son and I to a festival for a weekend. I was volunteering in the kids zone, and during my shift, someone handed me some face paints. I started painting, and kids started to line up, and parents started tipping! I ended up having our meals paid for that weekend with the tips I made, so after that weekend, I began to research the business of face painting, and getting started as an artist. I ordered a small snazaroo pallet, and began painting for kids night at our local green grocery store. From there I started to paint at festivals, fairs, birthday parties and everything in between. I love my life, and it has given me the ability to pursue my dreams even further. I only wish I had more confidence in myself, and investing into myself. It took some years to go full time. Some folks think its just a hobby, or dont understand that it’s a wonderful viable business! I wish that I had listened to my inner voice more so than the critics. Some people just can’t see your light, or your vision, but you have to listen to yourself anyways.

Amy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

It takes a special set of skills to be successful in the face painting business. Its a wondaful industry, filled with so many talented artists, creatives, makers, doers and everything in between. I’ve noticed that many face painters I meet are very compassionate and patient people. We work with a lot of people, adults and kids, people with touch sensitivities,disabilities, children who have been waiting ever so patiently and are so excited it’s their turn. Successful face painters are also motivated. It takes a lot of practice, we take time when we are not at an event, to practice, come up with new designs, make improvements to designs.. We take workshops and classes. We test and try new products and supplies. Many of my marketing, bookkeeping, and graphic design skills help with the business side of it as well.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think for me, it’s the joy of watching people’s faces when I turn around the mirror and I see their reaction. It can really be a memorable experience for people. I never really understood until i went to a conference of face and body artist, (FABIC) . I had my face painted by a wonderful artist who was well known for these gorgeous one stroke roses. Many folks came up to me, to say how beautiful the face painting was, and many recognized the work. It was then I realized that when people are painted, they get to have an interaction with the world that invites smiles, warmth and to hear positive remarks. I feel blessed and honored to be able to be a face painter today. It’s like being a real life fairy. One time at a festival, I was dressed up like a fairy, and a little girl asked ::”Are you a real fairy?” to which I said “Yes!” and she asked “Where is your magic wand?”. I looked at my hands and I saw a paintbrush, so I said “My paintbrush is my wand”. and continues painting, that seemed to make sense to her, and it makes sense to me too!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think one thing as a creative that some non creatives do not understand and that’s following your intuition. The more I trust in myself the more successful I become. Sometimes that means listening to my gut. Sometimes years of experiences can lead to a feeling that just lets you know. I think non creatives have a different way of understanding their experience and how that leads them in the right direction.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.transformationfaceandbodyart.com
• Instagram: /transformationfaceandbodyarts
• Facebook: /transformationfaceandbodyart