Hi, I’m Tammy!

I’ve loved creating art for as long as I can remember. From participating in art clubs and magnet programs to earning my degree in Art Education and teaching art in public schools, creativity has always been at the heart of who I am.

But the moment that truly changed everything happened during a mission trip to Kenya in 2012. While serving with children there, I realized the incredible joy and connection that face painting could create, and I began to see it as something much bigger than a hobby or volunteer activity. When I returned home, I immersed myself in learning the art of professional face painting and founded Dizzy Doodle Face Painting+ in 2013.

I’ve had the privilege of painting thousands of smiles at birthday parties, schools, festivals, corporate events, churches, and community celebrations. My goal has always been the same: make the world a happier, more colorful place.

I’m committed to continually improving my skills by attending professional workshops, face painting and balloon twisting jams, and industry conventions so I can provide the best experience possible for every client.

When I’m not painting, you’ll probably find me spending time with my two daughters, camping, crafting, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or leading my Girl Scout troop.

Whether you’re celebrating in South Florida or North Carolina’s Research Triangle, I’d love the opportunity to help make your event extra special.

Curious how Dizzy Doodle Face Painting+ began? Keep reading below to hear the story behind the business.

---

How I Became a Professional Face Painter

People often ask me how I got started as a professional face painter. The truth is, the story began long before I ever picked up a paintbrush at an event.

The Beginning: An Artist at Heart

I’ve always been what my family calls “artsy fartsy.” As a child, I loved creating anything I could get my hands on. That passion led me through visual arts magnet programs in middle and high school, earning my bachelor’s degree in Art Education, and teaching art in public schools for ten years.

Finding the Joy of Face Painting

Along the way, I occasionally volunteered to face paint at Girl Scout events, church functions, and community outreach events. I loved seeing the excitement on children’s faces, but I never imagined it would one day become my career.

The Moment That Changed Everything: Kenya 2012

Everything changed during a mission trip to Mathare Valley in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2012.

While helping lead Vacation Bible School, our team served hundreds of children. One afternoon, I had the opportunity to help prepare children for interviews with their sponsors by simply cleaning their faces with baby wipes. It was such a small task, yet it became one of the most meaningful moments of the trip. Looking into those hopeful, precious little faces reminded me just how powerful simple acts of kindness can be.

The next day, I was invited to join another team that was face painting at a girls’ boarding school. Watching those girls smile, laugh, and light up as they looked in the mirror reminded me that art has a unique way of bringing people together, regardless of language or culture.

The Beginning of Dizzy Doodle Face Painting

When I returned home to South Florida, I couldn’t stop thinking about that experience.

At my church’s children’s events, a talented face painter known as Mother Goose would be there creating amazing designs. Years prior to the Kenya trip, I’d watched her work whenever I had the chance, completely fascinated by what she could do. After Kenya, I had the opportunity to volunteer alongside her, and she generously answered my countless questions about professional face painting, the business, and where to find quality supplies. Her encouragement and willingness to share her knowledge gave me the confidence to take the next step.

I immersed myself in learning everything I could, invested in quality supplies, and practiced constantly.

In the spring of 2013, Dizzy Doodle Face Painting+ was born.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of painting thousands of smiles at birthday parties, schools, festivals, corporate events, churches, grand openings, and community celebrations. Every event reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.

A Full Circle: North Carolina

One of my first paid events was an out-of-state mermaid-themed grand opening at a McDonald’s in Raleigh, North Carolina. I was invited to be part of the event alongside another artist, where we dressed as mermaids and painted children as part of the celebration. It was such a fun and memorable experience! At the time, I was building my business and never could have imagined that years later North Carolina would become a place where I would continue sharing my art and serving families through Dizzy Doodle Face Painting+. It feels like a special full-circle moment that a state that was once the location of one of my earliest paid events is now one of the communities I proudly serve.

More than a decade later, I still believe face painting is about much more than paint. It’s about creating moments of joy, building connections, and giving children (and plenty of adults!) memories they’ll treasure long after the paint has washed away.

Thank you for being here, and I hope to help make your next event a little brighter, a little more colorful, and a whole lot more memorable.

— Tammy Durrett
Owner & Lead Artist