Maria began her job as a face painter and balloon twister with Kaleidoscope in 2023 with the goal of finding a creative outlet alongside her corporate tech job. Working full-time at Tesla during the week, Maria finds her passion at the intersection of creativity and problem solving.
With experience in childcare and a love for crafts, Maria’s available for events in her hometown of Bristol CT and throughout Connecticut.
And like many Kaleidoscopers, she’s trained in multiple art forms including:
- Face painting
- Balloon twisting
- Glitter, flash, and airbrush tattoos
- Toddler parties (as a fairy, clown, and pirate)
- Paint nights
Interview with Maria: Bristol CT Face Painter and Balloon Twister!
If you could only pick one, would you rather do face painting or balloon twisting forever and why?
If I had to pick one, I’d go with face painting.
Balloons are great and can be turned into amazing designs, but face painting feels more personal. It gives me a chance to hone my skills and add little personalized touches. Plus, I get to chat with the person I’m painting, which I think people appreciate more. It’s like temporary tattoos—art on our bodies makes us feel more confident and beautiful. Balloons just don’t have that same effect.
What is your favorite part of Face painting?
I love painting! Transforming someone into something funny, beautiful, creative, or just adding some glam brings me so much joy when I see their reactions. It makes me feel proud and fulfills my creative passion.
What are people’s reactions when you tell them that You’re a professional Face Painter and Balloon Twister?
When I tell people what I do, my friends aren’t surprised since they know I have a creative streak and being a face painter and balloon twister suits me perfectly.
New acquaintances or people unfamiliar with my work are always surprised—they usually think of my main job and don’t expect that I also dress up as a fairy and paint faces or twist balloons. If they follow me on social media, they’re pleasantly surprised and often ask about it. It’s fun, and I love surprising folks!
What is one surprising fact about you?
I went to a Aquaculture high school program. I learned to build fishing poles, got my boat license at 15 years old, build boats, took apart and put back together boat motors, put out electrical fires in the ocean, learned CPR and boat safety, and then we skimmed the bottom of the ocean and dissected the sea animals in lab to learn more about them and their anatomy. And because of all that, i havent touch seafood since i was a Freshman in high school.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about what you do?
That i have an great big girl job and career in Technology and Energy, but secretly love my 2nd job (Kscope) face painting, way more most times! 
What was the most memorable party you ever entertained at?
The most memorable party I ever entertained at was unforgettable! I realized my idea of a party and that of some parents of young kids are worlds apart. My first character event blew my mind. They had me as a fairy doing face painting, a mermaid doing balloons, a bartender, two bounce houses, a petting zoo, bubble machines, lights, glam, tons of decorative balloons, and incredible décor. It felt like an engagement party or a community festival with activities galore. And guess what? It was all for twin 5-year-old girls! I was obsessed!
What’s your favorite part of Working in Kids Party Entertainment?
I love traveling to new places, seeing the setups, and meeting new people. It feels like I’m at the party too, and since I enjoy a good event, this is perfect for me. I get my creative fix and meet awesome hosts, kids, and friends. The best part is the excitement of heading to a new event and never knowing what to expect. It’s always a fun adventure!
What’s your favorite part of working with kids?
The kids are absolutely nuts, and I love it! They’re the most imaginative and creative little people. Some of the smallest kids make the greatest artistic requests.
One time, the quietest, cutest blonde girl with bright blue eyes, wearing an all-pink dress with pearl beads and flower jewelry, asked me to make her a killer zombie. I was so surprised and super hyped! I high-fived her. She decided she wasn’t following the norms and was going to be the best dang Killer Zombie Queen ever! And i was there to support that energy!
What’s one piece of advice you give to every parent planning a birthday party?
Make sure kids know that being patient and kind are expected! Not to touch things that aren’t theirs and to always be respectful.
What’s one thing you want every corporate event planner to know?
Make sure all the setup is spot-on – tables, chairs, tents, the works. Oh, and a little check-in during the event wouldn’t hurt either. Makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. (If you take care of your face painters, we’ll take care of your guests!)
What is the biggest factor in determining if a college event will go smoothly or not?
Ensuring we know exactly the location we are going to be set up at and where we should park that isn’t 20mins from the specific location. Our face painter and balloon twister kits are on wheels, but if we have to walk more than 2-3 minutes it can be challenging making sure we have everything we need at our stations.
Categories: Artist Spotlight