Painting in public

[Hinton]

Ok, so I get a phone call this morning from the local Chamber of Commerce saying that they're putting together something called "Taste of Spring" with the local businesses. They're asking local artists to set up in some of the businesses to not only display their art, but to also work on it, answer questions; that kind of thing. They've asked me to set up in the locally-owned coffee shop and paint miniatures from 9 - 5. I know how they found out that I paint minis, just not sure why they want me to do it.

Anyway, I'm sure that there are plenty of you that have done this kind of thing, so is there anything I should know about painting in public (other than I should probably keep my clothes on)?

[Ritual]

Don't bring too much stuff, as you may very well find some of it sprout legs and disappear. Only bring what you need and feel fairly sure that you can manage to keep an eye on.

If you have some sort of small glass (or plastic) display cabinet, bring it and a few finished pieces as it will give people a better idea what it is you're actually doing. But, if don't have anything to enclose the minis in, don't bring any as they might get damaged or, again, sprout legs.

[green stuff]

What Anders said, plus consider bringing a desk lamp, and water. Also, there will probably be people asking questions so expect to paint less than what you'll probably plan and it might be a bit distracting so you won't be at your best level. I'd take a standard difficulty level mini so you don't get stressed out if you make mistakes ;).

If you really want to make it enjoyable, maybe prepare a few minis and propose a joint paint session for biginners to learn. But this does suppose that you'll have to bring the extra paint brushes and paints, and you'll have to be more alert on disappearing minis ;).

[Duende]

I could never do something like that. I get self-conscious eating in public, much less doing something like painting.

But Anders has a point, with all the people that would be walking in and out, I'd be worried about damage and theft.

@ Hinton- as to keeping your clothes on, are you sure you just couldn't draw a bigger crowd that way? :D

[green stuff]

But Anders has a point, with all the people that would be walking in and out, I'd be worried about damage and theft.
I've been thinking of that again, and I think that if the painting table is deep enough to keep people at a certain distance, things could go alright. Another thing that works to get more "air" is to ask people to back up a bit so you can get more light to paint.

Just one last thought; it's also easier to have a finished mini to give explanations. Or, if you feel really up to it, you could have sevral minis in different paint stages.

[Hinton]

Very cool advice, all.

Thanks to a very dear friend I do have a display cabinet for finished minis, so I'll bring that along. I like the idea of having people pull up a seat and join in on painting. It might help generate interest and then there would be other people in the area that are into the hobby. Of course, there is the whole "stuff growing legs" problem; have to think carefully on that one.

I'm not sure how the set-up will be, but hopefully it won't be something that will allow people to easily walk off with my stuff.

It just occurred to me that I'll be painting in a coffee shop and coffee is my favorite beverage, so I'll probably have to go to the bathroom at some point. I wonder if I can talk anyone I know and trust into watching my stuff during those breaks.

@Duende: no, having my clothes off would ensure that no one came near me (say, that would solve the problem of possible theft!). Now, if it was you, that would draw a crowd.

[Frustrated Father]

If you're going to actually go with the idea of sitting down and having people settle in and paint with you (vs. just chatting and painting on you own), let me know and Wyrd will supply some of our more simple minis so that you can give them out and not really have to worry about them walking away so terribly much.

Good luck with it.

[Hinton]

I'll check and see if it's a problem with having people join in and paint. Can't see how it would be a problem, but better to err on the side of caution.

And yeah, I was already planning on "pimping" Wyrd. :D

(Did I mention that this was going to happen a week from tomorrow?)

[Frustrated Father]

Heh, no worries or need to pimp Wyrd though its always welcome.

I'll get you a package out today/tomorrow with some goodies in it.

[PaintMinion]

Hinton, demos are a breeze and can be a lot of fun. Bring the display case, but be prepared to be able to grab something out of it to show someone who may be asking specific questions or interested in seeing it up close. YOU handle the figure. Do not give it to them unless it is a trusted friend, and make sure you have a sign that says Do Not Touch the Figurines. Bring Magazines that showcase minis. Perhaps a small half sheet of websites people can peruse ( is this a web friendly coffee shop?). Bring biz cards. If you will be doing a Paint and Take, try and get biz cards for the company giving you the minis ( Nathan!), and make sure you practice teaching tiotal newbies some basics. You might prepare a small sheet of basic techniques and how-to's. Since you are outside the normal gamer venue, have a sign that explains what you do and use, and that miniatures painting is not just for games, but display, competition, creating personalized wedding cake toppers, etc, and come in all genres, including Historicals, as seen in many museums. The basic "Miniatures are..." spiel. This should either start conversations or answer basic questions you know people will ask.

Be like a bartender. Encourage people to come closer to look...this stuff is small and older folks won't see it so well from across a large table.

Minis you bring should show off different genres, sizes, and techniques, but look very good. Nothing that you'd be embarrassed for an 8 year old to see. Bring some put together but without paint, another with Primer, and some in the blister to show the stages.

Table covering - plastic is your friend.

Good lucka nd have fun. Don't forget to make eye contact with those around you by lifting your head every once in awhile!

[wiccanpony]

For us older blind-as-a-bat people bring a good magnifying glass so they can enjoy how detailed minis are.

Also I second bringing a friend to be a second pair of eyes and guard when you need to leave for a few minutes.

[Hinton]

@Sue: The coffee shop (The Java Hut) does have free wireless net access and I was planning on taking my laptop with me. Thanks for all of the advice; good tips there.

@Donna: Another good idea that I didn't think of.

I'm going to be stopping by the shop this afternoon to touch base with them and get an idea of where I'll be setting up.

On the day that I go, I'll be sure to bring a camera as well and maybe get a few pics of what all is going on. Might even be able to get some pics of people trying their hand at painting.

[Fallensaint]

Ok bro my word of advice is comming up with an explination of why we eat paint and roll the bristles in our mouthes...Most people have more questions on that then the accual painting...Plus have a REALLY nice painted figure off to the side that you pick up for when you see a hot chicka!:vb_devil:

Fallen...

[Hinton]

Ok bro my word of advice is comming up with an explination of why we eat paint and roll the bristles in our mouthes...Most people have more questions on that then the accual painting...Plus have a REALLY nice painted figure off to the side that you pick up for when you see a hot chicka!:vb_devil:

Fallen...

Ritual (and probably uberdark; probably a great many others) can testify to the fact that I'm about as anti-brushlicking as a person can get. Not saying that others can't or shouldn't; just that I don't understand it and have absolutely no desire to start.

But yes, I'll try to have something special for the ladies that come near. :D

[Fallensaint]

Hahaha!


I hope that something special is a miniature....your in public after all.:ahhhhh:


Fallen...

[R kid]

Ya cant beat a bit of brush likin en my advice from working for GW would be to steer clear of the long haired B O geek freek ....... other wise you may lose tho's your trying too lure in..

[demonherald]

keep your clothes on......;-)

few things picked up on and learned fom..
Make sure minis for people to paint are cleaned and undercoated...
as well as a water supply take a wide topped bottle for ditching dirty water..
make sure all water pots are sturdy buggers.. use either heavy jars or fasten card squares underneath to prevent spilling..
make yourselves a little rules to take part sheet (i.e don't be an ass or I won't be nice..only a little friendlier)
Don't know how it works in your part of the world but any I do in places like libraries or schools carry rules about not using glues files clippers knifes in public...
also had to do a sheet sort of disclaimer stating that acrylic paints once dry are permanent and should an accident occur spillages on clothes must be cleaned immediately (for the same reason make sure a female staff member is present if possible should a young female painter need rushing to the toilets)

be prepared take more tissue paper than is found at a national curry convention.. make sure people painting have tisue on their laps and you are ready for any spillages..

lot of negative sounding things there but it pays to be ready...t'is good fun though...

[Hinton]

Well, I'm down here at the coffee house now. Got everything set up and realized that I forgot to bring the minis I was working on. *sigh* At least I brought quite a few to show what they look like before painting, so I'll have something to paint.

I've already had a few people stop by the table and ask just what it was that I was doing. So far the response has been "Oh; that's neat." after I explain it to them and show them the minis in the display case. No takers on actually trying their hand at painting, but I've only been here for about an hour and a half, so maybe later on today.

One thing that is kind of irritating is the card table I borrowed from someone: it's warped, so the table surface is VERY uneven and the slightest movement makes the whole table shake.

Anyway, just wanted to give a bit of an update.

[Jabberwocky]

Glad to hear you are off to a good start. Keep us posted on how it's going!

[PaintMinion]

Get some napkins under the errant table leg and get it stable!

Also...can they keep the mini if they try to paint it? Maybe you could push that angle.

Good luck! Don;t drink too much caff or it'll make your hands shake!

[Hinton]

Most people so far have just looked and haven't expressed any real interest beyond just looking. Did talk to one guy for a bit that I thought I might be able to get interested in it, but when I told him that he was welcome to try out painting and that he could keep the mini afterwards, he just kind of laughed and said that he didn't think he would be able to have the patience for it.

Oh well.

At least there's been a lot of people coming through, looking and asking questions. A couple have even taken some pictures, so that's cool.

[Wren]

The level of interest sounds great, looks like you're doing a good job!

[waghorn41]

I'm sure it'll go fine and be very enjoyable. I 've run a gaming club for 10-19 year olds in the town's main library for two years and we always have a paint table set up so while they're playing I can get on with painting or explaining techniques. I generally have a few of my 'better' examples on display. Just started up a new group at a sub-library, at their request, in a 'disadvantaged area'. Last time a whole group or rowdy kids came along and I was really worried about stuff walking. Only one unpainted plastic figure got bent and the painted minis were apprecaited and left alone - despite the librarian telling the kids they cost a lot of money! Have to admit my heart sank at that point but all was well. At leats you're only painting not running three demo games as well...
If the kids come back as they've said they would and paint then it gets them off the streets and gives them a creative outlet and the hobby a boost.

[Hinton]

Everything went really well yesterday. Had a lot of people stop by and look and most of them were pretty impressed. Quite a few asked if I sold them, but I told them I just painted and collected them; not sure if they were interested in buying or just curious if there was any money in it. Never did get anyone to sit and paint.

There were eleven businesses in town that hosted artists and several of those artists stopped by before I left. It seems that this is a yearly event and that my name is now on "the list", so I might be asked to do it again next year.

Overall though, I did have fun and it was great having people see my work.

[Jabberwocky]

Glad to hear everything went well. Now that you are on "the list" perhaps you'll need to upgrade to non-wobbling card table...and don't forget pictures next year! :)

[goblyn13]

Glad to hear everything went well. Now that you are on "the list" perhaps you'll need to upgrade to non-wobbling card table...and don't forget pictures next year! :)

And Signage

Cuz there are times people will be afraid to ask what your doing but won't be afraid to look at a sign. plus signage helps for those times when your explaining something to one person and someone else walks in at the middle.

[Thryth]

I'm glad to hear that it went well. I hope that you enjoyed being there. :)