I like painting faces. There’s nothing like rallying some cougar spirit by planting a paw print or “BYU” on a fan’s face. And while the end result was quite enjoyable, I must say, I found it quite difficult to mask my initial anxiety.
The setup
I mean, you are applying poster paint to the cheek / forehead / nose of an individual who ranges in age from toddler to geezer (can I say geezer?). Having never attempted such artistic expressions previously, I was worried that my painting may look poorly. But I adopted the attitude that if I pretended to be competent and then complimented the canvas on their attractive adornment, I could pass off as the real deal.
First girl steps up to the booth; Age: 7; Major personality trait: Reserved;
Jules: Greetings little one. Do you want me to draw a BYU on your face?
Little one: single nod.
Jules: smears a blue-coated brush with an overly exaggerated flourish (it’s all in the wrist). It looks… amaaaaazing (don’t forget to smile).
Little one: slowly turn and walk away.
As she goes, I can’t help but think that I’ve ruined her face. I hope her parents don’t hunt me down and petition for my expulsion. I’ll do better on the next one.
I am next approached by an outgoing female, maybe 12 years in age. She has by her side a seemingly shy friend.
Outgoing: Let’s get our faces painted.
Shy: You do it.
Outgoing: Let’s both do it.
Shy: … You go first.
Outgoing: It’s free right?
Jules: Yes yes, although tips are appreciated (just joking >_>).
Outgoing: I want a cougar paw.
Jules: Flourish of paint. Way cool!
Outgoing: Cool, do you want one like mine?
Shy: Whispers into Outgoing’s ear and they both make a move for the restroom.
Anyway, fans came and went and my confidence continued to drop. I was on the verge of throwing in the brush when I came to a realization of sorts. This isn’t about me showing off my leet paint skillz. I’m there to instill excitement. It doesn’t matter that my cougar paws are indistinguishable from my “BYU” logos. It’s about the expression of love on the part of the fan.
I took a deep breath and turned to the nearest volunteer, “Let me make your face my canvas.” I stopped thinking and let the inspiration flow. The final product was a large “Y” with a beautiful faux finish (similar to this wall in color and texture).
I looked back out upon the encroaching crowd and made eye contact with a young man. As he approached the painting table I calmly asked, “What would you like?” There was but a moment’s hesitation before he raised his arm to point at my newly discovered creation (the “Y”). I felt my breast swell with pride and began my work.
At one point during the procedure I had to move the hair from his forehead. It was at this point that he made a profound remark, “Sorry, I gotta cut my bangs.”
The point
Me too! I totally need a haircut. I think I like the longer-hair look, but my bangs are starting to impair my vision. Now this is the tricky part because I want a cut, but I’m not quite sure what to do with my hair. What I would really love is to just go to some salon and leave all discretion to the stylist. Kinda like, “Here, have a head; go to town.” Anyway… where do I find such a place?
