Classes

We have Available

The Midwest Artists Xtravaganza - Monster Body Painting on man model

Let's Create

We have a packed, fun filled week waiting just for you.  With over 60 classes to choose from including face and body painting, balloon twisting & decor and MORE, henna, airbrushing, horror & haunt industry painting, marketing you are are sure to find classes that will excite you and have you reinventing your business while offering fresh and different services to your new and existing clients.  During Covid you had to be creative to find other ways to service your clients rather than just face painting and balloons. Now, you can still utilize those skills by using them as add ons to your events as business starts to pick back up.

Once your receive a request for an event you now you can follow it up with “We are now offering balloon decor (or airbrushing or henna among others), would you like to add a balloon arch and a few columns to help the area look more festive and beautiful?”  Now that $250 event just turned into a $400 event and allows your client to see you as an integral part of the affair rather than “Just a face painter.” Come join us and see what creative classes YOU would like to take so you can join in the fun!  We offer smaller, more intimate classes that have direct teacher access as they spend the second part of the class checking in with each student and making sure you have mastered the techniques that are of interest to you!

The Midwest Artists Xtravaganza -Dragon Face Painting on kid model

Lori Hurley

Max-imize Your Business in 2023!

It's been a rough couple of years, and if you're ready to hit the ground running and come back stronger, THIS class is for you. Lori Hurley is designing this class for YOU, so please take a moment and answer the questions when you register. It's like a personal coaching session... but in a group! Your answers will be kept confidential and are for Lori's eyes ONLY.

15Innovative Tools to Improve Your Life, Your Business and Your Bottom Line!

Do you ever wish you could run your balloon & face painting biz without having to do all the hard stuff? Let’s face it–our joy and passion comes from our art, not the paperwork and operations side. But knowing how to tap into all of the resources available can free you up to do more of what you love and spend less time doing the stuff you don’t love (oh yeah, and help you to earn more money in the process)! In this engaging session, Lori Hurley will introduce you to 15 tools that will change your life!

Bianca Hannah

Flower Power

Level up your flower designs! Bring your one strokes and we will paint some colorful and beautiful floral designs. You will learn how to paint perfect roses, ghost roses, calla lilies, sunflowers, daisies and more. You will need suitable cakes for roses, angled (or flat) brushes and practice boards in your kit.

Cool Skin Effect OTJ Designs

In this class you will learn how to create really cool skin effects like wounds and cracked skin designs in a fast and easy way. You will learn about 3D effects, light and shadow, doing cool designs for on the job. Bring powders and thin brushes( 1, 0.1 rounds) along with your kit.

Dragons & Unicorns

If it makes you nervous when a kid asks for a dragon, or if you have trouble placing the ears right on a unicorn, this class is for you. We will do easy and really good designs that you can use for any event.

Marianne Bartley

My Kingdom for a Horse!

CLASS #1: Horses are one of the most majestic and inspirational animals throughout history; from noble steeds with arched necks to whimsical unicorns, curious seahorses, and the magical winged Pegasus! In this class, learn some basic techniques to help you create new designs.

Birds of a Feather…Wings and Things!

CLASS #2: Want to incorporate our feathered friends into your designs? From peacocks and eagles to doves and little snowbirds,…let your imagination take flight and we will explore the adorable to the regal and how wings can be applied to so many designs.

Floral Tribal & Mystic Lines

CLASS #3: In this class, we will explore some new designs and a few of your favorite ones and focus on linework to give your butterflies or florals another layer of interest. From tribals to swirls and curls, refine your lines and expand your design list. In this class, we will take designs from the face to the neck, down the arm and more. These designs are so popular in spring and summer because there are bare arms and legs everywhere! This will be a fun class where you can let your imagination run wild.

Kelli Cowart

OTJ Onestroke: Cheek to Full Face

Easy as it is to ONLY paint full faces, a well-rounded face painter needs a variety of options for clients. I will show you how to create beautiful onestroke designs that are quick and achievable on the job. No Instagram BS, real designs for real jobs. This will also help you if you are wanting to successfully make money PPF painting at festivals and large community events. We'll go over a variety of unicorn designs, animal masks, kawaii characters, and if time allows... I'll gladly take requests from the class.

Geek Out!

Give the big kids a reason to stand in your line! We will go over a myriad of nerdy favorites in this class from Grogu to Harry Potter and everything in between. Don't be afraid to dabble in the dark side! This class will help you convert popular characters into face paint designs. We'll go over super heroes, Sci-fi, fantasy and anime. If time allows, I'll gladly take requests from the audience.

Sell Yourself!

Struggling to make yourself seen amongst a sea of entertainers? In this class we'll be discussing the importance of branding and marketing, so that you stand out amongst the pack. Your appearance, social media, your brand and extra services you can offer to give your business a boost.

Andrea Moje

Beginning Pro Aiir

In This Class we will be learning the Basics. This will be a participation class so bring your paints, alcohol, brushes, sponges, mixing mat and stencils. If you do not have a ProAiir kit you can purchase supplies from my booth and I will have some Dips for you to try. We will learn basic florals, butterfly and a arm design. I will be using airbrush as well it’s not required for you to use.

Advanced Pro Aiir

In this class we will be doing on the job in real time painting. Fighting the elements and dry time . Alcohol evaporates fast so you have to master how to keep your paints activated. I will teach you basic color theory and how to make colors in the job. We will be doing advanced designs. Huge Florals, back pieces, leg designs with stencils and airbrush. This class will be Demo and explanations of what and when to use products like alcohol vs prolong. If you have a Dips Kit bring it and paint along I will pair you with someone. This paint does NOT work on practice boards Skin ONLY. Feel free to get a supply list from me at my vendor table. I can also help you build a kit before class. I will have a mini compressor and Hybrids for you to try in class. ( I will be giving away my secret on how to make UV Dips )

Bring on the Bling

In this class I ask that you bring bling to share. I will have it set up so every one who brings - few bags of Jems to share we all can make a full sheet of 12 Bling. I will provide everything you need. I only ask that you don’t come with out Jems to share. I will have loose Jems at my booth for purchase in case you need them. I will be teaching my wings with chains. Large oversized festival side eye. Feather BOHO bling and sharing all my tips and tricks with how to fix problems. I will also have medical sheets for purchase in the class. This is the perfect class to make bling for the Thursday night party! Let’s get sparkling!

Connie Iden-Monds

The Who, Whats and Where’s of birthday marketing

There’s 885,000 birthdays celebrated daily in the US. Let’s talk about how to be the Party Animal and capture that birthday business.

Hands on Centerpiece class

Come create cool, classic and creative centerpieces that match the entry decor. Because we are using classic colors, these can be translated into birthday decor, theme decor and holiday decor.

Coming Soon

TBD

Tee Ling ( Tamina )

Finding inspiration and making it your own

There are times when we get creative block and we just don’t know what to do to get our creative juices going. In this class I will share some tips and tricks on how you can get inspired by everything around you. I will show you how to try to simplify the idea to make is for a on the job design or you can elaborate for other types of events. You will try to map out designs to fit any part of the body. Finishing the design with stencils to give the design an extra flare. This class is for all levels.

Just Stencil It

I just love stencils for all those who follow what I do. I use them all the time to add the extra Wow factor. In this class you will learn about different tools you can use to make stamping easier and also the paints that work well with getting a good stamp. You will try different design ideas using a variety of stencils. If you new to using stencils this is a class for you. If you have a hard time with the right water and paint consistency this is the class for you. Either way this will be a fun class just to play with stencils. This class is for all levels.

Creative Freestyle Characters

We all would like to make our design ideas more fun sometimes. Making designs that are out of the norm and something cool for everyone. In this class I will share some one of a kind unique character designs for on the job but you can always elaborate any design or simplify any design. These designs will be great fir all ages. You will make anyone who sits in your chair go “Wow that’s so cool” This class is for all levels.

Laura Pennock

Animal Friends

Illustration-based 1/2 face designs Welcome to a class focusing on crowd favorite designs and their placement. We will break down layout into easy to follow steps- so you can recreate with confidence AND even create some designs of your own.

Love Your Lines

Letting your brushes dance. You’ve made it! This class will help you achieve some of the best line work of your life. We will investigate rounds/flats/angles and get to know how each brush will work for you to create beautiful art. If you feel like you fight with your brushes, come to this class and makes friends with your kit at last.

Fantasy

Using your imagination to create beautiful work. Release your designs and let them run wild! Painting in the fantasy realm is blissful- you have permission to paint whatever you want! We will play with Unicorns, dragons, mermaids and perhaps a fairy princess or two. Get ready for the freedom to be the best face painter you can be.

Balloon Josh

TikTok & Social Media for artists

Social media isn’t just for the youth anymore. More people are finding and hiring companies through social media than ever before. This class will Focus on using TikTok to grow your business, but will also cover Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. In this Class, balloon Josh will teach all of the secrets that he has used to gain over 2.4 million followers in just a few short years.

‘POP’ular Cartoon Characters

In this class, Balloon and Josh will show you some of his favorite cartoon characters, that he has never ever taught before. This includes Buzz Lightyear, Yoshi, Minions, and more.

Balloon Armory

This class will focus on interactive balloon weaponry, and wearable balloon armor. Few things are as fun for kids as being decked out head to toe in fun balloon armor, and equipped with an entire balloon arsenal.

Victoria Welch

Mapping and Formulating Designs

Workshop #1: We will cover the essential elements in henna and look at the building blocks of design work. First we will learn about the basic elements that are used to create motifs and how they relate to one another. Secondly we will gain the tools we need to break down any design, and thirdly we’ll learn how to build our own designs using time tested formulas. There will be some focus on basic drills for fluency. This is a hands on workshop and each student will need a henna cone and sketchbook or practice board.

Gender Neutral Designs

Workshop #2: Each individual has their own tastes and aesthetic. This workshop will help us step out of the typical henna design box and expand our repertoire to include designs that don’t fit into the paisley flower mold. The tools gained in this class will enable artists to create designs to fit anybody, whether masculine, feminine or other, with unique layouts and a deeper dive into less feminine feeling work.

Festival Favorites/High Volume Events

Workshop #3: Join us to learn about quick designs, how to increase your speed and accuracy, festival pricing, line management & flow, and prep for those After Prom and All Night Grad Parties. Students in attendance will receive a e-pattern sheet perfect for high volume events as well as a volunteer instruction sheet/FAQ that you can give the volunteer assigned to your station at these events.

Lisa McIntire

Holiday Wearables

Learn some quick go-to designs that help add some holiday cheer to your menu without slowing you down. This class is perfect for beginners. Most designs are versatile and can be used in multiple ways or tweaked for different holidays and occasions.

Kawaii Sharpie Art

In this class we will be exploring the simplicity and impact of Kawaii design. If you have trouble drawing a circle on a balloon, come to this class for some helpful tricks. If you live in fear everytime you need to draw a face because you might mess up a perfectly good balloon, you need this class. With minimal practice you'll be drawing adorable faces you will be proud of.

Decor 101

Decor can be an easy and profitable upsell. Learn what you need to get started and the tips and tricks you need to know to be successful. We will talk about must-have supplies and learn some must-have skills so you can start offering decor right away!

Val Daft

How to add balloon modeling to your party service!

This class will show you how to give your clients more value for money, and give you that difference from other face painters, with a minimal outlay! Maximum fun with head bands, wrist decorations, and toys with a few balloons and add ons to impress!

Using your airbrush for adult face art.

Adults love the experience for being airbrushed with products that will last all through the party! Fast creative designs that can be customized for each client. Clever little add ons keep that artist expression.

Have fun with one airbrush!

Wondering how to get started and keep that creativity flowing? Using one color through your airbrush you can still add color and fun with glitters and powders, and keep those designs lasting through the night. If you want to explore what an airbrush can give you, but still feel you have room for inspiration this is the class for you!

Gretchen Fleener

Cheek Art: Achieving detail with speed

Small cheeks can still bring in big profits! So many artists struggle with the detail of cheek art, yet our clients continue to request it. You can give your clients what they want, without compromising your speed or artistic quality! Cheek art is versatile, works well anywhere on the body, and doesn’t require a lot of special tools. In this class I’ll share the tips and tricks I’ve learned in my 26 years of perfecting cheek art with speed!

From “What’s Wrong?” to “Wow!” Take your Jewelry designs to the next level

Ever wonder why your jewelry designs don’t look QUITE right? In this class you will learn some of the most common mistakes people make when painting realistic jewelry, and how to fix or avoid them, all the while painting something gorgeous! Gem & jewelry designs are popular for everyone from little princess crowns to the party planning moms who just want “something pretty,” and always draw oohs and aahs!

Shadows & Highlights: How and where to place them

Whether you want to create eerily realistic illusions, or simply need a little help knowing where to put highlights and shadows on your on-the-job designs, this class is for you! Join me in this class as I cover some of the basic principles of lighting, highlights and shadows, and share tips to help you successfully translate those principles to your own designs.

Clayton Mastaw

Airbrush Tattoos with the Quick Change System

In this hands on class, Clayton will teach you the ins and outs of the Quick Color Change Airbrush System. If you’ve been interested in learning airbrush, but have been afraid of the learning curve, this hands-on class is for you. We’ll go over the whole system, including how to take it apart and clean it. Spoiler alert: You won’t need to do this very often, and this portion of class will only use up about 10 minutes. With the remaining time we’ll power though as many designs as possible. You’ll learn stencil placement, adding backgrounds, building scenes, shading and all the tips and tricks Clayton uses to make his designs pop off the skin.

Back Seat Balloon Decor

Balloon decor is a great add-on to any face painter’s offerings. In this demo class Clayton will go over some of his most popular small balloon decor designs that you can fit in the back seat of your car. It’s the perfect way to add an extra $50-$100 to any gig. You’ll learn how to make a table-top marquee, garland style centerpiece, and a fun balloon pole, and how to up-sell them.

Balloon Garland 101

In this demo class Clayton will go over balloon garland basics. He’ll cover sizing, color schemes, adding accent foils and methods of installation to save time and headaches.

Sam Creemens

A Few of my Favorite Things - Part 1

An eclectic collection of some of my favorite designs. All are real world tested and kid approved! I use these designs regularly for restaurants, parties, and line twisting.

A Few of my Favorite Things - Part 2

An eclectic collection of some of my favorite designs. All are real world tested and kid approved! I use these designs regularly for restaurants, parties, and line twisting.

From a Galaxy Far, Far Away

This title is self explanatory without violating any copyrights! With a near constant stream of new movies and TV shows, the St*r W*rs franchise just keeps giving me material to use in my everyday work.

Pam Kinnenberg

Get Inspired!

This class will give you tools to make your inspirations into creations. Pam will be walking you through a variety of techniques and ideas that can be used to create your own designs. We will look at how to use the “tools” or our trade in combination to make our ideas come to life. Be prepared to learn, stretch your imagination and most important...have FUN!!

Boy Oh Boy!!\

Are you at a loss when it comes to new boy designs? In this class, you’ll learn some fun new creations that boys will love. Pam will give some tips on creating and also altering your existing designs to give them a more boyish look. Bring your kits to paint along!

Glam Eye Designs for Adults

Painting adults can often be intimidating! In this class, Pam will provide you with tips and techniques to get you on your way to confidently creating beautiful eye designs that will make then say “WOW...I love it!”

Shonna Flanigan

Retro Balloons

Learn how to make quick and simple one balloon and two balloon sculptures using 260's with designs that have been around since the 1970's. These are designs that are tried and true. They are perfect add ons to your face painting package that can be done quickly or for events where you need to move fast because there are large crowds of people. Balloons will be provided and there will be hand pumps there for your use. This class is perfect for beginners.

Shonna's Favorites

Shonna will show you how to make unique balloons from big bear head balloons that are quick and impressive. These balloon sculptures have set Shonna's company and many others who use them apart from their competitors. Their production is on hold but not discontinued and there are many bags available at LaRock's and E&R Sales. Everyone attending the class will receive an assorted bag of 100 big bear heads to get them started. All other balloons needed for the class will also be supplied. Bring your own pump if it is available, but Shonna will have hand pumps available for your use. This class is perfect for beginners.

Basic Columns

This class is perfect for beginners. Shonna will show you some easy to make columns that can be easily prepared during the week from the comfort of your own home. Columns can generate additional income with every party. All supplies needed for the class are included.

Michael Mauthe

We Can Make It Better!

Taking your balloons to the next level. With a little attendtion to detail and these tips and tricks, we will add the "WOW FACTOR" to the balloons you already do.

Headbands, Headbands, Headbands

Everything you ever wanted to know about putting balloons on headbands. The different types of headbands, how to attacg balloons to headbands and what are my most popular headband balloons.

My Most Requested Balloons

These are the balloons I make on every single job I do. Whether they are on sticks, headbands or bracelets, these are the balloons I get asked for th emost. Quick and simple usable designs. If you can make a pinch twist and a loop twist, you can make these balloons.

Margaret Mauthe

Painting the same flower in so many different ways

Taking a simple flower and with just minor changes creating so many different designs.

Tiger, Lions and All Felines Make For A Happy Client

Create cat designs for arms and faces.

Quick Eye Designs

For long lines or when you have limited time, but still want to impress your client.

Jacqueline Howe

Butterflies & Flowers

Join Jacqueline, the owner of Vivid Glitter and creator of the new Bold & Brilliant Collection of Kraze Dome-stokes, in this hands on class as she demonstrates several variations of one-stroke and rainbow cake techniques. The best way to learn is to paint along, so do bring a small kit and include some one-strokes & rainbow cakes, as well as your 3/4 or 1" flat brushes and angle brushes. After breaking down several key techniques, we will put it all together to create beautiful masterpieces you can create on the job.

Glitter & Swirls

Learn how to create the ultimate mouth-drop effect for all of your clients in a very practical way, utilizing glitter! In this class, Jacqueline, the creator of Vivid Glitter, will break down the do’s and don’ts of glitter application and demonstrate how to add value to your face painting. In addition, Jackie will go over some line-work techniques and teach how to use several different types of advanced brushes for line-work practice. Put it all together and you are ready to take your skills to the next level!

Bright Brisk & Brilliant While Busy

Learn how to create impactful designs quickly. In this class we will focus on dynamics of busy events. We will touch on menu options, hygienic measures, and techniques to create work as beautiful as you can, as fast as you can. You don't need to compromise the beauty of your work because of a busy event.

Irene B Melvin

Under the Sea Part I

I adore cartoon style face painting and sea creatures are no exception, not only are they cute & adorable but the kids just love them because they are expressional. This class is a mixture of designs that are common among face painters but adding that cartoon style flare. The eyes always have it, so you will also practice different types of cartoon style eyes. This class will be broken down so that even beginners will learn the techniques needed to create these designs. We will be adding stencil work for a bit of flare! Materials needed: Paper or Practice boards, Split Cakes/Solid’s paints. Angle, filberts, flats and liner brushes can/will be used.

Under the Sea Part II

Masks are such a favorite with heroes, so why not with the Sea?! This class will focus on masks influenced by elements of the Sea. Embellished with fun stencil work and bling, your masks are sure to pop and make someone smile. Get to love your brushes, and work on simple line work as well. This class is for all levels. Materials needed: Paper or Practice boards, Split Cakes/Solid’s paints. Angle, filberts, flats and liner brushes can/will be used.

Stars & Stripes

Ever wonder what to paint during a Patriotic holiday? I have a few favorites I’d love to teach you. If you love Red/White & Blue designs, this mixture of designs may be for you. We will do some classic designs along with fun eye art incorporating stencils that we have or newly customized ones just for this class. Materials needed: Paper or Practice boards, Split Cakes in red/white and blue/Solid paints to include red/white/blue. Angle, filberts, flats and liner brushes can/will be used.

Jill Schmidt

Mainly One-Minute Linework Balloons

Keep your balloon line moving fast with Silly Jilly's one-minute balloons. Many can be made as bracelets, thus perfect for outdoor windy days. Examples include dogs, cats, dinosaurs, pandas, swords, pick-axes, flowers, pumpkin headbands, Pickle Rick, and more. Silly Jilly will also teach a couple of three or four-minute sculptures, including a kawaii alpaca wearing a scarf.

Elisa Griffith

All about “eyeshadow”

From smokey eyes to natural shades, from bridal to colorful cut creases…Elisa will demo each one of them! This class will help you elevate your knowledge of beauty makeup for private clients, weddings or just for yourself. Great class if you want to add make-up as another source of income! Come play with us!

Powder Power

Come and have fun with powders! In this awesome class Elisa Griffith will teach great techniques for working with her powders, or any other powders you can find. Powders are a great alternative to paint when it’s hot outside and they are amazing for so many things! From eyeshadow, to face painting base,contouring and stencil work! This class will show you how to maximize your use of them! She will also use her new chrome pigments and liquid eyeshadows! So come join Elisa for this exciting class!

Shelbi Monjarro

Linebuster Class

In this class we will to learn all about line buster designs and ideas. This class will help you speed things up for PPF events, large parties, or just plain old time constraints. Learn fast, easy, but impressive designs to wow customers and keep that line moving. Class will also be sprinkled with my tips, tricks, and stories of how these designed helped me gain over one million followers on social media. Watch for part 2 of this class where we "Fancy it up a little." Please bring normal supplies to class.

Fancy it up a little

This is a continuation of the linebuster class, although you do not need to take one class to enjoy or learn from the other. Join me here to learn how I "Fancy it up a little" and add all the bells and whistles to line buster designs to "wow" customers in a different way while remaining fast and efficient.

Michael Green

Monday Class

Got a clogged airbrush tucked away in a closet behind a stack of boxes... laughing at you because you thought it would be fun to learn.... only to find out that it was more complicated and not near as easy as you thought it'd be.... but you keep saying you'll go back to it some day and give it the what's what!?!????!? Then this is the class for you!!! Let me teach you some things about cleaning, tips on using, and troubleshooting, so I can have you leaving saying "I wish someone would have told me that before!!!!!!

Tuesday Class

Now that we learned the basics... let's put these airbrushes to work!!! We are gonna jump right in to some airbrush fun in this class. We will talk about some design ideas for body painting, and look at ways to bring your concepts together. Also we will check out some stencils that are great for starting our pieces off, and some just for adding that extra punch to the looks we are going for.

Lindsey Smith

Balloon Mini Me’s

Learn the cutiest patootiest balloons in this class! Balloons that look like YOU! Or ya know, like your guests and all their friends. People LOVE balloon mini me’s… whether at parties and events, or for balloon deliveries. We will also cover marker art (drawing faces and other details to really make them WOW!)

“That’s so random!” Balloons

Just about every kid has seen a balloon dog, giraffe, or elephant. And just about every balloon artist can make ‘em…. But wouldn’t you like to know how to make those so “random” balloons? The seemingly obscure, not so popular (but actually REALLY popular) designs! These designs have proven to impress the toughest critics, (like…. big kids and teens) yet are still simple enough to do at large parties and events!

Linework/party favorites

In this class you will learn how to make some of the MOST cutest and impressive balloons that are sure to be a hit at every event! These designs are must haves as they are the most requested/most “in demand” designs that you can use over and over again. You will learn techniques that will help you improve as an artist as well as marker art to really up your balloon game!

Consuela Tayeb

Different strokes for Different folks

In this class we will be talking about one stroke and how think outside the box and just paint. I have some new split cakes I will be demonstrating in class on how to load your split cake and use. Its gonna be a fun hands on class.