10 Minute Face Only Speed Competition

​Theme: Animals with a Twist

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1st Place: Award Certificate & Goodie Bag
2nd Place: Award Certificate & Goodie Bag

3rd Place: Award Certificate & Goodie Bag
 

A fun, high-energy face painting challenge celebrating creativity, humour, and technical skill under extreme time pressure.

Animal with a Twist invites artists to reinterpret animals in a whimsical, unexpected, and playful way, for example, a monkey with sunglasses, a tiger with a red clown nose, or a frog blowing a party horn. The focus is on speed, creativity, and instant visual impact rather than realism or intricate detail.

This competition rewards artists who can deliver maximum personality and humour in just 10 minutes while maintaining clean, confident brushwork.

 

Competition Overview

• Theme: Animal with a Twist

• Duration: 10 minutes

• Category: Face only

• Eligibility: Open to registered CAP Expo visitors

• Entry cost: TBC

• Entry limit: One entry per delegate

• Model limit: One model per artist

• Assistants: Not permitted

 

Competition Schedule

• Date: 23rd March 2026

• Competition time: 10 minutes

• Competition Time 12:45 - 12:55 

Time will be strictly enforced. Painting must stop immediately when the timer ends.
No extensions will be granted.

 

Judging & Voting

• Entries will be evaluated by a panel of professional judges

• Judges will be announced prior to the competition

Judging decisions are final.

 

Category Focus

This competition evaluates an artist’s ability to:

• Create a recognisable animal design with a playful twist

• Work quickly and efficiently under extreme time constraints

• Use colour, line, and exaggeration effectively

• Deliver a fun, bold, and impactful design

Speed, clarity, and originality are critical.

 

Area Judged

Judging is strictly limited to the face only.

Any paint applied outside of the face (neck, ears, hairline, décolletage) will not be judged.

 

Judging Criteria

Artists will be assessed on:

• Interpretation of the Animal with a Twist theme

• Creativity, humour, and originality

• Brushwork, line control, and application

• Colour choice and placement

• Recognisability of the animal

• Overall impact and completion within the 10-minute limit

 

Theme Background: Animal with a Twist

Animal with a Twist is a playful, imaginative, and whimsical theme.

Artists are encouraged to:

• Take a familiar animal and add a humorous or unexpected element

• Use exaggeration, props, or quirky details to bring personality to the design

• Create designs that feel joyful, bold, and instantly recognisable

Examples of playful twists include:

• Monkeys wearing sunglasses

• Tigers with clown noses

• Frogs with party blower tongues

• Lions sporting silly hats or colourful patterns

The goal is fun, creativity, and visual punch, not realism

 

Theme Restrictions

Licensed, trademarked, or copyrighted characters or designs are strictly prohibited.

This includes references to:

• Animals from films, TV, books, or games

• Branded characters or franchise-inspired creatures

All designs must be original creations developed by the artist.

 

Materials & Safety Requirements

• All paints must be cosmetic grade and compliant with UK cosmetic regulations

• Only cosmetic-grade products may be applied directly to the skin

• Fluorescent/neon pigments considered SFX may not be applied directly to the skin

• All supplies must be provided by the artist

CAP Expo is not responsible for missing or faulty materials.

 

Permitted & Prohibited Techniques

Permitted:

• Decorative eyelashes

• Loose or spray glitter

• Wigs or hair accessories

Not Permitted:

• Masks or mask components

• Prosthetics or SFX pieces

• Glued-on facial elements

• Airbrush techniques

Use of prohibited materials may result in disqualification.

 

Workplace Hygiene & Conduct

• Brushes and sponges must be clean and hygienic

• Water must be clean and changed regularly

• Work surfaces must remain tidy and safe

• No products may be placed directly on the floor

• Waste must be disposed of appropriately

• Artists must ensure model comfort and safety

 

Model Requirements & Consent

• Artists must provide their own model

• Artists and models must sign a consent form allowing photography and video recording for promotional use

 

Competition Area

Each workspace will include:

• One table

• Access to water

• Protective plastic covering

Artists must supply all other tools and materials required for the competition.

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The results of the competition will be announced on Monday 23rd March at 1500