Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Bryant.
Hi Christine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2006, I was hired as a face painter and trained by Enjoy Your Face Inc. as a third-party contractor to Disney, Sea World and Universal. I worked mostly Disney parks for a few years. Learning from the amazing artist from different backgrounds who had very specific styles. Graphic art, classic, comic and graffiti styles
In 2010, I took some classes from well-known artists in the face and body art community like Wiser, Nick Wolf, and Kahlil “Huggie” Ceasar (who is still a close friend and mentor).
In 2011, I worked for a henna company at Universal.
In 2012, I joined a puppet theater (Pinocchio‘s marionette theater in the Altamont mall ) as puppeteer and face painter.
2013-2014, I participated in body art competitions. Started body painting at festivals like Earth-day Birthday, a few years later at EDC, and Fantasy Fest.
2015-2018, I worked at EmbellishFX and started working with cosplayers and drag queens.
My main bread and butter was birthday face painting events for many years until the pandemic. When all events and public gatherings closed down, I had to supplement my income with “normal jobs”.
2020, During this time, I developed a window painting skill on the side. I’ve since moved from Orlando to Deltona, and I’m currently establishing myself in this area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth ride there were unforeseen circumstances and complications along the way. I became a live-in caretaker to my elderly grandmother in early 2008-2011.
After the pandemic and moving from Orlando to Deltona, I’ve had to deal with reestablishing clients. But as events opened back up so do business inquiries and requests and contractor positions!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Working as a contractor and owner operator in the Arts and entertainment industry has taught me so much. Branding yourself, putting yourself out there. It’s continuous learning and developing skills.
It has been an adventure. My “office” changes every day. From festivals like Earth Day Birthday and Client homes or club venues. All the way down to the Keys for Fantasy Fest.
I’m most proud of my circle of artist friends that I have acquired along the way. They have pushed me to develop myself and take challenges that I would not have.
What sets me apart from other artists? Having a background in professional face painting for major theme parks definitely set the tone for the rest of my career for style and speed. Being fortunate enough to have been “classically” trained by some of the best artists.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
So I’m really new to Deltona, I’ve been in this area less than two years. There are not a lot of events for this city unfortunately so I have to reach out to Orange City or Deland and Daytona. A lot of small companies in Deltona do want window painting but establishing myself out here as a professional face painter has been my priority. I’m still having to travel to Orlando and surrounding areas for most of my work. But that’s part of gig life!
Contact Info:
- Email: Christinebpainter@gmail.com
- Instagram: Creativ3_christine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bodyartbychristine/
