Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning an event or creative project and want to know more about working with Maria Monsters?


This FAQ covers everything clients typically ask — from pricing and booking to safety, travel, and what to expect at your event. It also answers the most searched questions online about face painting, creative makeup, and custom artwork in Pittsburgh.


If you’re looking for a professional, clean, reliable, and high-quality experience, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What areas do you serve?

I serve Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, generally within a 1-hour driving radius. I am happy to travel farther for events — extended travel fees may apply based on distance and location.

For events outside this radius, I gladly accept paid travel gigs. Extended travel may include fees for mileage, lodging (if necessary), or travel time, depending on distance and the nature of your event.

This makes me ideal for clients needing a reliable, professional makeup artist for:

  • Out-of-town concert venues

  • Destination weddings

  • Film/TV locations

  • Touring performers

  • Regional festivals & productions

  • Multi-day events or shoots

If you’re unsure whether your location qualifies, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to discuss travel options and create a custom quote.

Are you insured and certified?

Yes. I carry full liability insurance and maintain professional certifications — including Barbicide Sanitation Certification, which ensures that all tools, surfaces, and products meet strict industry hygiene standards.
I also use cosmetic-grade, hypoallergenic paints and follow rigorous safety practices for both children and adults.

What types of events do you work?

I work a wide variety of events, including:

  • Birthday parties

  • Corporate events

  • Concerts and performances

  • Weddings and receptions

  • Festivals & community events

  • Photoshoots

  • Film/TV projects

  • Private creative appointments

  • Adult parties & themed events

Do you paint adults?

Absolutely! My face art is elevated, modern, and designed for both adults and kids. I offer wedding face art, festival glam, party looks, and themed designs for grown-up events.

Do you paint children under 2?

For safety and skin sensitivity reasons, I do not paint children under 2 years old. Hand/arm designs may be available for very young guests upon request.

BOOKING & POLICIES

Is there a deposit required to book?

To secure your event date, a $50 deposit is required once your booking is confirmed. This deposit holds your time slot exclusively for you, ensures I can prepare materials for your event, and prevents double-booking.

How it works:

  1. You inquire about your event date.

  2. I confirm availability and gather event details.

  3. You receive a payment link for the $50 deposit.

  4. Once paid, your booking is officially reserved and added to my calendar.

  5. The deposit is applied toward your final total, which is due the day of the event.

Accepted Payment Methods:

  • Zelle

  • Venmo

  • Cash App

  • Cash (Cash is king!)

Why a deposit is required:

  • It guarantees your date and prevents double-booking

  • It covers prep time and supplies for your event

  • It allows me to commit fully to your booking

  • It is standard practice for professional event artists

Deposits are non-refundable, but may be transferable to a new date if rescheduling is needed and my calendar allows.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged the remaining balance.


This policy ensures I can offer your time slot to another client, prepare materials appropriately, and honor the time set aside for your event.
Rescheduling may be available depending on my calendar.

What is your minimum booking time?

  • Face Painting: 2-hour minimum

  • Creative Makeup: No time minimum; session length depends on the look

What forms of payment do you accept?

I offer several convenient payment options to make booking and checkout easy:

Payment Options:

  • Zelle

  • Venmo

  • Cash App

  • Cash is always welcome — and preferred when possible!

FACE PAINTING QUESTIONS

How much does face painting cost?

  • Private Parties: $150 per hour, 2 hours minimum

  • Weddings & High-Volume Events: $200 per hour, 2 hours minimum

  • Public Community Events: $10 per face (public events only)

How many faces can you paint in an hour?

Depending on the complexity of the designs:

  • Quick designs: 10-15 per hour

  • Standard designs: 10–12 per hour

  • Detailed designs: 6–8 per hour

This allows me to tailor the menu to your guest count.

Can you match my event theme?

Yes! I offer custom, event-specific face paint menus for a flat $100 design fee.
Menus can be themed for weddings, brand activations, kids’ parties, holidays, corporate branding, and more.

Do you bring your own setup?

Yes. I bring my own sanitized table, chair, lighting, products, and all supplies needed for a professional setup.

Are your face paints safe for sensitive skin?

Yes. I use high-quality, cosmetic-grade, hypoallergenic paints that are safe for children and adults. All products wash off easily with soap and water.

Can you do large events with high volume?

Absolutely. I am trained to work efficiently and cleanly at large-scale events.

Additional artists may be available upon request.

CREATIVE MAKEUP & AIRBRUSH QUESTIONS

What types of creative makeup do you offer?

  • Cinematic horror-inspired looks

  • Character + creature design

  • Editorial glam

  • Airbrush beauty

  • Fantasy and avant-garde looks

  • Performance makeup for concerts, drag, and dancers

  • Skeleton, demon, zombie, or creature designs

  • Wedding creative glam

  • Photoshoot & film makeup

  • Halloween or themed event looks

Do you travel on-site for creative makeup?

Yes! I am available for on-site creative makeup appointments throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. I travel up to 1 hour from Pittsburgh at no additional cost, making it easy to book me for concerts, weddings, performances, photoshoots, film sets, and private events.

For events outside this radius, I gladly accept paid travel gigs. Extended travel may include fees for mileage, lodging (if necessary), or travel time, depending on distance and the nature of your event.

This makes me ideal for clients needing a reliable, professional makeup artist for:

  • Out-of-town concert venues

  • Destination weddings

  • Film/TV locations

  • Touring performers

  • Regional festivals & productions

  • Multi-day events or shoots

If you’re unsure whether your location qualifies, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to discuss travel options and create a custom quote.

What makeup products do you use?

For Creative Airbrush Makeup, I use professional performance-grade paints including:

  • ProAiir Hybrid

  • Mehron Paradise AQ Paints

  • EBA Performance Makeup

These formulas are designed for:

  • Heat resistance

  • Sweat resistance

  • Long wear

  • Outdoor conditions

  • Stage lighting

  • Full-day or all-night durability

Alcohol-based hybrid paints are safe when applied properly and create a flawless, water-resistant finish ideal for performers and long events.

How long does creative makeup take?

Most creative looks take 45–90 minutes, depending on detail.
More complex cinematic looks may require 2+ hours.

Do you offer horror/SFX looks?

Yes — horror-inspired realism is one of my specialties.
I can create textured, dimensional, high-impact looks perfect for film, performance, or themed events.

CUSTOM ART & PAINTED CREATIONS

Do you offer custom canvas or mural work?

Yes! I create:

  • Murals

  • Canvas paintings

  • Hand-painted party banners

  • Custom signs

  • Announcement banners

  • Decorative art pieces

  • Small-business signage

  • Fan art

  • Specialty projects

These are priced individually based on size and complexity.

Do you ship custom artwork?

Depending on the piece, shipping may be available. Local pickup is always an option.

EVENT & LOGISTICS QUESTIONS

Can you work outdoors?

Yes, as long as there is adequate shade or a tent. I can bring my own table and chair setup.

How far in advance should I book?

For weekends, large events, weddings, and holidays, booking 2–8 weeks in advance is recommended.
For October and summer, availability fills quickly.

Do you take photos of clients?

Yes — with permission. I love capturing final looks for my portfolio and social media, as it helps future clients see real examples of my work. Before taking or sharing any photos, I will always confirm that you (or your child’s guardian) are comfortable with images being used on my website, Instagram, Facebook, or other promotional materials.

Social Media Disclaimer

Your privacy matters.

Photos are never posted without consent, and you can opt out at any time — no questions asked. If you prefer to keep your images private, simply let me know and I’ll happily honor that.

For children, I will only share photos with direct parental/guardian approval, and I will never include names, school information, locations, or identifying details.

DIDN’T FIND YOUR ANSWER?

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Send me a message and I’ll get back to you shortly.