1st Place
Jamie Graden

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FACE AND/OR BODY PAINTING?
I got started in face and body painting when I began working at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim as a facepainter. I started taking facepainting more seriously when I was promoted to Facepainting Supervisor and managed a team of 30 facepainters at the resort.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THAT?
Before Disneyland, I worked as a children's fine art instructor for 3 years. I also attended college at Cal State Fullerton, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. My focus was in illustration and graphic design.

> WHAT DO YOU NOW BESIDES FACE AND/OR BODY PAINTING?
Right now face and body art is my main focus and source of income. I also participate in art shows, selling paintings and graphite drawings.

WHAT PAINT BRANDS ARE YOUR FAVORITES? WHY?
My favorite brands are Paradise, Wolfe and TAG. I love to use Paradise for sponging and blending, Wolfe for linework and TAG for all of the above. I am really enjoying TAG because of the vibrant colors.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO PAINT?
I love painting feminine designs inspired by nature, as well as abstract designs. I also enjoy cheek art illustrations.

IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE ABOUT YOUR CAREER AS A FACE/BODY PAINTER THAT YOU WOULD LIKE OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT?
I would like others to know that sometimes we don't always end up doing what we intended to do. As a college student, I wanted to be a children's book illustrator. I somehow fell into facepainting, and even though it wasn't planned, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Jamie Graden, face and body painter lives in the Silverlake/Echo Park area of Los Angeles

2nd 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

> 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 two first place awards for face painting.. one in 2009 at FABAIC in the novice catagory, the other in 2010 in Vegas.

Monica, face and body painter, liveslives in El Cajon

3rd Place
Ana Lilia Padilla

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FACE AND/OR BODY PAINTING?
I own a party rental business in San Diego. We are basically a one stop shop for all event needs including catering, decorations and fresh flowers. We offer clowns as part of our entertainment services. The clowns that I work with inspired me with their beautiful art work. I had a request for a bilingual clown (face painting and balloon twisting) and with my bilingual clown MIA I had to fill the gig. The event was booked well in advanced with other rentals. I was trained in a few months and have had gigs ever since. I have never body painted but am looking forward and exited to do my first one next week!

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THAT?
I did photography for events. Mainly weddings and quinceaneras.

WHAT DO YOU NOW BESIDES FACE AND/OR BODY PAINTING?
Event Production

WHAT PAINT BRANDS ARE YOUR FAVORITES? WHY?
I started with Kryolan and now I mainly use Paradise, I like the way they blend. I was introduced to Wolfe white, black, and Diamond FX rainbow cakes at the Living Canvas convention (which was my first) and fell in love with them for their vibrant colors and boldness.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO PAINT?
Faces... I have never painted anything else.

IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE ABOUT YOUR CAREER AS A FACE/BODY PAINTER THAT YOU WOULD LIKE OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT?
I was scared to paint below the chin. I didn't think I would know how to paint on anything else but a face. This was a true challenge. For some reason my brain only thought of doing faces and arms.

Ana lives in San Diego

4th Place
Michelle Smallwood

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FACE AND/OR BODY PAINTING?
My Journey began while I was going back to college, and I needed a part time job. I love being creative so when I was told about a face painting job at a local theme park. They trained me in face painting, and that is when I fell in love.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THAT?
I was going to school full time.
WHAT DO YOU NOW BESIDES FACE AND/OR BODY PAINTING?

I love Henna Tattoo, Glitter Tattoos, Hair Wrapping, Bead work and meeting wonderful artist. It’s like candy I can never get enough.

WHAT PAINT BRANDS ARE YOUR FAVORITES? WHY?
I have mainly used Wolf Brothers, but recently I went to my first convention and wow that opened the door to a whole new world!!!! I have used a little of everything now, and there are so many wonderful paints out there it’s hard to choose just one.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO PAINT?
Anything!!! I could get my hands on!!! I need models!!! My son thinks he’s too cool, so I usually have to paint on myself. That is why I need to be Jamming!!!

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

I would like to truly thank all the wonderful artist that I have met at this site, and for all the inspiration that we give. I finally have found a spot where I can be me, and feel like I fit in. Thank you Lilly for hosting this contest and for the group. It has definitely changed m Face and body painter