Cyndi McKnight – Face Painting Artist / Raleigh, NC community photographer

Cyndi McKnight is an amazing face painting artist whom I met this spring at a wonderful children’s party.  She was recently at the Raleigh’s Finest Race that I photographed a few weekends ago. After observing and photographing her work, I was excited to learn more about her and her amazing talent! See her informative interview following the images.

Do you have formal art training and/or is it a “God-given” talent?

This is most definitely God-given but no formal training. God gave me the desire and the will to pursue art. The rest was lots of repetition and practice.  I have not had any formal training in art or face painting except for the oil painting 101 and beginning drawing I took back in Jr College. For the most part I learn the best by watching others. I have found the internet invaluable. I have watched many fine artists paint, teach painting and show off their work. I eat this stuff up. I love to see new and creative ideas. This just encourages me to continually try new things, that and practice, practice, practice.

How did you get started as a face painter?

I wanted to be the cool mom. And I was, for a little while. My poor girls…they are my test subjects.

I have been an artist for some time but face/body painting is so much different. For one thing the canvas moves and is decidedly not flat. I knew if I wanted to be a good face painter I would need a lot of practice. So the first thing I did was get good face paints. The first type I got was Snazaroo. It is a great water based paint that is gentle, easy to remove and apply. Next I volunteered for everything I could. Every time we were invited to a get together, birthday, gathering or church event I brought my paints. I did this for the first year. I would do gigs if I was hired to but I was completely unknown, still am for the most part. I brought my paints so often my husband finally asked me not to because he would like to be able to enjoy my company as well. But really this was invaluable experience. To be honest I also volunteered so much because I couldn’t see my way to charging for something I wasn’t proud of.

You can tell that you truly enjoy what you do by the smile on your face while painting your subjects! What is the best part about your job?

I have the best job in the whole world! There are so many aspects that I like it would be hard to pick a favorite. I like the thought of temporary transformation, of being something totally new if only for a little while. I like color and I love to paint. However maybe the best part of my job is when the child first sees themselves in the mirror and the total uncensored joy.

Each time you paint a face, you are creating a gorgeous masterpiece! Do you have memorable stories to share of a few reactions when your subjects saw their beautiful faces for the first time?

I had a couple of little boys about 5 years old come to get their faces painted. They were very cool ya know. So they came to me and both decide to get wolves. We kept looking in the mirror from them and held it as a surprise till they were done. After they were wolves we gave them the mirror and almost didn’t get it back. They were happy to perform for us what they thought wolves should sound and look like. That is after they were willing to give back the mirror.

I did the Monster Truck Show with David the Magician. Such an opportunity! To prepare for the job I went online to get the line up of all of the trucks performing at our show. From that I came up with a few faces to feature at the pit party. One of my favorites was the Monster Mutt Monster Truck. This was a completely customized truck to look like a dog with a tail wagging in the back and a bright red tongue in the front. Yes the truck has a tongue sticking out. So I came up with a face to compliment the truck. The first night I painted it was very popular. The second night just after setting up and before the crowds came in I was given the opportunity to paint the driver Whit Tarlton. At first he was very reserved and you could tell he was doing this somewhat against his will, perhaps coerced by his crew. He said to me, “It’s for the kids.” However when he was done I think he truly liked it. He took pictures proudly and even came by saying I should come to each of his shows to paint. He really is a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. I am honored.

What kind of events are you available for your services to be commissioned?

Boy, I am asked this a lot. Really it comes down to whenever you would like to offer something new and different for the kids, or if you are wanting something different for your girls night out or need to make a real splash promotion.

I have and do go to events as common as birthdays, festivals, and reunions but I have also been invited to many religious events, concerts, New Year’s Eve parties, even bars! I got to paint the Durham Goes Wild Event and turned a bunch of clubbers into wild animals for the night. So much fun. Face and body painting isn’t just for the fair any more.

I guess I could answer the opposite to your question more easily. The kind of event where I probably not be considered are ones where there is going to be a lot of water. My paints are water activated so pool parties involving swimming probably wouldn’t be a good idea. And if you want me to come to the family picnic I should probably come after the water balloon fight.

However, I am working on that too. I hope to have a system of water proof / resistant paints and techniques put together by summer of 2013. There are so many products out there I just have to find the right one to meet my needs and techniques. Then I won’t have to cringe when I hear a cannon ball!

Please use the information below to contact Cyndi about her artistic services which include face painting, murals, and more:

Cyndi@CyndiMcKnight.com

(919) 495 – 7600