How to organise a body painting contest

Start by deciding what artists are competing on: a theme, set categories, time limit and judging criteria. Write those rules before inviting anyone, then secure the venue, jury and registration process in that order. Body painting needs more than paint: models need changing space, artists need work tables, lighting and power, and everyone needs clear instructions about skin safety. Finish with a timed run sheet so registration, painting, judging and awards do not overlap.

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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

1
Define the competition concept
2 people
2
Write out the competition rules
2 people
3
Define Categories
2 people
4
Approach jury members
5
Reserve venue
6
Check permits
7
Check insurance
8
Design invitations
2 people
9
Send invitations
2 people
10
Publish registration form
11
Process registrations
2 people
12
Confirm participants
13
Register models
2 people
14
Collect dietary requirements
15
Order catering
16
Buy prizes
17
Buy body paint supplies
2 people
18
Reserve equipment
19
Publish the program
20
Make jury forms
2 people
21
Send participant letter
22
Print the run sheet
23
Do the shopping
2 people
24
Check materials
2 people
25
Pack prizes
2 people
26
Prepare name badges
2 people
27
Prepare catering
3 people
28
Check route and parking

Event

29
Open venue
2 people
30
Mark off work areas
3 people
31
Set up tables
4 people
32
Set up chairs
3 people
33
Connect lighting and power
2 people
34
Test the music
35
Set up body paint stations
4 people
36
Set up hygiene stations
2 people
37
Set up judges' table
2 people
38
Set up catering point
3 people
39
Place information signs
2 people
40
Register participants
3 people
41
Check in models
2 people
42
Welcome the judges
43
Brief participants
2 people
44
Welcome the audience
3 people
45
Open the match
46
Keep track of time
2 people
47
Guide participants
3 people
48
Restock Work Tables
2 people
49
Serve drinks
3 people
50
Refill drinks
2 people
51
Serve snacks
3 people
52
Guide photo moments
2 people
53
Collect waste separately
2 people
54
Answer the jury's questions
55
Present the finalists
3 people
56
Collect judging forms
2 people
57
Process the jury results
2 people
58
Announce the winners
2 people
59
Present prizes
2 people
60
See the crowd off
3 people

Aftercare

61
Clear body paint stations
4 people
62
Sort consumables
2 people
63
Wash dishes
3 people
64
Dispose of waste
2 people
65
Clean the venue
4 people
66
Switch off equipment
2 people
67
Put furniture back
4 people
68
Collect lost property
2 people
69
Inventory materials
2 people
70
Return borrowed items
2 people
71
Archive photos and results
72
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 opening registration. State the theme, number of categories, painting time, model requirements and whether templates, glitter or pre-painted elements are allowed.
Approach jury members at least four weeks before the contest and give them the categories, scoring criteria and judging schedule. Prepare one jury form per judge and explain how ties will be handled.
Plan the room around the artists’ work areas, not just the audience. Allow space for work tables, chairs, makeup mirrors, clothes racks and a separate judges’ table, with cables secured away from walkways.
Check power and lighting before competition day. Body painters need bright work lights, extension cords and power strips, while the microphone and speakers should be tested from the actual judging and award positions.
Send participants a practical letter no later than one week beforehand. Include arrival time, registration steps, model details, permitted materials, skin-safety guidance, dietary requirements deadline and what happens if someone is late.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a body painting contest take?: Allow at least 4 to 6 hours for a small contest: about 30 minutes for registration and setup checks, 2 to 4 hours for painting, and 60 to 90 minutes for judging, photos and awards. Add time if there are several categories.
How far in advance should I invite body painting contestants?: Open registration 6 to 8 weeks before the event and close it around 2 weeks before the contest. Confirm participants and registered models within 7 days of closing so you can finalise tables, supplies, catering and the run sheet.
What supplies are needed for a body painting contest?: Plan body paint sets, face paint, brushes, sponges, mixing palettes, brush cups, makeup mirrors, templates and glitter, plus makeup remover and skin-friendly glue. Provide disposable gloves and aprons, Vaseline, fixative spray, work lights and enough power strips for every work area.
How do I judge a body painting competition?: Use written criteria such as concept, technique, finish, originality and how well the design fits the theme. Give each judge a form for every category, allow 15 to 20 minutes for scoring after painting ends, and schedule a short moderation period for tied results.

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