Daily Inspiration: Meet Lori McSorley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori McSorley. 

Hi Lori, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself

I was an art major in college and I love to paint and draw.  Back in the late ’90s, a good friend of mine was having a  christening party for her daughter and realized that there  were going to be a lot of small children attending. She  needed something to keep the children busy. She bought a  small paint kit and asked me to do face painting for the  children. I said sure, I’ll try it! I ended up having fun  painting and the kids really enjoyed it too! After the party,  many of the parents told me I did a great job and I should  look into doing this at other parties. So, I did some research  and bought some professional face paints and brushes. I  made up some business cards and started advertising. I  made up some flyers that I mailed out to local vendors and  organizations, I set up a booth at some local street fairs to  get my name out. Once I started booking parties, I got more  business through word of mouth. Then my husband created  a website for me and I started advertising on a website  called FunNewJersey.com 

I planned on doing this for a few years to make some extra  money on the weekends. Now here I am 25 years later still  facepainting! I can paint small designs on the cheek or  hand or very elaborate full-face designs. I have trained my  daughter and a few of her friends to make up my team of 

artists that help me out on large events. I also book them  out on events when I am already booked. 

I love my job, it’s fun going to parties and events where  everyone is happy and having a good time. I really enjoy  seeing the child’s reaction when you show them in the  mirror what you have painted for them! 

The most popular events I paint at are birthday parties. But  over the years I have painted at many other different  venues throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New  York. Some of the places I’ve been hired to work events at  are Rutgers University, Rider University, Giants Stadium,  Somerset Patriots Stadium, Morgan Stanley, Princeton  Show Jumping, Marine Trade Association and The Parx  Casino to name a few. I also do many company picnics and  have connections with many professional party planners  that also hire my services. I have had success working In NJ  for the past 25 years, now I am staying in Steamboat for the  winter and would love to branch out to this area to paint in  the winter months while I’m here. My husband and I plan  on spending the winters in Steamboat Springs for at least  the next few years. 

I also love to paint children’s murals and furniture for the  home. I paint wine glasses and draw with pastels. Please  look up my social media pages and website for many  pictures of my facepainting, glasses, and murals.

www.njfacepainting.com 

Facebook-Lori’s Facepainting 

Instagram-Loris_Facepainting

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a smooth road for me. I’ve made connections  with most of the face painters in NJ and also many other  entertainers. It’s very helpful as we refer work to each  other. The main challenges I have been facing recently are  having to deal with the covid virus. The past few years  many people have not been having parties. Business seems  to be starting to pick up a little bit this past year. Hopefully  in 2022, it will get back to normal.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have over 25 years of experience in this field. I have been  to hundreds of parties every year. I love working with the  children and I take the time and patience to make them feel  comfortable without taking too much time to paint. If you  are looking for a face painter I would love to help you have  a successful Party! 

What I can say now is I am trying to expand my mural and  furniture painting along with my painted glasses.

Contact Info:

• Email: facepainting@comcast.net
• Website: www.njfacepainting.com
• Instagram: Loris_Facepainting
• Facebook: Lori’s Facepainting
• Other: 732-259-4089