Hi guys, I am about to start making a bunch of puppets for a project that I will most surely start this summer if all goes well. But I was wondering one thing. My puppets will be emo puppets and I was wondering on how to create their makeup. Do I sew on patches of felt or fabric of different colors, or is it possible to airbrush colors on fleece? If you have tried one or the other technique, what has your experience been like and if it was not a good one what would you have changed?

Thanks!

I really don't know that one is better or easier then the other really. They do give different effects.  If you paint or airbrush color on it will most likely be a more subtle look then if you applique the patches of color on. I think you have to look at what works best visually for the project. Just from the few details you gave I would most likely use the applique approach. To me emo means strong and bold.

I exclusively use airbrushing on my pups...depending on what kind of fleece you use, if you notice each side has a different texture or material depth/thickness. If I need to airbrush, i use the less textured side.

When airbrushing, remember to put on your lighter colors first, thats if you are layering colors. You will notice that the first coat of color might not appear too dark, Let it dry and apply a second coat. Even if the shade is a light spray, having the second will set better. Ilaso like to spray my favorite sealant, Plasti-dip clear. When using on fleece, I use a very little spray only on the painted parts. I figure with use, the paint on fleece will gradually over time wear off, so the Plasti-dip seals the paint on for a nice long time. Remember just a quick spritz, it clouds if put on too thick

Also, when airbrushing...Less is More. Meaning be conservative on the coat you apply. Let that coat dry and then decide if you need more. Colors tend to dry darker...then if need be fire up that airbrush and lightly add to the previous layer.

I use Createx airbrush paint. I love the options -opaque or transparent- and color ranges they offer. If possible, since you just want to add highlights/makeup I would suggest the transparent, only because you can layer much better for the job you are doing. I use Opaque only for solid color painting or heavy detailed areas.

Hope that helps

Sonny   

Awesome Sonny, thanks. That was a great help. And You too Shawn, your input has made me thinking.

Thanks guys!

I hope I don't sound to dumb here but what is a "emo"............. I looked it up and it looks like punk rocker, Gothic type characters. I was thinking more on the line of clown fish. Could you clear things up for me LOL

I think you are right Billy. Now if you asked someone who is "Emo" they may argue that but in my opinion it is simply the current version of what you said.   I don't know that the emo crowd is as dark as those who go gothic.

Ok I may have been wrong... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emo  Technically it seems to be a type of music.