Airbrush Artists in the Events Industry – Can We Talk Professionalism?

Let’s take a look at how professionalism within our own businesses, affects all airbrush artists in the event industry.

Industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie once said, “People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.” This quote resonates deeply within the airbrush industry. As airbrush artists, balancing artistry, entertainment, and professionalism is essential for success.

In a previous post, I posed the question: “Are we artists or entertainers?” The reality is that we must be both, while also maintaining the discipline of business owners. Even the most talented airbrush artists will struggle to succeed without meeting professional service standards. Let’s explore how professionalism impacts not only individual businesses but also the entire airbrush event industry.

A Rising Tide Lifts All Airbrush Artists

When one airbrush artist delivers exceptional service, the entire industry benefits. Positive experiences build trust, grow the client base, and elevate our reputation as a whole. Conversely, one unprofessional experience can damage the industry’s credibility.

It might seem counterintuitive for airbrush artists—who often compete for the same clients—to collaborate on raising industry standards. However, as President John F. Kennedy famously said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

When our industry is known for high-quality artistry and professionalism, it attracts more clients. This benefits all airbrush artists, creating a larger potential client base. On the flip side, poor service and unprofessionalism drive clients away, reducing opportunities for everyone.

Avoid Becoming the Bad Example

Imagine this scenario between two baseball moms during practice:

Mom A: “It’s Oliver’s birthday soon. Do you have the number for the airbrush artists you used for Jack’s party last year?”

Mom B: “Oh, don’t even think about it. It was a disaster.”

Mom A: “Why? Oliver loved his hat, and he said the artists were fun to watch. What happened?”

Mom B: “They showed up late, looked disheveled, and spilled paint on my vintage tablecloth. Plus, they didn’t have liability insurance. The kids had fun, but I wouldn’t hire them again.”

Mom A: “Thanks for the warning. I’ll find someone else.”

This kind of conversation doesn’t just affect one business—it harms the reputation of all airbrush artists. Negative word-of-mouth can discourage potential clients from hiring airbrush artists altogether.

The Ripple Effect of Negative Reviews

When airbrush artists fail to deliver a professional experience, it impacts the entire industry. A single negative review can deter clients, and the ripple effect can be devastating. Consider these statistics:

A dissatisfied customer tells 9–15 people about their experience, and that number increases if the experience is particularly bad.
According to the Quality Management Institute, for every customer who complains to a business, 26 others don’t. Instead, they share their dissatisfaction with friends, family, or colleagues.
Studies suggest it takes 25 to 50 positive reviews to offset the impact of one negative review.

This highlights the importance of professionalism at every event. A single bad experience can outweigh numerous positive ones, damaging not just your business but the industry’s reputation as a whole.

How Professionalism Solves Problems for Airbrush Artists

A quick and professional response to negative feedback is a must.Professionalism is the best defense against negative feedback. When something goes wrong, handling the situation quickly and professionally can prevent long-term damage. Here’s how:

Establish Clear Communication: Ensure that your client understands what to expect from your services. For example, confirming details like party favors and designs in writing can prevent misunderstandings.
Address Issues Promptly: If a problem arises during an event, respond immediately. A quick apology or solution can turn a dissatisfied client into a loyal one.
Seek Feedback: Actively ask clients for feedback after an event. This shows you care about their experience and allows you to address concerns before they escalate.

For example, imagine a client complains about receiving the wrong party favors. If you’ve maintained professional communication and have documentation of their original order, you can resolve the issue calmly and confidently. This proactive approach protects your business’s reputation and leaves a positive impression.

Moving Forward: Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

While the example of the moms’ conversation is exaggerated, it highlights real concerns. Most airbrush artists already strive for professionalism, but there’s always room for growth. By collaborating and sharing best practices, we can collectively raise the bar for the industry.

As airbrush artists, we have the power to shape our industry’s reputation. Each event we handle professionally adds to a foundation of trust and credibility. The stronger this foundation, the more opportunities we create for ourselves and our peers.

In my next post, I’ll focus on the positives—highlighting ways we can improve professionalism and build a stronger industry together. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from other airbrush artists. What challenges have you faced, and where do you see opportunities for improvement? Let’s start a conversation and work toward a brighter future for all airbrush artists.