#thecheekychipmunk

[thecheekychipmunk]

You Need A Blog.

Client: "Why don't you have a blog? You need a blog."  Me: "What do you think I should make my blog about? I mean, face painting, obviously... but it needs a different angle. There are already so many other artist's blogs out there. I need something to make mine stand out from all the others. To make it different. Special. I guess I'm just feeling sorta stumped... because just don't know what that should be."  Client: "Well... how about instead of just having photos of your work... because you have a portfolio on your website already, right? So how about instead of that, you tell the stories BEHIND your work? I would love to hear some of the stories behind the art you do and the people you paint. Sort of like Humans of New York... but with face painting."  Me: *Thinking for a moment... and then beaming as I am suddenly inundated with goosebumps.* "YES." :)

[thecheekychipmunk]

The Face Like A Cat

At the conclusion of part 3 of my interview on their video podcast "Buffem Beautiful":  Anita: "Ooooh... really... I mean... this is just..." *stares at her reflection in disbelief as she smoothes out her long golden locks.*

Me: "Thank you!" 

Anita: "Well this is just STUNNING!" Me: "Yayyy!" *clapping happily*  Anita: "I mean... this is really... I can see why you waited to do the sugar skull on ME." I turn to Gina Marie and I laugh. Gina Marie sits in silence.  Anita: With a tone of proud satisfaction as she gazes into her reflection seductively again, "Yeah. That's NICE."  Me: "Well... yeah. Sugar skulls are very special."  Gina Marie: "Well... I got the face like a cat, though." *quietly scratches the air with an imagined paw and then sighs.* 

[thecheekychipmunk]

SEXY

Me: "You look GORGEOUS."  Client blushes.  Me: "I'm SERIOUS!" Client: Thanks. *grins*  Me: "Now pose SEXY."  Client stands slightly awkwardly and smiles.  Me: "No. I mean SEXY."  Client: "I'm sorry... I'm not good at this. I kinda feel like a dork. How should I stand?"  While she is talking, I snap her picture.  Me: "Got it."  Client: "What do you mean? You got what?"  Me: "While you were talking. I took the picture."  Client: "Oh God. Let me see."  I show her the photo on my camera.  Me: "See? SEXY!"  Client: "Well holy crap!" *laughs and beams*  *This client was none other than well-known Astoria Queens blogger Ashley Dean, better known to her fans as "The Queen of Astoria". You can follow her at www.thequeenofastoria.com . 

[thecheekychipmunk]

Count Famouscula

Me: "You know... your mom gave me permission to put your photo up on my website. And my blog. Do you know what that means?"  Kid: "No... what?"  Me: "It means that people will get to see this photo, and they will think it's really cool. And on my website, you will be famous."  Kid: "Oh my GOSH! I'm gonna be FAMOUS?"  Me: "Well... on my website and stuff. Yeah. Like, when people log in to look at my portfolio..."  Kid: "Oh my GOSH! That is CRAZY! I can't believe I'm gonna be FAMOUS! Am I really gonna be FAMOUS?"  Me: "People who look at my portfolio might recognize you, yeah."  Kid: "Oh WOW. I can't BELIEVE I'm gonna be FAMOUS! That's AMAZING! I'll bet I will have to sign autographs and stuff. And I will have a lot of fans. I'm going to have to wear sunglasses out sometimes so that people don't always chase me down. Sometimes, a guy just needs a break." 

[thecheekychipmunk]

Model

Kid: "Am I your favorite model?" Me: "Model?" Kid: "Well, I'm posing for you for a picture, right? That's called modeling."  Me: "Well I suppose that makes sense."  Kid: "So am I?" Me: "Are you what?" Kid: "Your favorite model?" Me: "Absolutely."  Kid: "Right on!" 

[thecheekychipmunk]

Knight Abraham Lincoln

Kid: "I want to be Abraham Lincoln. But without the hat, and without the beard."  Me: "Ummm... I.... I'm sorry?" Kid: "You know... the 16th president of the United States of America?"  Me: "Yes! Yes... I mean... I know who he is... I just... ummm... without the beard? Without the hat? Are you sure?"  Kid: "If that's too challenging for you, then you can make me a knight instead. That'll do just fine."