Face Painting in Hong Kong - Meet the Amazing Face Painter Kiki Iwata - Plus Face Painting with DIPS
.This is Anna, here at Jest Paint. I have been following international face painters for over 20 years online and have had the opportunity to meet many in person at conventions in the US and South America. There is so much to learn from face painters from around the world so I started writing some blog posts last year featuring artists! Now we can all hear their face painting stories and know the artists behind the amazing works that we see on social media.
This month you will meet Kiki Iwata. She has been amazing me for the past few years with her beautiful bold tropical designs, sparkly bling and funky hair additions that make her work stand out! I noticed that she was using water resistant paints for pool parties and thought that she would be the perfect artist to interview to learn about what face painting is like in Hong Kong and learn more about her experience using Proaiir DIPS! Make sure to follow Kiki on Instagram Here and Facebook!
Getting to Know Kiki Iwata
How long have you been face painting, and how did you find out about this art form?
I've been working as a professional face painter for 3 years. I began my journey through a wonderful face painting group called FaMiMow; #mifacepainting (instagram) - who formed volunteer communities amongst likeminded and motivated parents in Hong Kong.
The group expanded rapidly and is now over 200 volunteers strong; and serves local schools, hospitals and social projects where the children and needy either have seldom had the chance to or indeed never experienced the joys of face painting.
As the high quality materials can sometimes be a tad expensive, I started to take bookings so that I can continue to provide help and assistance to the volunteer group.
"I feel blessed to have found my true calling in life and to be able to balance my young family and my career." - Kiki
Do you have any other types of art, or do you have any art experience from your past that you use in some way with your face painting?
Whilst I've never worked as an artist in the strictest sense previously; I've always been in a creative environment surrounded by beautiful stimuli. I have worked as a café owner, food coordinator and even a wedding planner in Japan for 12 years.
My mixed cultural experiences have helped to form who I am today and something I am passionate to pass onto not only my family but those in the community who need it the most.
What is the face painting community like in Hong Kong? Are there a lot of face painters? Do you jam together or have workshops?
There are probably over 400+ face painters in Hong Kong. Whilst face painting is a relatively new discipline; artists regularly jam within the same company to exchange best practices, skills and techniques. Its this togetherness that binds us together to continuously learn and re-invent ourselves.
I myself am a member of a company called Just Face Painting HK where we regularly come together in our support group and brainstorm for future events.
What type of events and festivals do you do the most, and what type do you enjoy the most?
I personally partake in a variety of activities; ranging from small birthday parties, company events and special occasions. Halloween is a particular favorite of mine. Mostly I focus on kids parties and I particularly enjoy painting in girls parties as I like to use a wide range of bright pastels and love to paint floral designs and all things cute!
Beautiful Bling, Bright Face Paint Colors and Wild Hair Extensions create a Complete Look for the Birthday Children!
How do you use social media to promote you business? I use instagram and a facebook page as my primary social channels and of course word of mouth and recommendations through communication tools such as whatsapp. I also make use of the Just Facepainting HK site (justfacepaintinghk.com).
Face painting a tiger can be fast and easy, or it can be detailed and stunning!
How has Covid 19 impacted your business? Have you been able to work since March?
Its true that most of the bookings were cancelled from February. Whilst I have had some small parties, it's a challenge to create wonderful designs whilst wearing face masks for example. However my passion has not been dampened and my spirit remains strong. I will be back fully once Covid has abated.
Covid 19 has changed the way we face paint for now
Where do you look to get new ideas for cool face painting designs? What are your favorite designs to paint?
I get inspired by the great artists all over the world as well as taking inspiration from the books I often read to my children.
I enjoy painting flowers, unicorns, princesses and rainbows - all the traditional girly designs. These allow me to use a wide variety of colours and designs. I definitely need colour in my life and like to bring it to others as well.
Face painting is a source of inspiration for others and I like to bring happiness to others and positivity. I believe that it often has magical powers to heal people in all sorts of difficult situations.
Kiki's Cute Unicorn and Butterfly Face Paint
What are some face painting colors and or tools that you cannot live without? My best partner is Leanne's collection by Fusion. I love the vivid color combinations; the color is so sharp and smooth. Sometimes Leanne's palettes will be the only paint I take to my events. My brushes of choice is Alliya and the Face Painting Shop Brushes.
Kiki's Face Painting Set up!
I see that you use ProAiir DIPS for pool parties! Do you see a big market in waterproof paint in the summer?
Yes! Its extremely humid here in Hong Kong, particularly in the summer time. I feel sad to see beautiful designs melting away right after they've been created - so I started using DIPS which is water resistant to address this issue. As ever there are challenges; especially as they're alcohol based and dry out quickly and are also in a liquid form; all of which is new to me. But I like a challenge and practice does indeed make perfect. 
One of the few positives of Covid 19 is the time its afforded me to hone my skills and I feel so much more confident using the DIPS product now. I'm itching to be able to use it on either pool parties or even in our humid summertime. - Kiki
DIPS Water Proof Face Paint White - 1fl oz
10+ In Stock!
Your daughter is such an adorable model, does she want to face paint or help you in any way in your business? Well, she loves face paint and really enjoys being painted herself. Like mother like daughter! She has incredible patience and I really appreciate her support and companionship - she certainly is a source of great inspiration to me and completes not only my designs but myself. 
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