Thursday, November 17, 2011

Modelling for Brand X Liquid Latex Paint


Modelling for latex paint can be different than other types of bodypaint modelling and has a different preperation and removal process. Here are instructions taken from Brand X Liquid Latex's site to help aid you in how to prepare:

Important Warnings

People with latex or ammonia allergy, extremely sensitive skin or sensitivity to ammonia smell should avoid use of Brand X™ Liquid Latex. A test patch of skin is recommended prior to use. If a rash develops, remove latex, wash the affected areas with soap and water, and discontinue use. Liquid Latex should only be applied to children under strict supervision. Do not ingest, and keep out of eyes, nose, mouth and other orifices. This product is non toxic and biodegradeable, however, do not spill on carpets, clothing and other permeable objects, as liquid latex is permanent on such items. This product should not be used as a prophylactic or contraceptive and can be corrosive and should not be used on certain metals, such as iron, silver, brass and bronze. Stainless steel and aluminum are generally not reactive with latex. Simply Latex™ assumes no legal responsibility for consumer’s use of this product and advises to please use responsibly.

About Brand X™Liquid Latex

Brand X Latex™ is a fun creative product that is only limited by your imagination! Paint it directly onto skin to design and enjoy your own latex clothing, costumes and fashions.

Brand X Latex™ is a natural, biodegradeable and non-toxic result of tree sap and does not contain petroleum or bonding agents commonly found in paint. This allows the skin to breathe underneath.

Brand X Latex™ can be applied to Spandex™, Lycra™, and denim for reusable latex clothing and is great for costumes, clothing, masks or dressing up for your favorite sporting event and should last several hours when applied generously.

Use Brand X Latex™ finishing products for best results. Liquid Latex dries tacky and use of finishing products such as Shyne™, will leave latex smooth and add a shine to the latex, while Glymmer™ will add a metallic or pearlescent effect to the final application. When liquid latex dries, it will be tacky and may stick to itself or other objects it touches and tear. Use of the Simply Latex™ finishing products will leave the latex smooth and add an enamoring effect to the latex. (Trina's Note: In other words, make sure you do not touch painted areas to other painted areas until the final sealant has been applied or we have to peel off and start over again.)

Preparing To Use Liquid Latex

It is best to remove hair from areas to be painted; however, it is not always necessary. Liquid Latex can be removed from small amounts of body hair with ease. Trimming can be done instead of shaving, but to avoid skin irritation do not apply directly after shaving. (Trina's note: I recommend clean shaven!)

Apply a generous amount of any moisturizing lotion for easier removal.and to help prevent irritation. Light vegetable oil can be used to coat areas with heavier hair growth. (Trina's note: I will have one of these on me to put on the body before we begin but you are also welcome to put on lotion after showering.)

If applying Liquid Latex to the face, be sure container has vented properly and apply a light coating of vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to the eyebrows for easier removal. Make sure to keep latex out of eyes, ears, mouth and nose.


Removing Liquid Latex

Simply remove liquid latex by peeling it off. Removal should be done slowly to avoid possible skin irritation. If latex was appllied over fine body hair, there may be a slight pulling sensation, but should not remove the hair itself. For those with medium to heavy body hair, it is recommended that latex be removed in a shower with warm water and soap. Be sure to collect latex so not to clog shower drain. If latex is dried into hair, use baby oil and a comb to breakdown the latex and remove it. Latex is permanent in carpets, drapes and other porous fabrics and materials. (Trina's note: make sure to protect your shower and sink drains- it can clog your pipes. Also on trickier, hairy areas, I use a bar of Master's Artist Hand Soap, which can be found at most art or crafting stores, to create a moisturizing lather which allows the latex to be removed easier. Again, in my experience, no hair is my recommendation.)

I recommend Brand X Liquid Latex Paint over other brands as it is the top selling liquid latex in the world, easy to find in stores like SPENCERS, Silly Farm, or Natasha's Attic and has good color selections including UV Blacklight.

To book Trina to bodypaint using Brand X Liquid Latex paint, please contact her at trinamerry@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Modelling for Trina Merry

So you'd like to model for me. Great! Paring up the correct human canvas with my concepts is an important part of my process & the relationships formed are so valuable to me both as an artist and a person. I started out by having my good friends model for me and now I am happy to say, some of the models I have painted have become good friends!

I am a fairly versatile painter and I know that has a wide-range appeal. But really modelling for me has three fairly distinct avenues. The first option is a commissioned bodypainting where the model pays the artist for the process of being painted. The second option is a TF (volunteer) model. The third option is an event or promo model who is often paid by a third party who is also hiring me to paint at their event.

COMMISSIONS
Commissioned bodypaintings are where the artist is "hired" to paint a particular individual or couple. Commissions allow the clients some creative influence regarding style and subject matter and commissions also guarantee a painting will occur on the agreed person and or model. If styling, photography or hair is needed, Trina has wonderful references she can give you and can often pull on the best talent in the area for the project. Commissioned bodypaintings can include: logo work, tradeshows, publication work, album covers, music videos, maternity, couples shoots, personal shoots, portfolio building, costumes for events, & more!

Here is what the process usually entails for a commission:

1) An initial discussion between the artist and the potential client/model starts the process. This can be in person, telephone or email conversation.
2) An evaluation of the model's body must then be made as to establish possible poses and angels to be painted. This is most often and best done with the artist doing a photo shoot personally or working closely alongside the photographer for the project to do a test shoot.
3) a deposit is then paid to the artist.
4) The artist then designs the painting and has it approved by the client.
5) The painting day is scheduled.
6) The painting is created and the balance of the commission is paid to the artist.
7) The client decides upon a type, size and quantity of prints desired. (Prints are a separate option and are not included as a part of the commission fee.)
8) Clients have a variety of options regarding the ownership of the image created. Shared ownership with the artist is the most common and least expensive.

A spontaneous commission is also possible requiring less preparation and time invested by both artist and model. These commissions are more about color, style and spontaneity and less about specific designs and concepts.

If you are interested in either option feel free to contact Trina directly. trinamerry@gmail.com

TF MODELLING:


FINE ART
TF modeling usually involves the entire day being set aside to be painted. This type of painting requires patience, focus & a kind heart. The images that come from fine art TF modelling often are shown in galleries, exhibits, books, magazines & more.

The process to become a fine art TF model is the following:
Trina or the photographer of the fine art series photographing the potential model completely nude. This photo session is called a "test" and as many as 30 poses can be taken. At the end of a viewing all photos are then reviewed by both the artist and model. A complete test session can take from 30 to 60 minutes including the review of photos taken. The potential model is then cataloged for future review and use. Tests are offered indiscriminately to those interested in being painted however actually being chosen to be painted is another process entirely. Shape, proximity, personality and inspiration are all factors that help the artist to choose who he will or will not work with. Considerably less then half of all potential models viewed will be painted. However many potential models find the viewing in and of itself a unique and worthwhile experience. Volunteer models have no input regarding the painting and it's creative direction but they are shown in advance of the scheduled painting exactly what the artists vision is.

EDITORIAL/FASHION
Trina also works with TF models for publication submissions (fashion, editorial, etc) & more. These often are bodypaintings that work with styling. Models will often do an unpaid test shoot with the photographer in advance of the painting and/or may need to meet with the artist in person (one on one or audition) before the painting.

EVENT
Monthly, Trina will bring already painted models or paint live at art events, festivals, performances, fashion shows & bodypaint competitions. She usually looks for people who are very extroverted, love attention, and are performers by nature. There's an opportunity to TF model for this. The media, social networking and publishing that comes from this type of modelling is pretty huge. Theres potential travel opportunities, modelling awards, & networking at these events. Please set up and interview with the artist and/or arrange for her to see any performances you may be doing locally. A non-nude test shoot may also be arranged (we want to make sure you can pose well for the camera as well as perform). Once a relationship is established and the model has shown they are great event models, Trina usually contacts these models first for paid event/promotions modelling.

SPONTANEOUS & EXPERIMENTAL PAINTINGS
Trina also does some experimental, spontaneous and "sketchpad" bodypaintings which are created when inspiration hits at home or while on the road. Please let her know your availability and she may call you spontaneously for one of these bodypaintings.

PAID MODELLING
Trina NEVER pays models. However, there are the rare opportunities where Trina is asked by a client (corporate client, club, etc) who has booked her to help book models who are paid for events, promotions, corporate tradeshows & more. The casting is heavily dependent on what the client wants and they are ultimately the one hiring you and paying you at the end of the day, so what a client may ask for may be different from who Trina will typically select for personal projects. However, that being said, Trina will usually suggest first to the client models she has worked with- paid or TF- who have proven themselves to be good models (professional, extroverted, talkative, photogenic, easy to be painted, prepared, good performers, etc). Trina does not book models for modelling agencies so please contact them if you are looking to model for them.

FINALLY
All models who are painted will receive images for their portfolio and can arrange to receive prints thru the photographer.

If you are interested in modelling for Trina, please contact her directly at trinamerry@gmail.com.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Slideshow portfolio!

Bodypaint

by Bodypainting by Trina Merry

How to book me

You can now book me through Thumbtack for Bodypaint Please check out the important information section and browse through my portfolio! Enjoy and thanks for your interest in hiring me!

Friday, September 30, 2011

Space Creatures Video for CLOUT Magazine

I suppose I never posted this one either... darn- well, here ya go...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRrpQBjWELE

New video up!

Collaboration with Tim Engle (photography & video), Mikel Sessions (Hair) and Chelsea Dixon (Model)!
Enjoy!
http://vimeo.com/27473631