Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Ritter.
Brittany, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been drawing and painting on canvas since I was 4 years old, as art has always come naturally to me. My business started when my neighborhood had a block party. I was given a small set of six paints and was asked to entertain the kids by giving them some fun designs. I started off not really knowing anything about face painting but as I was painting a little girl, her dad came up to ask me how old I was (I was 15 at the time), and then he asked if I could face paint at his daughter’s party the following weekend. That was in 2013. After that first party, I was hooked. I decided to do a lot of research on the proper paints and supplies to use because I thought if I was going to make this into something big, I wanted to keep it safe for the kids. I only use the best quality cosmetic/theatrical grade face paints and glitter, which are gentle and safe for kids of all ages. My kit went from a small set of six paints (and maybe one paint brush) to dozens of color choices and more paint brushes than a normal person would need in a lifetime. I found something that I love and I’m sticking with it for the long run!
This July, Ritter Art and Face Painting will be celebrating its 4th year, and thanks to my wonderful clients, social media and word of mouth, my business has grown and is ever-evolving!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road that’s led me here has been kind. The struggles I’ve encountered primarily involved learning how to approach a request for a painting or a piece of art that is unlike anything I’ve ever done before. For example, years ago, I received a request to paint a full wall mural. I had never before created art on such a grand scale! I didn’t even know what a fair price would be to charge. When I got to the site, I truly had no idea what I was doing. I sketched my ideas out roughly for the client and then started painting. When I was done, I was so surprised I actually did it, and the best part was the client was thrilled with the results! I have done so many wall murals now; it is one of my favorite things to do. But that first time was so intimidating!
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ritter Art and Face Painting story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is primarily known for its face painting work. I also provide airbrushed tattoo at parties, which is one of my most popular services and which is one of the things I believe sets Ritter Art and Face Painting apart from others. (Not many others offer airbrushed tattoos.) Over the past two years, parties have gotten bigger and demand has increased so much that I’ve teamed with another face painter, a glitter tattoo artist, and two balloon artists! I’m proud of my network of talented friends and colleagues. I love the way we work together so fun and seamlessly, and the way we support and learn from each other’s various talents.
Other services I provide are wall murals, custom drawings including animal (pet) portraits, baby bump paintings, special F/X makeup (very popular during Halloween season), photography (which is my other passion and which is becoming a highly-requested service) and window art painting for holidays and special events (for both commercial and residential windows). I love helping business get into the holiday spirit!
I am humbled by the requests I receive for my artistry services and I continue to learn so much, not only about the arts, but about the business-end of things as well. I am also extremely grateful for all the support I receive from my friends and family.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I feel face painting in general will only excel in the next number of years. I see how much of a demand there is for talented artist and I have much more respect for them than I ever have before.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.brittanyritter.com/
- Phone: 708-336-1480
- Email: paintingbybrittany@att.net
- Instagram: paintingbybritt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/facepaintingbybrittany
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
