Today we’d like to introduce you to Luz Patterson.
Hi Luz, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
On Oct. 15th, 2012, I was celebrating my oldest son’s 10th birthday, the theme was “costume party”. There were a few kids who came without costumes and felt out of place so being who I am I ran to the basement to grab my Halloween makeup kits. I quickly turned those kids into wolves, vampires, and Marvel characters. The parents at the party were impressed and said “You know you could do this for a living” In that moment a lightbulb lit up.
I had already had some issues working regular 9 to 5 jobs because of my boys having asthma and other issues that would make me miss work or be tardy, making me unreliable and challenging to find employment that would be flexible with me. From that day forward, I began researching the world of face painting. I made myself a promise that after my son was born (he was due in May 2013) I would begin my journey as a face painter. My first gig was in July 2013 for a little girl named Bella’s birthday at John Rudy Park.
After that first gig, I was referred from family to family, as time passed it turned into churches, schools, sports events, company picnics, and more. Although the money was coming in it just still wasn’t enough to fully depend on the income. So eventually after more research and following other established face painters, I learned the art of Henna tattooing, which became another service that I offered. My love for being creative didn’t stop there, I had already been repurposing, upcycling “trash” into treasures painting pictures, and posting these items online, I had no intention of selling but social media folks were beginning to make requests and making offers.
So this became another service, and as the years passed I attended free business workshops, and other classes offered to help me grow in marketing techniques and other valuable business tips. I now also offer Paint parties for private events and public ones at multiple locations, I have created murals for spas, Gyms, vintage boutiques, restaurants, nurseries, and more. I have traveled to many cities and towns in Pa and have also traveled outside of Pa for my services.
I am so grateful for all of the families, businesses big and small, schools, organizations, and more that I have collaborated with in some way over the years. I have met so many wonderful people.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been the smoothest road, it was difficult to be taken seriously by other more established artists in the area, but my hard work determination, and consistency paved my way through.
The PEOPLE, the fans, and the followers never let me down, even through covid, even tho I had to cancel classes, people were buying paintings, or ordering custom artwork.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I consider myself to be a multimedia artist, offering face painting, and henna tattooing, for public or private events. I offer paint parties for public or private events. I create murals for local businesses or private clients.
I also consider myself to be an influencer, content creator, and inspirer of positivity. I am extremely proud of my accomplishments. What sets me apart from others is my energy and my humor. You are guaranteed to experience good vibes and great quality art!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
That is a tough question, It changes all the time. But the one thing that I work hard for is to give my sons a better life, I would like to be able to afford to buy a home where they each have their rooms, can attend better schools, have access to quality education, and safety.
I do think about having a location but I love traveling with my art so at the moment I’m going to say I would love to see myself traveling farther for my art. Like New York, California, Puerto Rico….would be awesome.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artistrydeluz.com
- Instagram: @artistrydeluz
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/facepaintingbyluz
- Tiktok: @artistrydeluz
