Artist Spotlight: Linda Smith – Fab ‘n’ Funky Faces

We were delighted to have Linda Smith of Fab ‘n’ Funky Faces join us as one of the final demo artists at the FACE Conference. Based in Glasgow, Linda brought nearly three decades of experience, creativity, and warmth to the FACE stage, and we’d like to say a huge thank you for sharing her skills and knowledge with our community.

A Journey That Started in 1996

Linda’s face painting journey began back in 1996, when her older children were just two and three years old. Known as the “artistic parent” at nursery thanks to her hand-painted Mabel Lucie Attwell coat hook tags, she was invited to paint at a nursery gala day. Armed with a Snazaroo carnival palette, the famous 5 Minute Faces book, and a handful of brushes, her love for face painting began.

Although she adored painting, it remained a hobby for around ten years, as Linda always intended to return to her career as an NHS Midwife. Life, however, took an unexpected and difficult turn, and for a time her brushes were set aside. After having her younger children, Linda discovered the much-missed Face Paint Chat community (via AOL dial-up), where she learned that face painting could be a paid profession and connected with inspiring artists who helped shape her new path.

Becoming a Professional Artist

Linda went fully professional in 2006, joined FACE in 2009, and attended her first FACE Convention the following year. Along the way, she trained with hugely respected artists including Lynn Jamieson, Brian and Nick Wolfe, Valerie Daft, and Maria Mormile.

Running a successful face painting business also gave Linda the confidence to pursue further education, completing an HND in Illustration and a BA (Hons) in Visual Art alongside her professional work.

Style, Skills, and Highlights

Linda is known for her illustrative, whimsical style and her love of a challenge. She has a remarkable ability to draw almost anything freehand, without the need for reference images. Over the years, she has won several competitions at the UK Face Painting Convention and placed multiple times at previous FACE Conferences. Her work has also appeared in print and on television through events such as the World Pipe Band Championships, Glasgow Life, and Glasgow Loves Christmas.

Despite these achievements, Linda says the most magical moment never changes: the instant a child looks in the mirror and sees themselves transformed.

Inspiration and Beyond

Her inspiration comes from many sources, including art and illustration, tattoo art, popular culture, cartoons, animation, children’s books, and the work of fellow painters. Alongside her creative career, Linda has also worked for many years as an NHS General Nurse and Midwife, and she is additionally qualified as a massage therapist and clinical aromatherapist.

FACE Conference Demo

Linda described demoing at FACE as “terrifying rather than exciting,” but it was a joy to welcome her back and see so many familiar faces reconnect. Her demo focused on on-the-job designs that look impressive while taking just three to five minutes to complete. Attendees were encouraged to explore more illustrative designs that don’t rely on stencils but still make a strong visual impact.

We are incredibly grateful to Linda for being part of the FACE Conference and for sharing her experience, honesty, and artistry with our members and attendees.

Thank you, Linda 💖