My first bodypainting gig...

I was just contacted by a guy that wants me to paint him as a zebra and I was wondering if there are any prosthetics that I can use? He wants it to be as realistic as possible since it is for a calendar he is doing. Something like the "Human Animal"? Just thought I would post here for ideas... He has long black hair so I plan on making it into a "mane" for the design. Any helpful tips/ideas are appreciated. He also wants to be completely nude so anyone ever paint the ummm, ahem, male anatomy? I really think I should insist on undies or coverage of some sort but he seemed to want it to be "true to life".

I am always skeptical of anyone wanting full nude body painting.

I'd ask lots of questions and have a spotter with me. Do not go alone.

Here is the example I made for him but he really wants the prosthetic mouth/nose....thanks rthling! I need to find someone to go with me. Both my usual helpers are underage.

Here's my suggestions:

A- definitely have an assistant, JUST in case- but if the guy is a model, he may very well prefer nude to undies and for no reason other than preference. BUT-I still think YOU have the right to decline that if you're not comfortable with it (And I hope he's paying well for this full body and head piece you're looking at 5 or 6 hours)

B- He needs to either clipper trim or shave anywhere that's going to be painted. Otherwise, the paint gloms up in the hair and looks like crap. Telling him this may very well convince him NOT to go totally nude since, even the kibble and bits need shaving.

C- If you do both agree to nude... trust me, it's pretty clinical. I work mainly with guys. I have never had one have any -uh- "reaction". Do be aware though, that things flop around a bit down there- So.... you may even hand him the sponge or brush to do the base coat himself. Or else, you kind of have to hold things in place when you paint.... (Well, that was awkward to write) Using an airbrush will paint without touching, and bring about shrinkage.

I recommend a kabuki brush for a base instead of a sponge. You will save yourself heaps of time

I am an admirer of the human anatomy, if the references of the body painter specialist -Leapinglizards- don't work to make him change his mind, I have seen 2 body paintings -one of them was the spider guy here in the forum- show it to him, it doesn't look artistic or pretty or sexy, if he doesn't want undies he can wear strapless cover.

Any full nudes that I have done,

SM_ret_8276 by hypnodean, on Flickr


sm_ret_6943 by hypnodean, on Flickr


sm_ret_crop_5456 by hypnodean, on Flickr



SM_ret_1904 by hypnodean, on Flickr

We ended up photographing as "Implied" nudes (Which means they be naked but we don't have to see their stuff) as they are more artistic and less likely to be provocative that way. it really comes down to the photographer they are going to work with too.

If I was ASKED, I would say a zebra design will look better with white G string than naked.
http://www.internationaljock.com/jm-skinz-thong,8240.html
cut off the little black label, glue them on with Prosaide, and they will blend in great and take the paint.

But- if this is for a nude calendar or some such.... it is what it is.

I am frightened, and oddly excited for you. I would love the opportunity to paint a full body, Junk not included, White or black bannana Hammock is a must, and a side kick to be safe....

Ok so I may be Immature but I'm pretty sure I could not paint my hubby's "kibbles and bits" with a straight face and I am a nurse use to cathing ppl and seeing the human Body in all forms of disrobement!

Don't you think it's easier to be detatched from it when it's a stranger?

I would hope so

I do photography as well, and have done fashion, headshots, underwear, nude, erotic, men, women, couples... I'm more focused on the lights etc... and it's pretty much the same when doing a body paint job. Parts are parts.

Erica, I guess you need to do some research so you can see what zebra "kibbles and bits" actually look like so you can be as realistic as possible! And face prosthesis as well? WOW! Can't wait to see the results!

Oh gosh, Sandie, now you've given me a case of the giggles! I would imagine he'd need an additional prosthetic for the kibbles and bits (zebras ARE related to horses) and I can just picture Erica broaching the subject! "Well if you insist on looking like an AUTHENTIC zebra..."

JennyNixe wrote:Oh gosh, Sandie, now you've given me a case of the giggles! I would imagine he'd need an additional prosthetic for the kibbles and bits (zebras ARE related to horses) and I can just picture Erica broaching the subject! "Well if you insist on looking like an AUTHENTIC zebra..."

I will not be broaching that subject hahaha!

Erica,

I've had really good experiences with the prosthetics from North Fur Fx
http://www.northfur.ca/
They do have a horse face.
http://www.northfur.ca/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83_86&products_id=519
They're a Canadian company so shipping isn't cheap, but I have the client order and pay for it so I don't have to worry about it. That way, if they have to make the hard call to order and pay for expedited shipping if they wait too long. They have several different types of casts depending on what the client wants to do with it. Some are easier to use for speaking roles in plays versus just Halloween where it doesn't matter how well it moves with their face.
They arrive unpainted. I paint the prosthetics with acrylic paint (or PAX) separately to match the colors I use on the face.

This is too much lol

after reading leapinglizardaard "C" choice.. I have no comment!

I just noticed in my avatar..i could probably be in the calender as "his" master.. with a lead rope and wear my top!?????

Um,
If he wants a prosthetic nose to appear more "zebra-ish"", then why isn't he wearing a prosthetic.... Um, you know, maybe I shouldn't ask this question.
Never mind.
Please don't read the above.

xoxo

Fess! You dirty dirty girl! Not sure I am even going to be doing it, after further discussion I am a bit wierded out. For one, he shouldn't care so much what I look like. Two, he doesn't want anyone else there...just me, him and HIS photographer even though I offered a great deal on a photographer I know. Third, he said he originally called me for his nephew's b-day party which there has been no other mention of. And the last part that rubbed me wrong is that he said he is an artist himself so I don't really want my work in another artist's calendar, afraid people will assume it is his work. I would definitely insist on my name going on it but can I really inforce it? Even with my name on it I am sure some people would naturally think it is the work of artist that did the calendar...since he is filling it with his artwork. What do you guys think? It just all seems a bit off to me. My hubby didn't seem to thrilled about me painting another guy either, not that he would ever let me practice my body painting on him! Hahaha!

Well if he tells you about your long lost uncle, king Umbutu of the African tribe Umwatway's unfortunate demise and untold fortunes with your name on it (because after all you are the next of kin) you'll know for sure he is legit

lol jk, the whole things sounds too sketchy to be true.

fesspenter wrote:Um,
If he wants a prosthetic nose to appear more "zebra-ish"", then why isn't he wearing a prosthetic.... Um, you know, maybe I shouldn't ask this question.
Never mind.
Please don't read the above.

xoxo

A bit too much realism??

I say if he refuses to let you bring someone with you then it's a big fat NO! Do not put yourself in an uncomfortable (read dangerous) situation. Mama Sandie says "Just say no!"

I would veto it.