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UNIT ONE
COURSE OUTLINE
You can download the Course Outline HERE. (optional)
Work your way through the material at your own pace.
THE PRACTICE PARTY
The main thing to consider as you think about starting a paint party business is whether you can actually teach others to paint. And the best way to test out the waters is to host a practice paint party.
Invite a few friends over and walk them through a simple painting project step by step.
Don’t spend much money on this paint party. Use what art supplies you have on hand and buy the bare minimum. Paint on cardboard even!
To help you get started, I have a simple tracer for you. It’s the 8×10 Spring Floral. I suggest you paint the design first on your own. That way you’ll better know how to lead the steps. And you’ll also have a sample to show.
This practice party will not create income – but it is still very valuable! Ask for honest feedback. Was I any good at this? Do you see me teaching paint parties like this?
If it went well and you feel like this is something you’d like to pursue, go ahead and ask them to help you get started by hosting paint parties for you. Yay! You are on your way! I’m excited for you!
If it didn’t go well, no harm. Better to know now than before investing in a paint party business, right? You can always look back on this and laugh! Hey remember when I thought about doing paint parties?!
PRIVATE PARTY BUSINESS MODEL
I thought about naming this section ‘Paint Parties For Introverts’ because, like approximately half of the population, I’m an introvert and smaller, private parties work best for me. Check out this [blog] for more on being an introvert.
Sure, there are other ways to successfully run a paint party business, like holding public events that are open to everyone and anyone. Or virtual events where you are on camera and go live on social media. Both of these models work if they are more your style. Both depend on enough people signing up for your paint party. For me that just feels like a lot of wishing and hoping and wondering. There’s another way. A pleasant way. Enter the PAINT PARTY HOSTESS.
Private parties put the task of gathering attendees on the hostess. It’s her event and it is up to her to invite her friends and family over for a great time of painting and socializing. To me that’s the real reason for hosting a paint party: getting together for a fun activity. My favorite parties are a group of really good friends. There’s lots of laughs and everyone has a good time.
The vibe is different at public events. I teach a painting workshop at the local library which is open to the public. It is a great group. Most everyone keeps coming back so I guess they enjoy it. But the biggest difference for me is that I have to “host” the group. I have to carry the conversations and keep the chit chat going. We still laugh and have a good time – but it’s more up to me than it is at my private parties.
Small talk comes easy to those of you who are more extroverted. But it’s draining for us introverts. I will need a day or two to mentally recover from a public event. Yet I will continue to do these workshops every now and then because it’s good for business and for getting my name out. But it is not my main gig.
Also, I recently did an arts and crafts show. I set up all my sample paintings and passed out info about my business. I did not get any bookings but there was lots of interest and I am hopeful some parties will come out of it.