Body Painting Contest Checklist

A body painting contest needs more than paint and a room. You need clear categories, written rules, registered artists and models, suitable workstations, reliable lighting and a judging process that can keep moving. Start by fixing the concept and competition format, then secure the venue, permits and insurance before opening registration. Use the final weeks to confirm dietary requirements, order catering, prepare jury forms, publish the programme and check every paint, brush and power cable.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Define the competition concept
2 people
Write out the competition rules
2 people
Define Categories
2 people
Approach jury members
Reserve venue
Check permits
Check insurance
Design invitations
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Publish registration form
Process registrations
2 people
Confirm participants
Register models
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Order catering
Buy prizes
Buy body paint supplies
2 people
Reserve equipment
Publish the program
Make jury forms
2 people
Send participant letter
Print the run sheet
Do the shopping
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Pack prizes
2 people
Prepare name badges
2 people
Prepare catering
3 people
Check route and parking

Event

Open venue
2 people
Mark off work areas
3 people
Set up tables
4 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Connect lighting and power
2 people
Test the music
Set up body paint stations
4 people
Set up hygiene stations
2 people
Set up judges' table
2 people
Set up catering point
3 people
Place information signs
2 people
Register participants
3 people
Check in models
2 people
Welcome the judges
Brief participants
2 people
Welcome the audience
3 people
Open the match
Keep track of time
2 people
Guide participants
3 people
Restock Work Tables
2 people
Serve drinks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Guide photo moments
2 people
Collect waste separately
2 people
Answer the jury's questions
Present the finalists
3 people
Collect judging forms
2 people
Process the jury results
2 people
Announce the winners
2 people
Present prizes
2 people
See the crowd off
3 people

Aftercare

Clear body paint stations
4 people
Sort consumables
2 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Switch off equipment
2 people
Put furniture back
4 people
Collect lost property
2 people
Inventory materials
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Archive photos and results
Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Work tablesqty 12
Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 80
Judges' table
Clothes racksqty 6
Bollardsqty 12
Party tentsqty 2

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphone
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Phone chargersqty 4

Lighting

Work lightsqty 12
String lightsqty 4

Body paint

Body paint setsqty 16
Face paintqty 12
Glitterqty 24
Body paint brushesqty 80
Spongesqty 120
Templatesqty 30
Makeup mirrorsqty 16
Brush cupsqty 32
Mixing palettesqty 32
Makeup removerqty 8
Skin-friendly glueqty 8
Fixative sprayqty 8
Vaselineqty 4
Disposable glovesqty 400
Disposable apronsqty 80
Disposable capsqty 80
Plastic tableclothsqty 20
Protective filmqty 4
Bathrobesqty 30
Towelsqty 40
Sink basinsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Catering

Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 3
Ice packsqty 16
Groceries

Decorations

Competition postersqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Table décorqty 12
Ribbonsqty 6
Prizes and trophiesqty 6
Name badgesqty 100
Wristbandsqty 150
Table numbersqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Mop setsqty 4
Bucketsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Cleaning cartsqty 2
Paper towel dispensersqty 6
Soap dispensersqty 8

Organization

Clipboardsqty 12
Jury formsqty 40
Pensqty 50
Markersqty 20
Tapeqty 8
Scissorsqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Name stickersqty 150
Notice boardsqty 4

Tips

Set the competition format before inviting artists: define the categories, time limits, judging criteria and whether models, templates or specific materials are allowed. Put the rules in writing so participants receive the same information before registration closes.
Plan one complete workstation per participating artist or team, including a work table, chair, mirror, paint containers, brushes, sponges and a nearby power source if equipment needs electricity. Add separate space for the judges’ table and model changing areas.
Confirm models separately from artists at least 2–3 weeks before the contest. Record model names, arrival times, skin sensitivities and any dietary requirements instead of assuming the artist will provide those details.
Check lighting and electricity during the venue visit, not on event day. Count the extension cords and power strips, test the work lights, and keep phone chargers and spare supplies away from wet paint and walkways.
Send the participant letter and programme before the final week, then print the run sheet and jury forms. Pack prizes and label the body paint, glitter, glue, fixative spray, remover, gloves and aprons so setup does not depend on opening every box to find basics.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a body painting contest?: Allow at least 8–12 weeks. Use the first 2 weeks to define the concept, categories and rules, then reserve the venue, check permits and insurance, approach jury members and open registration.
How many workstations do I need for a body painting competition?: Plan one complete work table and chair setup for every artist or team, plus one separate table for the jury. Leave enough room for models, clothes racks, changing areas and safe movement between stations.
What body painting supplies are needed for a contest?: Provide paint sets, face paint, glitter, brushes, sponges, templates, mirrors, brush cups, mixing palettes, makeup remover, skin-friendly glue, fixative spray, Vaseline, disposable gloves and aprons. Check quantities at least 3–5 days before the event and keep extra remover, gloves and water containers available.
When should I confirm participants and models?: Confirm both groups 2–3 weeks before the contest, after registrations have been processed. Send the rules, arrival time, programme, venue information and any model or skin-safety requirements in the participant letter.

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