Allie B is a colorful caricature artist, face painter, and balloon twister located in Providence, Rhode Island.
After graduating with her Associate’s in Fine Art, Allie spent several years working at Disney World before combining her loves for art and all things animated at Kaleidoscope.
Allie began working with our team in 2019 and specializes in small events looking for combination packages with just one artist who can show off their skills in a range of art mediums.
Interview with Providence RI Caricature Artist and Face Painter: Allie!
When and why did you start working at Kaleidoscope?
2019. I was working at Disney World and broke my foot while working. I had to come back home due to lack of accommodations for my injury and having my hours cut while I was unable to work. I ended up finding a job ad for Kaleidoscope, and here we are.
What is your favorite part of being a caricature artist or face painter?
Actually using my degree, as well as the skills I’ve developed from childhood to now. Most people think there’s no work in the arts, and that’s not true–although most people who go into visual art ultimately don’t work in it.
If you could only pick one, would you rather do face painting or balloon twisting forever and why?
Face painting. You really are only limited by your imagination and skill level, rather than those AND physics.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about what you do?
Mostly people get surprised I actually get paid to do this lol I’ve had a lot of people who see me working as a face painter or caricature artist assume I’m a friend of the family/a volunteer/etc.
What do you think your superpower as an artist is?
Being flexible and adaptable with designs to fit each kid, and figuring out some special requests that only a kid could think of. Also knowing a lot about like, Pokémon and cartoons and Disney.
What was the most memorable party you ever entertained at?
I mean, working a gig at a multimillionaire’s under construction brownstone was pretty memorable. I also worked a gig at the Berklee Student Showcase, and got to listen to a bunch of upcoming musical acts while working.
What’s your favorite part of your Being a Face Painter or Caricature Artist?
Besides getting to use my skills? When kids remember you from other events or previous years and get really excited to see you again. They’re so much fun!
One of my most favorite things about working with kids, especially younger ones is how honest, open, and enthusiastic most of them are. Like they just say whatever comes to mind a lot of the times, and often it’s really funny and sweet. Also they really love glitter.
What is the hardest thing about being an event entertainer?
When you have to end the event and tell kids no, or cut a line. I don’t like disappointing the kids. Also all the driving; especially inside Boston proper. That’s a killer.
What’s one piece of advice you give to every parent planning a birthday party?
I recommend having kind of a rough schedule of when things should happen, ie. when to cut the cake, when to open presents, especially if you want to maximize the time you have your face painter/balloon twister/etc; but also be a bit flexible with it bc kids are kids and don’t always wanna stop what they’re doing right away lol
What’s one thing you want every corporate event planner to know?
Keep in mind parking and the easiest/fastest way for your entertainers to get from parking to your event location/a meet up spot. Especially in city areas.
What is the biggest factor in determining if a college event will go smoothly or not?
Honestly with college kids and teens, on my end at least, just running a more relaxed chill atmosphere. They’re not children, and it’s a different vibe. They wanna be treated as peers/full adults. Also you can straight up tell them no if a design is a no-go, unlike with kids, especially small ones, who you usually kind of have to dance around the subject or be extremely gentle with the no
