about

MISSIONTo help communities and grassroots groups raise funds through joyful moments of transformation—turning cheeks, arms, and sweet noses into embodied affirmations of self-expression.To create spaces where kind humans of any age are met with curiosity and the freedom to choose who—or how—they want to be for a day.To foster voices that say:“I am brave like a tiger.”
“I am powerful like a sword lily.”
“I am fluid like a chimera butterfly.”
“I am cosmic like a dreamicorn.”VISIONA world where acts of kindness—to others and to ourselves—are celebrated in full colour.HOW IT STARTEDHello! Lucy here! I started Colour Me Kind as both a personal healing project and a joyful offering to the community.Right now, it’s just me—a queer artist popping up at school fun fairs, grassroots fundraisers, and community events. But my hope is that more artists will join in raising funds this way—sharing glitter, paint, and care as tools for joy and liberation.I believe everyone deserves permission to be loud, bright, weird, sparkly, and entirely themselves. Sometimes, a painted face or glittery arm isn’t just a playful nudge—it’s an act of kindness to ourselves that says: I am seen. I am safe. I belong.Read More About the Artist

• TOP

deets

SO, HOW DOES IT WORK?
Here’s how Colour Me Kind fits in to your next community or funding event:

IS COLOUR ME KIND A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?Colour Me Kind is an informal, unincorporated not-for-profit association based in t'karonto (Toronto, Ontario). Learn more about our not-for-profit status and what it means.

• TOP

gallery

CHOOSE YOUR JOYPaint menu coming soon!

EVENT PHOTOSSince I'm just starting out, I don't have photos of my work just yet. Stay tuned!For now, you can read about by art background in get to know Lucy.

• TOP

rates

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?I use a community-first, sliding scale model—because joy should be accessible, not exclusive.Fees help cover the basics: paints, wipes, and all the sparkly things that make the magic happen—which also includes my time (at Ontario’s minimum wage of $17.60/hr).Wondering why I pay myself for this work? Here’s why fair pay matters in not-for-profit work.Upon booking you will be asked to choose one of the following rates:

$50+ | Supported Rate

For small organizations with limited funds, offering just the essentials—I’ll bring the same heart and care.

$70+ | Sustaining Rate

Helps keep the project running by covering ongoing operating costs like this website, and other digital or admin tools.

$90+ | Solidarity Rate

For events with more resources. This helps subsidize low-cost and free events for underfunded schools and communities.

Corporate Sponsorship Rate: If you wish to sponsor face painting as a community service, I invite you to book at a flat rate of $200/hour. This rate helps subsidize free and low-cost offerings at schools and community events—extending the joy to those who need it most.

$0+ | Subsidized Rate

If your school or community group has no funds and this feels like the right fit, please reach out. For every two events booked at the Solidarity Rate, I aim to offer one fully subsidized visit. All Colour Me Kind expenses are posted publicly on Open Collective. This helps everyone see where funds go and how solidarity bookings make subsidized events possible.

PRICING NOTES

Need help estimating how much you can raise? Read the f.a.q. section for support with the math.

Not sure where your event fits?
Let’s connect and see what we can work out.

• TOP

booking

AVAILABILITYCheck the below calendar to see when I'm available, then fill out the following form to inquire about a booking. Please allow up to 3 days for a response.This is a one-human show, so dates are limited and go fast!

INTAKE FORM

Ready to book? Start with the intake form below.
Or, just curious and have a question? Then reach out by email.

• TOP

f.a.q.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Is Colour Me Kind a not-for-profit organization?

Legally, it is an informal, unincorporated not-for-profit association based in Toronto. We know—that’s a mouthful. Here’s what that means: we’re not a registered nonprofit or charity (so we can’t issue tax receipts), and we don’t have a formal board. We’re also not a business or social enterprise.Instead, we’re a grassroots project focused on community care. All funds go directly toward covering project costs and keeping this joy-based fundraising community service accessible. Financial transparency is available through our Open Collective.

• Why do you pay yourself?

This project is rooted in community care—and that includes care for myself. There’s a reason not-for-profit work is often dominated by white folks: it’s a privilege to work for free. As Dan Pallotta said in his TED Talk, the way we think about charity and justice work is broken. We expect people to fix the world without being resourced to do it—and that system burns people out, especially those of us who are already carrying more.
Outside of Colour Me Kind, I give my unpaid time to boards, school councils, and community programmes.At Colour Me Kind, I pay myself minimum wage, not as profit, but to model that not-for-profit work can balance fair pay and good deeds. As a non-binary, queer person of colour who is neuro-spicy, I aim to practice what a sustainable justice-based economy can look like. Staying resourced helps me stay aligned with my values, and to keep showing up—with heart, integrity, and rainbow magic.

• What kind of paint and glitter do you use?

Only professional, hypoallergenic, FDA approved face/body paint and glitter are used. MSDS sheets are available upon request.

• What does 'sliding scale' mean?

Those with access to more resources pay more—so that those with less can still access joy. It’s a small act of economic justice and a big help in keeping this project sustainable and fair.

• Are you insured?

Sometimes! Most of the time, I’m considered a community volunteer or guest artist and fall under the event’s own insurance. If your event specifically requires me to carry separate liability insurance, I can secure one-day coverage for $25 and include it in the estimate. If it’s unclear, I’m happy to ask before confirming a rate.

• Do you have a background check?

Yes. I have a valid Vulnerable Sector Check, which is often required for working with children and youth in schools and community settings. I can provide proof upon request.That said, if your organization or school board has additional requirements (like reference letters or updated checks within a specific timeframe), just let me know—I'm happy to work with you to meet your policies.

• Do you do private parties or corporate events?

Generally, no... Colour Me Kind is a fundraising support project—not a commercial service. I don’t do birthday parties, weddings, or corporate gigs.I focus solely on school fun fairs, grassroots fundraisers, and community events that align with the project’s mission and vision.That said, I occasionally make exceptions—especially when the invitation serves a broader purpose. For example, a business might sponsor me to offer face painting at a senior’s residence or community shelter. In those cases, it’s still about spreading joy, not profit.

• Can you paint more than 12 people per hour?

Can I? Yes. Will I? No. I typically paint 8–12 people per hour. I’m not in the business of pumping out work like a fast food chain. I greet each person with presence, meet them where they are, and nurture their autonomy and sense of self. That kind of human connection takes time—and it’s part of what makes this project meaningful. If your event requires serving more folks, I recommend booking additional time or contacting me early to explore bringing in another artist who shares this approach.

• How much can we raise in an hour? How much should we suggest for donations?

For a two-hour Solidarity Rate booking, to break even, you can suggest:$5 per personTo cover the service fee and raise funds, I recommend:
$10 per person. This will raise ~$50/hour, depending on turn out and your audience.For context, face painting at major attractions like Canada’s Wonderland, the Toronto Zoo, and the CNE typically costs $18–$24 per person. So at $10, you’re still offering something less expensive that still feels like a special treat.Just as importantly: face painting is often one of the most popular attractions at community events. It draws folks in and adds to the joyful atmosphere. When paired with raffles, food, or silent auctions, it strengthens your fundraising efforts!

• How do I calculate how much funds we’ll raise?

Glad you asked! It depends on your goals and expected turnout.Here’s a formula you can use:(Starting Rate + $30 × [# of additional hours] + Desired Fundraising Amount) ÷ Estimated Number of People = Suggested Donation Per PersonFor example, let’s say you’re booking the Supported Rate ($50 starting) for 3 hours, and you hope to raise $60 total:
_{Starting Rate = $50
Additional Hours = 2 × $30 = $60
Desired Fundraising = $60
Estimated number of people = 36}
($50 + $60 + $60) ÷ 36 = $4.72 per personYou’d suggest $5 per person to break even and raise $60._{Tip: Rounding up makes it easier to collect donations—and offers a buffer in case of shorter lines or fewer participants.Note: For planning purposes, please cap estimates at 12 people per hour, per artist, regardless of turnout.Actual results will vary based on event size, weather, and how you structure the activity (free, ticketed, or pay-what-you-can).}

• What can we do to raise more money?

The longer you book, the more cost-effective it becomes—and the more potential you have to raise funds.That’s because the set up and coordination cost is front-loaded. Once I’m set up, each additional hour adds minimal extra cost, but gives more time to serve more folks.For example:
A 2-hour booking might help you break even or raise a little.
A 3–4 hour booking gives you a better chance to raise $100–$200+, especially if attendance is steady.If your goal is to raise as much as possible, booking more time can make a difference—especially when paired with other fundraising efforts._{NOTE: If booking a longer day, the artist will require an unpaid 30 min break between 4 hour bookings.}

• TOP

GET TO KNOW LUCY MINHYE SONGHi again! While face painting is a newer medium for me, I’ve picked up a paintbrush many times throughout my career.I work as a creative communications professional with a background in art, design, education, and community engagement. I’ve taught art and design at Seneca College, and I’m the author of Awesome Art Activities for Kids, , a book filled with playful prompts that nurture creativity, confidence, and connection. I’ve also developed hands-on programming through my grassroots initiative, Raising Little Allies. For my full work history, feel free to visit my Linkedin.Colour Me Kind is a project that brings together my love for art, storytelling, and social justice—and turns it into something tactile, a little sparkly, and full of heart.WHERE I COME FROMI proudly identify as corean (Korean), queer, non-binary, and neurodivergent. I am grateful to live and work in the west end of t'karonto (Toronto), the ancestral lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. I rent a charming little blue townhouse with my loving partner, child, and adopted kittens—Ollie and Zitti.

• TOP

upcoming

EVENTS I'LL BE ATComing soon to a community event in Toronto!

• TOP

donate

SUPPORT COLOUR ME KIND

• TOP

join me!

LEARN & PAINT WITH ME

• TOP

CONTACTWant to bring some colour to your event?
Start with the intake form.Just curious or have a question? Read our frequently asked questions, or reach out below!

• TOP