We were lucky to catch up with Cenema Judd recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cenema, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

In the beginning I learned the art of face painting through trial and error. I was able to research products and purchase things that were professional and safe for the skin, but I only had pictures of other peoples work and tried to figure things out on my own.

One of the obstacles of learning more was the fact that I was pretty much the only painter in my city at that time. The only other artist painted faces with an airbrush and I wasn’t comfortable in that medium yet.

After being in business and painting for over six years, I was finally able to interact with other painters and attend conventions which raised my skills and understanding of what was possible. I really wish I had discovered them earlier in my career.

One of the skills everyone first thinks about when discussing face painting is brushwork, and while it is definitely important, the skill in using sponges during application can really make a difference when painting.

Cenema, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I came to the middle Tennessee area because the United States Army needed my husband at Fort Campbell and I began face painting as a volunteer to provide a little bit of color to our lives. In 2010, I was once again painting to help out during an event and the Special Events director saw my work, wanted to hire me and offered me a contract, with the understanding that I would teach someone else to also paint because they needed more than one painter. And thus, my business was born.

In the twelve years since, I have also learned to be an airbrush artist, learned to make and apply the art of henna, and am currently learning body painting and balloon twisting. As I learn new skills, I always pass on my knowledge to the people I work with so that I have a group of amazing artists I can go to in order to help make any clients event a success.

What I am most proud of and what sets us apart is the ability to offer the variety of options to our clients. You only need one artist and it’s a small party? We’ve got you covered with paint, glitter, and gems to make the event special. A large crowd with an unknown amount of attendees? We have multiple artists along with different choice boards that can quickly move through a long line. Need a waterproof option for a pool party? Airbrush tattoos are always fun, waterproof, and hit with all age groups. Need some special makeup to take your Halloween costume to the next level? We have special effects makeup or body painting to give that extra WOW factor.

We use only top of the line supplies in order to protect our clients and give the best effect for the occasion.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

It is a struggle to see myself as a creative person. I was the math and science person for most of my life. The idea that someone would look at me and consider me a creative person is mind blowing. This was always just something I did to make kids smile and for something fun to do. I struggled for years to learn more, to grow my skills and craft, and to finally feel like I am good enough to be considered to be an artist. The self-doubt is still something I have trouble with, there are so many amazing artists out there that I see their work and feel sub-standard. It took another artist (one working beside me) to look over and tell me “I always feel intimidated working beside you because of the way you paint” for me to realize that maybe I was my own worse critic.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

One of the things that seem hard for people to understand when we are painting, is that it takes a lot of learning, practice, and research to make it look like it is easy to accomplish. Along with what you see when we are performing, there is so much more to it. There is the business side to everything with bookings, licensing, insurance, taxes, and equipment upkeep. Research into safe products (along with their purchase). We have to setup, break down, clean kits between parties, the list goes on. A lot of hours are spent on these endeavors and we only charge for the performance hours.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/Cenemas_facepainting
• Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/cenemas.face.painting
• Other: Phone: 931-801-7082 Email: [email protected]