First Place
Sally Parker

For as long as I can remember I loved my mothers paintings and my uncles drawings, I grew up admiring art. Sometime in high school my mother was asked to face paint at the Susan G Komen Race For the Cure event held annually in Las Cruces, NM. Because I grew up painting and always trying to be as good as my family I was excited when my mother asked me to join her. It was there with a cheap face painting kit from Michaels I realized my love of face painting. After that event I bought a better kit and began painting on my brother, sisters and friends. After they got fed up with me I decided I would put up an add, when I began getting booked every weekend I realized face painting was for me.

At that time I was pursuing my bachelors degree at the University of Texas while working at a Law Office. I would attend school until the afternoon, go to work until the evening, and squeezing in face painting when school allowed.

I am currently working in the government sector where I hope to make my career. Face painting isn't a business for me as it is for many...it's simply my passion and I got lucky enough to find others who want my creativity as part of their children's birthdays, fundraisers, or any kinds of events. I keep a steady job on the weekdays but if I didn't have face painting on my weekends I know I wouldn't be as happy as I am today.

My mother and I have found a happy medium with Snazaroo. The paint is a good quality and the colors are lively. Lately we've been debating on whether to try Wolfe paints or do more research.

I don't have a particular thing but I do have a particular request. When people approach me and show me a photo of a tattoo they've been thinking about getting but want to try it on for size- that is something I love to do. Recreating a tattoo is challenging and I love a challenge. Pin-up female tattoos are also a great challenge to paint because one of the most difficult things for me is to create not only a females face but an attractive one that keeps all the appealing features when transferring the work from a tattoo to face paint.

Don't ever let yourself forget the passion you carry for painting...especially after the events that drain you. Your pride is reflected in you and your work.

2nd Place
Sabrina Silva

I started face painting about a year ago when I took my kids to an amusement park and had their faces painted. Seeing the joy on their little faces made me want to go out and buy a little kit so I could extend the experience. I started doing this for them and it ended up being something wonderful for me!
I have always been creative and have experimented in many mediums. I was a Graphic Designer for many years and an Art Director for a National Advertising Agency.

I am the First and Only Latin Female Tower Crane Operator. For the last five years I have had the pleasure of building large mansions and tall buildings.

I haven't had the pleasure of using all the different brands, yet. I started off with a Large Snazaroo kit to get the most colors for my money and get my facepainting off the ground. As my business began to grow I have been able to build a decent kit that includes Starblend powder paint for quick full face coverage, Wolfe FX Black/White for Line work and Diamond FX for vibrant opaque colors. I hope to eventually try out and purchase many more brands to add to my kit.

I enjoy painting one of a kind designs. I love it when my daughters come to me and say "Mom, I want you to make me look like this, with that and this" They constantly challenge me to be creative and so the fun never ends!

I have a Genuine Passion for ART and LOVE what WE ALL DO! I'm happy that I've found a rewarding way to express my creativity and enjoy learning and growing from other artists. Throughout my short career as a face and body painter I have met many talented artists who have now become my friends. I truely feel blessed!

This award winning face painter lives in Palm Springs, California

3rd Place
Monica Noriega

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FACE AND/OR BODY PAINTING?
I was looking for a creative way to make extra money where I could have my own schedule and enjoy what I did.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THAT?
I did graphic design, I worked in sign shops designing logos and setting up sings, mostly vinyl graphics... like car wraps & such.

WHAT DO YOU NOW BESIDES FACE AND/OR BODY PAINTING?
I also paint kid murals

in the novice catagory, the other in 2010 in Vegas.

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4th Place
Monica Noriega

(continuted from 3rd Place)

WHAT PAINT BRANDS ARE YOUR FAVORITES? WHY?
Wolfe FX, because the vibrant colors.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO PAINT?
full bodies

IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE ABOUT YOUR CAREER AS A FACE/BODY PAINTER THAT YOU WOULD LIKE OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT?

I have three first place awards for face painting..in 2009 at FABAIC, and in 2011