Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty Madrid.
Hi Patty, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I first came to the USA, I took my babies to Dorney Park. They wanted to get their faces painted, but I remember thinking, “Wow, this is so expensive!”
So I went home, opened YouTube, and started watching face painting videos. I practiced, practiced, and practiced,
I taught myself everything I know, one brushstroke at a time. I never imagined that something that started as a way to save money for my babies would become something I truly LOVE.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was not knowing how to speak, read, or write English. I had to learn not only how to face paint, but also how to navigate a whole new world in a language I didn’t understand.
I had to research on my own to find professional face painting websites and supplies, learn different painting techniques, discover how to create and memorize basic face paint designs, and understand which products were safe and professional.
I never had a mentor or someone to guide me. Everything I know today, from setting up my kit and organizing my cases, to using split cakes, face paint cakes, glitters, brushes, and learning different techniques was discovered through my own research, practice, mistakes, and determination.
It wasn’t easy, but every challenge taught me something. I kept learning, kept practicing, and kept pushing myself to become better.
I am truly proud to be a self-taught face painter, because every brushstroke represents a piece of my journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m always creating, experimenting, and learning new techniques because there is always something new to discover in the world of face painting.
I especially love supporting fundraisers and community events, bringing color, creativity, and a little extra magic to every celebration. Seeing people smile makes everything I do so rewarding.
Throughout my journey, I also discovered a passion for **special effects face painting** I’m fascinated by the creativity and transformation it can create, and Halloween season has become one of my favorite times of the year!
I taught myself many of these techniques through YouTube, practicing until I could create and remember my designs by heart. Looking back at how far I’ve come, I feel incredibly proud of myself and of every design I’ve learned to create.
I’m still learning, still creating, and still challenging myself and that’s what makes this journey so exciting.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m not only a face painter, I’m also a Zumba instructor, and I love that both of my passions allow me to express my creativity in completely different ways.
Sometimes I attend events where I get to do both: bring beautiful face painting to the guests and then get on the dance floor and bring the energy with Zumba! Seeing people’s reactions is priceless.
When I tell people that I’m a face painter AND a Zumba instructor, they’re often surprised. Then they look at my profile and realize just how much I love both of them!
What connects these two passions is something many people don’t realize: both require practice, focus, creativity, and a strong memory. I have to memorize new choreographies and remember face painting designs and techniques.
For me, they may look like two completely different worlds, but they both come from the same place, my love for creativity, movement, learning, and making people smile.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/facepaintingbypatty?stkn=bXBwenFsZjYzdmEz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14o9t5Z8Upm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
