Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, you need a solid foundation in performance technique, business management, and character development. These books will help you understand what goes into a successful character entertainment business and how to build an audience that keeps booking you.
The Art of Making Balloon Animals by Sheryl Shade
Balloon twisting is one of the most requested skills in character entertainment, and this book teaches you over 40 designs with clear step-by-step instructions. Mastering balloon work early gives you a marketable skill that sets you apart from entertainers who only do magic or face painting. Many character entertainers report that balloon requests alone can add $200–400 per event once you’re proficient.
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The Complete Modern Magician by Mark Wilson
This comprehensive guide covers stage magic, close-up magic, and illusions suitable for all ages. Character entertainers often integrate magic tricks into their act to keep audiences engaged, and this book provides reliable techniques that work at children’s parties and corporate events. Having 10–15 solid tricks in your repertoire increases your booking value significantly.
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The Business of Entertainment by Robert Sher
Running a character entertainment business means managing bookings, pricing, contracts, and customer relationships. This book covers the business side that many performers overlook—how to actually make money consistently and protect yourself legally. Understanding contracts and pricing strategy early prevents costly mistakes that can cut into your margins.
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Face Painting Design by Shelley Timmons
Face painting is a high-margin service that character entertainers can offer alongside costume work. This book teaches you professional designs that are age-appropriate and actually appeal to kids and parents. Face painting can add $50–150 to an event fee and requires minimal investment beyond paint and brushes.
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Equipment You Need
Character entertaining requires two categories of investment: costume and performance equipment. Your startup costs will range from $800–$2,000 depending on which characters you choose and how many skills you develop. The good news is that most of this equipment lasts years if you care for it properly.
Costumes and Character Apparel
- Licensed character costumes: Full-body costumes from recognizable characters (Disney, superhero brands, etc.). Expect to spend $300–$800 per costume. Licensed costumes are more bookable but also more expensive than generic character suits.
- Generic character costumes: Clown, princess, pirate, or fairy costumes that don’t require licensing. These cost $80–$200 per costume and are useful for filling multiple party requests.
- Comfortable base clothing: Undergarments and foundation pieces worn under costumes to stay cool and protected during performances.
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes that work with your characters—clown shoes, character-specific boots, or flat performance shoes.
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Magic and Performance Props
- Magic trick set: Beginner-to-intermediate magic kits that teach you card tricks, coin tricks, and illusions suitable for kids. Budget $30–$80 for a quality starter kit.
- Balloon pump: A hand pump or electric pump for inflating balloons quickly. Electric pumps cost $20–$40 and save your lungs during long events.
- Balloons: Standard balloons in multiple colors for both twisting and decoration. Buy in bulk—approximately $15–$25 per 500-count bag.
- Balloon weights and ribbons: For securing and displaying balloon creations.
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Face Painting Supplies
- Professional face paint kit: Water-based, hypoallergenic face paint in multiple colors. Quality kits run $25–$50 and last a long time since you use small amounts per application.
- Face paint brushes: Various brush sizes for detail work and application. A set of 10–15 brushes costs $10–$20.
- Face paint sponges: Reusable or disposable sponges for base application.
- Makeup remover and cleansing supplies: Gentle soap and water work, but makeup remover wipes ($5–$10) are convenient for quick cleanup between designs.
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Audio and Microphone Equipment
- Portable Bluetooth speaker: For playing character entrance music, sing-alongs, or interactive games. A decent one costs $30–$80.
- Wireless microphone (optional for larger events): If you’re entertaining 50+ kids or in outdoor spaces, a portable wireless mic ($40–$100) helps you be heard without strain.
Shop Portable Speakers on Amazon →
Storage and Carrying Cases
- Rolling costume trunk or garment bag: Protects costumes and keeps them organized for transport. Budget $40–$100.
- Equipment duffel bag: Separate bag for props, face paint, and supplies so nothing gets crushed.
- Small toolkit: Safety pins, needle and thread, tape, and basic repair items for costume fixes on-site.
Shop Costume Trunks on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Don’t buy everything at once. Start with the fundamentals, book events, and reinvest income into expanding your offerings.
- First (Month 1): One or two versatile character costumes, balloon pump, basic magic tricks, and a portable speaker. This totals around $400–$600 and covers 80% of party requests.
- Second (Month 2–3): Face painting kit and supplies once you’ve confirmed demand. Many new entertainers discover face painting adds significant value.
- Third (Month 3–6): A second costume character to handle more bookings and reduce same-day conflicts. Add licensed character costumes only after you have consistent bookings.
- Later (Month 6+): Wireless microphone for larger events, additional specialty props, and premium costumes based on client requests you’ve actually received.
New vs Used Equipment
Costumes are the biggest equipment expense, and there’s a real market for secondhand character suits. Buying used costumes can save 40–60% off retail prices, and they work perfectly fine if they’re clean and undamaged. Check eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and costume rental shops that liquidate inventory. Just inspect seams, zippers, and padding before buying.
Performance props like magic kits and balloons should be new. Used magic tricks often come with worn-out components or incomplete instructions, and second-hand balloons lose elasticity. Face paint should always be new for hygiene reasons. For storage and carrying cases, used options are fine since they don’t contact your skin or costumes. A dented trunk works just as well as a new one and costs half the price.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Broadest selection, fast shipping, easy returns. Best for balloons, pumps, face paint, magic kits, and speakers.
- eBay: Used costumes, vintage magic tricks, and bulk balloon supplies at lower prices.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Local sellers of used costumes and storage equipment. You can inspect items in person and avoid shipping costs.
- Party supply stores (Party City, local shops): Immediate pickup of balloons and supplies without waiting for shipping.
- Costume rental companies: Some sell retired inventory at steep discounts, especially after Halloween and December.
- Specialty magic shops: Local magic stores often have better quality beginner kits and staff who can teach you tricks in person.
- Etsy: Handmade or custom costume pieces if you want something unique.