Need Ideas!!! Please help

I got a call today form harley davidson wanting me to face paint for an event at the end of july. There is a dress code and everyone has to dress like they are from the 50's. Too Cool HUH!!

Anyway, he wants me to come up with some designs that will fit the theme, I was thinking music notes and records, but other than that I have no other ideas. I need help.

So, would you guys please post pics or ideas with a 50's theme!!!

Thanks for your help everyone!! Cant wait to see what you guys come up with!

Um...all that's coming to mind is poodles...from poodle skirts. Also polka dots.

poodles. and saddle shoes. black and white checkerboard pattern, pretty much anything you paint if its in pink, black, white and turquois would look fifties. Like a big pink ice cream sundae with teal and black and white "stuff" around it. hanging dice (like on a car mirror)

a sign like the one in this pic, but with names or "harley davidson" in it.

these glasses

what about flames? like on a 50's hot rod?

i did use an abc and a 3/4 inch flat brush to make these

ttfn

rebecca

maybe a jukebox? That may be getting a little elaborate though... but since the general concensus that I gather from a lot of peole on here is that cheek art like that is a big pain and is avoided at all costs... so maybe just come up with some cool eye designs that go with the color scheme Bec mentioned I think you'd be in pretty good shape.

those flames are awsome, i was wondering how to do them, now i know, thanks!

Lots of great ideas so far, keep em coming, and more pics!!!

Here is the list of things i looked up.....

records
music notes
skulls
the beat up look
radio
milkshakes
bleeding hearts with barbwire/daggers
cars
scarf
coca cola bottle
animal print
poodle
betty boop
navy anchor
checker board pattern
nautical stars
dice
flames


now all i have to do is figure out how to put all of these in design form!! lol

Well, idk about a lot of those, but here are a few desings that go along with that...
This is a poodle I saw somewhere and re-did myself... again, not an original design.


A barbed wire heart:


and some music notes:

very nice punky, love the poodle! And your heart with barbwire is fantastic, nice blending!!

faketoos has an Elvis stencil.
For that matter, can you do a side view silhouette of Elvis?
Two people dancing(one w/ a poodle skirt), Scarves.

how about one of those really old microphones?
They make me think about the 50's -
I LOVE bec's idea with the Glasses they look awesome.
And Punky fully read my mind with the Jukebox Idea.
Maybe you could try a knotted scarf around the girls necks? - I don't know if it would work or not.
Maybe a pin-up girl style tat for the guys?
Sounds like you have a LOT of fun-filled practicing days ahead for you - what a great gig- have fun!

love the music notes!

ttfn
rebecca

Pashur's Seattle workshop had some really cool designs that might work. One was an ace of spades card with flames and then a rolling dice with flames. Maybe you could google vintage tattoos?

Micky & Minnie Mouse ears. Especially Minnie w/ the pink polka dot bow.

You could always watch Grease & look for inspiration.

I was thinking that same thing! I LOVE that movie!

Hey,

Take a look on that link

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_search.php?action=Browse&Cache=5f731fb78b2cb80e1cc62f91ae348d86&page=1

Istockphoto is a website that I use a lot for graphic ideas, maybe it will help

Ok so here are a couple of pics I took for my display board for the gig, I have been very busy and plan on getting the rest of them done this week, I only have a couple for now.







I love my stars, my radio/juke box lol is ok, and I dont really like my heart, well I dont like the dagger, should have put some barb wire around it instead.
I would love some feedback on these, I will be posting a whole lot more at the end of this week.

I think there have been a lot of great ideas put out there, but I would like to add that you should defiantly try to meld the Harley stuff in with the fifties stuff. Like some of the bikes from the fifties, the logo in the fifties, things like that. Most Harley people are huge fans and want from there head to their toe covered in Harley stuff. I know this because my dad has been a rider his whole life, therefore I have been introduced to numerous bikers over the years. If they're at a Harley event, chances are they love Harley and like to have it plastered all over them!

I think they all look great. maybe add some embellishments around the heart? Some words? I love the stars. Might have to steal that from you.

I think the heart looks good, and the only think I would recomend is that on the dagger, add so more length and detail to the handle. daggers are typically 1/2 handle and 1/2 blade, you have a small sword going on there. Myabe make the handle longer and add lines to make it look like it's wrapped in leather for a grip? maybe add a pomel at the end?

What about side burns? As for the Harley aspect, try using Harley colours, orange, black and white. Look up old school tats, jail house style or marine style.

Here's a pic of what I was talking about, this is one of my basic sword designs, it's meant to be a bit of a silhouette for the handle as the fire is behind it, but you get the idea.



but if you wanna get really fancy... Haha, jk, that would really take away from the heart.

How about a heart that says MOM? I know those were popular then, lol, simple but sweet. Anchors, Skull and daggers crossed, guitars, http://www.freetattoodesigns.org/old-school-tattoos.html, http://www.tattoojohnny.com/store/flashsets/AAS-00001

You could also do tattoo style swallows, roses (with scroll and script)... I was at a kid's party a few weeks ago where all the dads wanted a "tattoo" heart with a scroll across it with "Mom" or their wives' names on them. Floral art around the eye in vibrant colors would suit the period, too, as colorful printed textiles were quite fashionable. Tiki & island themes were very popular in the 50s, too.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/protectorrr/sets/72157604985235729/
I came across that flickr set through a quick google search, and some of the designs are quite neat. There's a cool looking snake wrapping round a rose that would translate pretty well into paint.

What a fun theme! I'm a costume designer and the 50s is one of my fave periods (and the only period from which I collect vintage clothing, fabric, and patterns), but I'd never thought of pairing a period theme with face painting!
It would be super fun to do a face/body painting photo shoot with different historical periods... Art Nouveau, Victorian, etc...

Great Ideas guys, I will be working on all your suggestions over the weekend.
Here are a couple more pics i forgot to upload, i like my necklace idea with a charm on it, you can put any charm you want!!

The record idea is lacking, it is missing some wow, grrrrr