By Emma Melvin
As a Character Performer and artist, I have experience with people who have tipped, and people who have not. If you utilize services like henna, facepaint, glitter tattoos, or custom art, it is important to know when to tip, and how much.
The main concern people have when it comes to tipping is affordability. However, if you have the money to pay for these services, tipping is encouraged, and anything you can contribute helps, whether that’s 5%, 10%, a few dollars, or more.
Character performer/facepaint artist Jamie Page shares, “Tipping an artist makes a difference because it’s hard to have inconsistency. As someone who gets booked gigs and not scheduled shifts, that $2 you throw in my tip jar makes a difference. You added $2 then someone else added $3, so I can now add $5 to my savings or buy myself a treat which adds up. Even people checking out my work or yelp makes a difference. I appreciate being appreciated in the community.”
Some people even offer their services for free while volunteering at events, or just for fun. This is a time where it is especially important to tip. When tipping an artist, you are more so paying out of gratitude or satisfaction of their work, which is a top factor to consider when someone is taking time out of their day to give free art to the community around them.
However, even if you are being charged for an artistic service, a tip is still a symbol of gratitude and satisfaction, and should be more utilized. Tips help the artist to continue pursuing what they do because they can continue purchasing the supplies or feel more motivated to improve their work. In fact, many artists seem to charge less money than others think it is worth.
Benicia High School Art Teacher: Ms. Burmark agrees that most artists charge less for their work than the finished piece would be valued at. She believes, “Planning, assembling materials, and making an artwork often takes hours and days. They set prices low for work with the hopes to sell any of their works at all. I have seen this at practically every art show and fair I have attended. Tipping is a way people can show their appreciation for an artist, their work, and their artistic process. It is important because it shows the artist that they are supported in their work and efforts regardless of how much they are charging for their work. Another way people can “tip” an artist is by telling their friends/family about that artist, especially for a commissioned work. Word of mouth can help that artist get more commissions.”
If you can’t afford the service or tip, there are other ways you can help. As Page stated, even checking out the work or Yelp makes a difference. You can also help out by promoting on social media and tagging the artist’s account if they have one, telling a friend, or even asking if they plan on selling/giving their art anytime again. Showing that you care or admire what someone else does, also helps.
Although tipping is not required, it is always appreciated and helps people out to continue doing what they love. It keeps the community satisfied and helps the artist to get further in their work and/or career.
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