The Agony and Ecstasy, Part 3

“They all just want bar and bat mitzvahs…because that’s where the money is, but that is only part of my business. I need entertainers that will do a one hour birthday party also.”

“I don’t know anything about Face and Body Art, so I don’t have any specific issues. My connection with my preferred entertainers is on a more personal level…almost a spiritual or emotional attraction to those who I like to work with.”

“It’s a visual business, so I need visual examples of what the end result will look like…set up, your station, your “flow” at the event. In my head all I see when you say face painter is long lines of parents “holding a spot” for their child, and being frustrated they are missing all else that the event has to offer.”

“Share with me what you can do for specific events, themes, and do it a couple of months in advance. So I can share with clients that are already booked, but maybe would like to add a fun element.”

“If you are promoting body art, show me examples of your work and how it would work for me. I can’t do “clothing optional,” so show me how you could have a body painted model be clothed…specifically “living statues.”

“There is a balance between speed and detailed work. Most artists are too slow, and can’t adapt their style for a busy event.”

“They are high maintenance.”

“Be fun, friendly and nice…you are first an entertainer, and your artistry is how you entertain. My experience has been that some children’s entertainers…clowns specifically, seem angry. Why is that? I also meet comedians that seem depressed…”

“Working with children demands a gentleness, and flexibility… they need to be ready for the unusual and the unexpected. I liken it to a LIVE tv show…anything can happen, so be ready.”

“My main complaint is that body artist seem to frequently cross the boundary of good taste when they are working. Since when is it appropriate to decorate someone’s breast at an event? The disrobing necessary may be what the guest wants, but it is not something that the artist should agree to. The boundaries of what the hosts wants, in terms of nudity and decorum, should be worked out in advance. Guests who want something else can then be referred back to the host.”

“I have had a few that think that it is okay to leave their own cards with guests. That is not trustworthy, and I need my vendors to be honest.”

These comments bothered me to my CORE…especially the one about good taste and professional decorum. I am sure that there are agents and event planners who do not feel this way. People who love and respect us, as I love and respect my team members. I will admit I talked to mostly agents I did not have a strong relationship with. So I may have “stacked the deck” by seeking out professionals who don’t use me as part of their Team.

But isn’t it an issue if any agents feel this way?

Let me know in a return email what we can do collectively to change this attitude for the people that recommend, refer, and hire us.