The Shadow of Artist H.R. Giger

Approaching the anniversary of his passing, we are going to take a look at the revolutionary work of artist H.R. Giger, and the style his work gave birth to- Biomechanical Art.

Born in 1940 in Switzerland, Hans Rudolf “Ruedi” Giger, known to most as simply H.R. Giger, gained early success with his art at the end of the 1960’s, via production of posters featuring his art.

His unique style was one of stark surrealism, in which he usually depicted the intimate fusing of mechanical features or parts to distinctly biological components or beings. Giger’s compositions were usually desaturated or completely monochromatic, and the scenes were often emtionally (and visually) dark. This approach resulted in evocative, often bizarre, sometimes disturbing imagery in his paintings.

---

The visceral style of H.R. Giger strikes a deep and distinct chord. It presents us with universally familiar elements, yet portrayed in an unearthly context. It creates a deep resonance with its audience, regardless of whether the reaction to it is positive or negative. His creations and their lasting impact have had a great deal of influence on many artists in their own work, whether they realize it or not.

SONY DSC

Given the style of artwork produced here at Killer Paint, it is not surprising to find some Giger-esque artwork here at the shop from time to time.

Such designs have been created for customer jobs, side projects, and even television appearances. Mike even designed some Freehand Templates designed specifically for doing biomech artwork

An episode of “Payback” with the rock band Korn focused on an automotive project featuring biomech-influenced elements and artwork on the project. You may even recall the “Under Pressure” episode of “Rides”, in which both cars for the painting competition were painted with a biomechanical theme.

Using Giger inspired elements on vehicles both large and small works very well, and there are many ways that biomech artwork can be worked into the paint design. A number of color palettes can be applied effectively to these designs, or just done in monotone grays. The density of the composition can be varied as well, all the way from a few sparse elements to a super-dense layout, packed with visual components.

H.R. Giger was a mad genius of sorts, and brought something entirely new to the table with his work. People will probably likely feel the effect of H.R. Giger’s art for many years to come- the ripples of the creative splash he made in the world of art before he left it.

We hope you enjoyed this post.  Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us post here in the future!

---

Maybe this project gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?

If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com

---

Related Links:

The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604

The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com

The Official H.R. Giger Website: www.hrgiger.com

Killer Paint videos on YouTube

Biomech FX “Skull Buster” templates at Coast Airbrush: http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Biomech_FX_Skull_Buster_Set

Biomech FX “Spinal Trap” templates at Coast Airbrush: http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Biomech_FX_Spinal_Tap_Set

Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics

Killer Grunge FX™ Spray at Coast Airbrush: https://www.coastairbrush.com/products.asp?cat=789

Grunge FX™ Tutorial Video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96hjkbrwprA

True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2

True Fire™ Freehand Templates: Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates, True Fire Template Set

House of Kolor Official Website: www.houseofkolor.com -The preferred paint of Mike Lavallee & Killer Paint

 

Painting Up a Storm

Enter a caption

This 2016 Camaro was brought to us by our customer Aubrey P., who wanted an electrifying look for her brand new car…

 

The Camaro Hyper Blue Metallic paint color is already pretty high voltage, so the artwork was painted right over the stock color.

 

Bolts of lightning run across the hood, emanating from the Chevrolet bowtie emblem on the front, radiating outward. Even more electrical arcs flow off the backs of the wheel wells and down the doors, as well as a bit from the corners of each of the headlights.

 

On the back, the bowtie on the trunk lid was also hit by the lightning bug, and a “Phoenix” text emblem was designed to go on the rear at the customer’s request.

 

This kind of  a simple though effective way to give a paint job some extra “wow” factor, without being terribly ostentatious.

We hope you enjoyed seeing this project.  Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us post here in the future!

---

Maybe this project gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?

If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com

---

Related Links:

The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604

The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com

Killer Paint videos on YouTube

Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics

Killer Grunge FX™ Spray at Coast Airbrush: https://www.coastairbrush.com/products.asp?cat=789

Grunge FX™ Tutorial Video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96hjkbrwprA

True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2

True Fire™ Freehand Templates: Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates, True Fire Template Set

House of Kolor Official Website: www.houseofkolor.com -The preferred paint of Mike Lavallee & Killer Paint

Project Flashback: Pink Floyd Music Fridge

Back in 2012, just a day before Thanksgiving, this refrigerator departed Killer Paint and was delivered to its new home

The customer, a huge fan of Pink Floyd, wanted this fridge done in a theme dedicated to his favorite band. Artwork from a number of different ‘Floyd album covers and other sources from the group’s long history. Plus, there are a few other fun changes made to this project.

The image on the front door features a large central piece that is an amalgamation of the cover artwork from the albums Pulse and Dark Side of the Moon.

---

An additional feature on the door that is more than just paint is the handle. The refrigerator’s original has been removed and replaced with a custom one, in order to continue the Pink Floyd theme even further.

The new handle is made from two actual metal hammers. They were cut, fitted and welded together, then painted to look like the iconic marching hammers shown during the “Waiting for the Worms” song segment of  Pink Floyd’s 1982 film version of “The Wall”.

The new handle piece was bolted to the door using metal mounting pegs welded to the back of the hammers, ensuring that the attachment will be sturdy enough to hold up to continued usage for a long time to come.

It is definitely quite a bit less ergonomic than the handle the fridge came with, but you could probably open bottles using this one if you wanted to.

---

Down on at the bottom of the fridge, in the lower left hand corner of the door, is a bit of art that is a little less prominently displayed-

It is the cow from the cover of the ‘Floyd album “Atom Heart Mother.” Well, almost the same cow.

If you take a closer look, you will notice that some of the cow’s markings have been modified slightly in order to resemble the spade and skull used in the Killer Paint logo.

Almost every job that comes out of the shop gets a Killer Paint logo painted on it somewhere. It is just not always as subtly placed as this one.

(click image to enlarge)

 

---

The artwork on each side of the refrigerator is designed to transition from one image to the next. The elements from the designs on the door flow over and morph around the corner and onto the right hand side.

On this piece, the stone heads from the cover of the Pink Floyd album “The Division Bell” sit on the ground at the bottom of the fridge. Above them, artwork derived from the cover of the live double album “Delicate Sound of Thunder” occupies the top half.

Also tucked into the artwork on this side is the iconic image of the Battersea Power Station, made famous by its appearance on the cover of the 1977 “Animals” album. (click image to enlarge)

---

 

On the opposite side of the refrigerator, the image from the cover of the “Wish You Were Here” album is the central piece.

At the bottom sits the screaming face associated with “The Wall,” while a transparent brick pattern runs up the side over the other artwork. The logo for “The Wall” sits at the top in the dark sky, where the iconic flying pig, floats across the sky, lit by an array of multi-colored spotlights.

---

Most refrigerators painted at Killer Paint are destined for home theaters, game rooms or “man caves” and not a typical kitchen. This one was no exception, so as with many custom fridges, neon was added to the back, to add that extra ambiance in its final setting. In this case, what better color than pink?

---

 

To make this fridge bring a complete Pink Floyd experience, there was one more feature added. (See video below)

It has a music player and speakers built into it so that it plays a random Pink Floyd song when the door is opened! The songs play in their entirety, even if the door is opened

---

 

Completed just before Thanksgiving, the refrigerator was loaded up and driven to the customer’s home, to make sure it was in place before the madness of the holiday season started. The room the refrigerator was to be in was full of other valuable keepsakes and memorabilia, and up a narrow outdoor stairway, so getting it into place was no simple task.

However, once it was in place, it looked like it belonged, and had always been there. The customer was definitely thrilled! (click images to enlarge)

We hope you enjoyed taking a look back at this project. Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us post here in the future!

---

Maybe this project gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?

If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com

---

Related Links:

The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604

The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com

Pink Floyd Offiicial Band Website: http://www.pinkfloyd.com/

Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics

Killer Grunge FX™ Spray at Coast Airbrush: https://www.coastairbrush.com/products.asp?cat=789

Grunge FX™ Tutorial Video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96hjkbrwprA

True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2

True Fire™ Freehand Templates: Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates, True Fire Template Set

House of Kolor Official Website: www.houseofkolor.com

Overhaulin’ to the Last…

Recently, the final episode of Overhaulin’ titled “Foose and the Bandit” aired on the Velocity Channel. Mike was called in to do his magic on the project, though he didn’t know it would be his last appearance on the show at the time…

Project Flashback: Highway to Hell- AC/DC Harley-Davidson

In 2013, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle was brought to us by a client who is a big fan of a certain legendary rock band…

This bike was going to be fender-to-fender AC/DC. The owner of the bike had a bunch of favorite images from the bands albums and history that he wanted to incorporate into the design on this project, so basically every section on the motorcycle has its own piece of artwork, and some parts even have more.

---

This Harley’s fairing features a “Rock N’ Roll Train,” from the band’s song of the same name. An image of AC/DC guitarist Angus Young on a motorcycle appears on the front fender, with both parts sharing the same stormy, thunderstruck sky.

---

Several different elements were combined for the artwork on the gas tank-

For the top of the tank, Mike painted a literal “Highway to Hell,” using his Killer Grunge FX spray to add texture to the pavement. The road is engulfed in flames all the way to the burning horizon. Smoke issuing up from the bottom forms the letters “AC DC,” and a highway sign marking the damned route completes the scene.

The center console panel that divides the tank was painted with the band’s stylized lightning bolt emblem, crackling with burning energy. (click images to enlarge)

Here are the components of the tank fully assembled, including all of the the chrome pieces. (click image to enlarge)

Each side of the gas tank received its own separate artwork. One side has another “Rock N Roll Train,” while the other side has an image of the band from the cover of the “Highway to Hell” album, right below the burning highway sign. Additional flames tie the images from the top and sides of the tank into a single flowing piece.

---

Behind the seat, the “Highway” continues on through the rear fender, ending with a flame engulfed “Hell’s Bells” emblem.

Portraits of guitarist Angus Young and lead singer Brian Johnson were painted on the saddle bag lids, flanking the rear fender. Both portraits are done in deep blue hues, accented with flickers of bright orange fire over them. (click images to enlarge)

---

The side of each saddle bag also received its own artwork, of course.

The right hand bag (as the driver sits) shows a concert scene with a “Whole Lotta Rosie” astride the train.

The other bag side shows cannon from “For Those About to Rock” blasting away, with more lightning striking down from above. The side cover on this side has shows another flame-licked portrait of Angus Young. (click images to enlarge)

---

The bike showed up at a concert by the all-female AC/DC cover band “Hell’s Belles.” The ladies in the band seemed to appreciate this Harley, too.

We hope you enjoyed taking a look back at this project. Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us post here in the future!

---

Maybe this project gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?

If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com

---

Related Links:

The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604

The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com

Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics

Killer Grunge FX Spray: https://www.coastairbrush.com/products.asp?cat=789

True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2

True Fire™ Freehand Templates: Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates, True Fire Template Set

House of Kolor Official Website: www.houseofkolor.com

AC/DC on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acdc/

AC/DC on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ac_dc

Hell’s Belles Official Website: http://www.hellsbelles.info/

Harley Davidson Official Website: www.harley-davidson.com

Project Flashback: Getting a Harley Stoned…

When this Harley-Davidson motorcycle came into Killer Paint a while back, its owner wanted to give the bike something different than a stock paint job, but nothing too outrageous.

The design chosen for this particular project called for large sections on the bike to be painted as a white, cracked stone, in addition to some other design elements.

---

The faux stone effect on this project was accomplished using one of Mike’s favorite products and secret weapons… Artool’s Killer Grunge FX™ Masking Spray.

The spray has made a multitude of visual effects a whole lot easier to manage. From textures like stone or rust, to things like the skin on various creatures, this stuff gets used a lot. The results can be simple and subtle, or bold and loud, depending on the task at hand.

---

Multiple paint layers using Killer Grunge FX™ can be combined to produce a wide variety of increasingly complex effects. On this project, several applications were combined to help achieve the deep stone appearance. Varying the pattern used for each paint layer created an even more elaborate texture appearance. (click images to enlarge)

Spraying the Grunge FX™ from different angles or distances can change how it sets up on your project. Also, if you let the spray sit on your painting surface after application, the pattern will change as you watch, and you can paint the surface as soon as you are pleased with the look.

If you don’t like the way the spray pattern is developing though, you don’t have to paint it. Just wipe it off, and you can re-apply the mask until you get a pattern that you are more comfortable putting your color over.

This video demonstrates how the stone effect used on this project was produced, using Killer Grunge FX™ spray:

Since it is a very loose method, it allows for a lot of diversity and creativity in its use. Exploring different techniques in painting with this spray can open up a whole new level of painting possibilities.

---

Since the Killer Grunge FX™ Spray is fluid, it allows the textures to be added in and around corners and recesses on complex parts as well. (click images to enlarge)

Once the textures had the right appearance, details and embellishments (like cracks and larger chips, etc.) can be painted individually to hit that extra level of realism. A bluish white pearl paint was dusted over the top to help give it some extra depth and richness, especially in the light.

---

Some additional Celtic weave designs were added to various areas once the stone was finished. The weave patterns were kept fairly modest in size, so as to not overshadow the faux stone effect.

Bands of metallic gray were used as a break between the dark blue spaces and the white stone sections in the design. If you look closely, these metallic areas were given a texture treatment as well, though it is a far more subtle effect than the one used for the stone. (click images to enlarge)

Celtic patterns were included in these bands, too, and a lighter blue pinstripe was added in the dark blue side as an accent.

---

The color split band runs in a more or less continuous flow down the side of the bike, finally tapering off at the bottom of the saddle bags.

The customer’s helmet was also painted to match the rest of the project. The cracked white stone effect runs down the center wedge, and the silver swoosh bands and Celtic weave design from the Harley are repeated on either side. (click images to enlarge)

---

We hope you enjoyed taking a look back at this project. Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us post here in the future!

---

Maybe this project gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?

If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com

---

Related Links:

The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604

The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com

Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics

Killer Grunge FX™ Spray at Coast Airbrush: https://www.coastairbrush.com/products.asp?cat=789

Grunge FX™ Tutorial Video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96hjkbrwprA

True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2

True Fire™ Freehand Templates: Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates, True Fire Template Set

House of Kolor Official Website: www.houseofkolor.com

Project Flashback: Knights Templar Bike

In 2014 we had a very interesting bike come into Killer Paint. In addition, the owner wanted to have a pretty extensive artwork theme done on it.

The bike came into the shop already completely black. So there was no paint re-basing needed on this project, which always makes things much easier. This ride also sports a sizable 26″ front wheel.

The customer wanted to pay tribute to military servicemen, and depict skeletal, eternal warriors from the Order of the Knights Templar in the fires of battle. Skulls and fire? Definitely something Mike Lavallee has some experience with.

The color scheme for the artwork has a monochromatic foundation. The added flashes of red used for all of the knight’s cross emblems help them stand out in stark contrast, and all of the True Fire™ on this project is in full luminous color as well.

There is a ton of artwork that ended up being put all over this bike. Multiple scenes and numerous individual elements make up the composition on the finished artwork. There’s not enough space here to feature every detail, but we’ll try to show as much as possible here…

---

The headlight ring was left black, and the rest of the assembly was embellished with skulls and flames.

The front fender features a large sword, and a blood-stained Templar skeleton warrior, engulfed in flames. The back end of the fender features an elaborate Templar emblem. Again, red was used sparingly to give some of the elements extra visibility and impact against the monochrome pieces. (click images to enlarge)

---

Each side of the tank sports the seal of the Knights Templar in bright red, to stand out as much as possible among the multitude of other imagery. Skulls and wispy mists swirl around and about the various pieces of imagery.

The bike’s tank has quite a bit of area to cover, and the majority of it is filled in with horse-mounted knights, carrying cross emblazoned banners into battle. These undying Templars are also revealed to have skeletal features, and the battlefield around them is engulfed in bright, hot flames, flowing toward the back of the tank. (click images to enlarge)

Even the horses are rendered with an unearthly quality. With glowing eyes and mouths, they appear as fearsome as their riders. Here and there, bolts of lightning lash out In the background. (click images to enlarge)

---

The saddle bags on this bike also have a lot of real estate for artwork, so rather than fill it with an awkwardly large single element, there is instead a collage of imagery more in proportion the the artwork on the rest of the bike.

A supernatural lion, more cavalry knights, and some ethereal spirits make up some of elements on the side. A larger image of a skeletal knight swinging his sword in battle wraps around to the back. (click images to enlarge)

The saddle bag on the other side also features a composite mural. A castle is the centerpiece of the scene, and a knight, ravens and skulls are also depicted.

---

The rear fender features a much larger scale image of a skeletal Templar Knight, wreathed in smoke and flame. Another skull-faced knight is superimposed in front, swinging his sword with a raised shield.

Painted above the eternal knight on the rear fender is a cracked stone tablet depicting a list of names, requested by the customer, of United States servicemen along with the military branches they each served in.

---

The bike was given a final clear coat in matte finish. It is something a trade-off- you don’t get the nice show shine that many people prefer, but in this case, less shine means fewer reflections and glare to interfere with the visibility of the artwork. It allows the darker shades to push into the background better, while the artwork, especially the color splash elements, can take center stage.

---

The helmet to accompany this bike is no less elaborately painted. The Templar seal is repeated on the back of the helmet, again in bright red.

Similar thematic elements from the bike carry over to the helmet as well. Mike’s signature gem-eyed skulls are the dominating elements here, with bright fire and gray mist balancing out the rest of the surfaces. (click images to enlarge)

If you would like to see even more, here are two video walkthroughs for this bike, where further elements and details are discussed:

VIDEO PART 1:

VIDEO PART 2:

We hope you enjoyed taking a look back at this project. Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us post here in the future!

---

Maybe this project gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?

If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com

---

Related Links:

The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604

The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com

Knights Templar Bike Video #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6F80MNBnV0

Knights Templar Bike Video #2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeGb2vc_xB4

Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics

Killer Grunge FX™ Spray at Coast Airbrush: https://www.coastairbrush.com/products.asp?cat=789

True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2

Takin’ Care of Business…

Most of the jobs that come to Killer Paint are for people’s personal cars, trucks, motorcycles and so on. However, businesses also bring us vehicles for custom paint as well. While there are cheaper signage/display options for vehicles, there are benefits to having paint on a company vehicle.

Stand Out in the Crowd-

Custom painted artwork is highly useful where standout visibility for the company is desired. A nicely done vehicle will be a real head-turner as well. Many companies take advantage of that kind of attention draw to make sure that their business is seen. With a really knockout paint job, you are not only seen, but remembered.

---

Show up (at) the Competition-

Some companies chose to invest in a special car, truck or motorcycle to use as a show vehicle.

Custom artwork is often highly desired for a business show car, because the first thing a person sees on a vehicle is the paint- it gets the maximum number of eyes pointed in the right direction, and keep them there longer.

Sometimes a car or truck will feature equipment or parts that are sold, manufactured or installed by the company.

Other businesses might simply use the vehicle to draw notice by having an attention-grabbing car with their name on it. Then all that is needed is to get it out in front of people and make sure it gets seen.

Such a vehicle will often be taken to car shows, conventions, or any event where there is sure to be a large crowd, in order to get maximum exposure. (Having a car win an trophy or two doesn’t hurt either.)

Some show cars, trucks or motorcycles will even do one or more show tours, making appearances at a number of special locations, promotional events or even charity fundraisers.

A really nicely done show vehicle can potentially continue to draw attention to the business for a number of years with the right amount of exposure. The right kind of show car could even possibly gain its own reputation and build its own fan base.

---

The flipside of this coin is putting a private vehicle to work in order to advertise one’s business.

Sometimes an owner of a company will have a vehicle of their own that they want to get custom artwork painted on, and take the opportunity to draw attention to their business at the same time.

Some Killer Paint customers choose to include their company name or logo with the artwork, while they are already having their vehicle painted for their own personal enjoyment. That way, their business name goes out with them wherever they take it.

---

Tough Enough-

When it comes to work vehicles that see a lot of use, or might get a lot of wear and tear from heavy duty kinds of work, many businesses are reluctant to have high-quality custom paint done.

The paint on a workhorse vehicle can take a serious beating just from simply being driven often, from things like rock chips, minor scratches, door dings and other little hazards of the road.

For vehicles like dump trucks, tow trucks or box vans, the amount of wear or abuse that one of these beasts is likely to endure is much greater.

Despite this, plenty of customer businesses have still decided to have custom paint done for such vehicles. There are a few reasons why a company decides to go with custom paint on a hard-working truck or other vehicle…

Some companies, especially one-man operations, might only have a single workhorse vehicle in use, and they are often very invested in it. As such, they feel it is worth the effort it to make it look special, too.

Smaller operations will usually have a smaller staff or crew, and can more easily focus responsibility on making sure proper care is taken in using a custom painted vehicle to minimize wear or damage while in use and on the job.

On the other hand, a business that has a larger fleet of heavy duty vehicles in use will sometimes choose to have one of their trucks receive a special paint job as a figurehead vehicle, and get custom paint for it as part of their advertising budget.

Sometimes such a vehicle might be designated primarily for public appearances like parades, or parked prominently where it can be seen by a lot of passing traffic, either at the business’s main location or at an active job site.

With a larger pool of vehicles in operation, it might be taken out only when needed for lighter jobs, and it can be assigned to a driver or operator that has demonstrated a high degree of responsibility in caring for equipment.

Additionally, a vehicle this eye-catching is a perfect element to feature in a company’s advertising media.

Images of the car or truck can be posted on the front page of a company’s website or social media pages, as well as used in traditional print ads or even television commercials.

The right custom painted vehicle can act almost like a spokesperson for a company. It gets people’s attention, can make a bold statement about a business, and make people remember it.

---

Maybe this post gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?

If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com

---

Related Links:

The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604

The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com

Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics

True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2

True Fire™ Freehand Templates: Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates, True Fire Template Set

House of Kolor Official Website: www.houseofkolor.com

Project Flashback: Ford Raptor and Son

Back in 2013, a client brought their brand new Ford Raptor to Killer Paint for some custom paint.

The stock blue color of the truck is already quite vibrant, so there was no change to the base coat paint. For the front end artwork, the truck got some pretty straightforward True Blue fire, running off the front of the hood and off of the front wheel wells.

On the truck bed, the stock Raptor logo and graphics decals were removed, and Mike painted some faux shreds down each side, running from the tail lights, and tapering off toward the middle of the cab at the front doors. Some smaller licks of blue flame trail back from the front end down the sides, and even more fire flickers out of the dark openings in the shreds.

All of the wheel well guards were painted with a faux carbon fiber pattern, and given a matte clearcoat, to match the non-glossy surface that many of the other trim pieces on the truck have. (click photos to enlarge)

Back on the tailgate, the Raptor emblem was pulled off, and some claw-mark faux shreds and a flicker of fire were painted on behind it before it was reinstalled. The oval Ford emblem was repainted with a compact portrait of a raptor-style dinosaur and a faux carbon fiber surround. (click image to enlarge)

The shreds and fire interweave from opposite directions to combine into a larger overall design that stretches the entirety of both sides.

The customer picked up his newly painted Raptor and left happy. Little did anyone know that this wouldn’t be the end of this blue beast’s story. It would be back… with company.

When the Raptor’s owner returned to Killer Paint, he wanted to have the Ford lettering on the grill painted with some True Fire™ as well. A pretty simple addition.

However, he had brought another project to take on- he had purchased a Power Wheels Raptor toy truck, and wanted to have it painted to match for his son. So the Lil’ Raptor got a some blue fire and shreds design to match the big one. (click photos to enlarge)

When all is said and done these two trucks make a pretty badass (yet adorable) pair.

The Bickford Ford Dealership, where this Raptor was originally sold, has a small post about this project from 2013 on their blog as well. Click here to view it, and additional photos of this truck.

We hope you enjoyed taking a look back at this project. Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us post here in the future!

---

Maybe this project gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?

If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com

---

Related Links:

The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604

The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com

Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics

True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2

True Fire™ Freehand Templates: Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates, True Fire Template Set

House of Kolor Official Website: www.houseofkolor.com

Bickford Ford “Raptor in Flames” Blog Post: http://www.bickfordperformance.com/?p=997

Ford Motors Official Website: www.ford.com

Project Flashback: The Progressive Bomber Bike

This Yamaha motorcycle came to Killer Paint from an agency working with Progressive Insurance on a show display piece.

This design of this bike has a bit of a retro-throwback feel, which made it a great choice to do a vintage military aircraft homage theme. This motorcycle was in great condition, so very little in the way of prep work was needed, and work could start right away.

---

The intention for this bike was to keep it simple and elegant, so the color palette is pretty basic. Green, white and black, with  splashes of red for a little bit of extra eye-catching pop. The helmet that accompanied the motorcycle was also painted to match.

While some of the parts were being prepped for paint, others were sent out to be powder coated. The wheels, rear grab bar, some of the hard lines, and a few other pieces were coated in bright red. The frame stayed black.

The seat was also removed and sent out to be re-upholstered brown, to be more in fitting with the vintage feel that was the aim of the project. Some green military patches were sewn on the sides and top of the seat too.

When it came back in, a metal bombardier pin was attached to the rear end of the seat as well. (click photos to enlarge)

---

After the wheels came back, the the edges of the rims were painted white to create a classic faux-whitewall tire look. If you look closely, there is a green pinstripe as well, to tie it in with the color on the rest of the bike. (click photos to enlarge)

---

After the emblems were painted on, many of the green parts (and the helmet) were given faux rivets and simulated panel lines. Mike also decided to invert the rearview mirrors for a retro motorcycle racing feel.

All of the paint was finished in a matte clearcoat, to make the whole bike seem more like a military vehicle than a glossy finish does.

---

A little something extra was finally delivered while the rest of the bike was in progress- the additional fairing that Mike had ordered just for the project. It got the paint, rivets and emblems treatment as well.

Part of the windscreen was painted green too, in order to give it the appearance of having a little more substance. A pair of faux intake vents were painted on each side, too. Once it was attached, it greatly changed the look of the whole project.

---

As a final extra touch, Mike went to a local Army Surplus store that had an authentic vintage dogtag stamping machine, and had a pair of Killer Paint dogtags made to serve as the keychain for the bike.

---

We received a few photos later of the motorcycle set up in the display at a show. The bike and helmet each got their own spaces.

 

The project was completed relatively painlessly, without much in the way of unexpected problems or delays, and the customer was thrilled with the result.

The customer gave us pretty much full reign on the design, which was fantastic. When a customer dictates too many specifics on a job, or micro-manages the work being done on a project, it does more to bind one’s hands creatively.

Artists usually do their best work when creativity isn’t stifled or restricted by a laundry list of requirements or details. Otherwise, they can’t do anything beyond the scope of what they are told, and the job can be no better than such a list asks.

In this case, allowing creative license made the whole project turn out that much better.

++

We hope you enjoyed taking a look back at this project. Let us know if there is anything you would like to see us post here in the future!

---

Maybe this project gave you some ideas, or you already have an idea in mind for your own car, truck, motorcycle, refrigerator, etc?

If you would like to contact Killer Paint about working on your own project, visit our website, or contact us at info@killerpaint.com

---

Related Links:

The Original Killer Paint Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-Original-KILLER-PAINT-INC/297040465604

The Official Killer Paint Website: www.killerpaint.com

Killer Paint’s “True Fire™ Basics” Blog Series: https://www.killerpaint.com/true-firetrade-basics

True Fire™ Instructional DVDs:
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 1
The Secrets of Airbrushing True Fire™ – Part 2

True Fire™ Freehand Templates: Artool Freehand Airbrush Templates, True Fire Template Set

House of Kolor Official Website: www.houseofkolor.com

Progressive Insurance Website: www.progressive.com

Yamaha Motor Website: http://global.yamaha-motor.com/