Using decals for cutie marks?

[maskedferret]

Hello all!

 I'm incredibly new so forgive me if I make any mistakes.

 My query involves those adorable little butt stamps our ponies have. I've noticed in most tutorials I see that it's said they should be painted on. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience using decals? I've used decal paper before but not on ponies.

 I'm wanting to try decals as I've been painting the G4 Blindbags and don't have enough skill to paint that small.

 If anyone has any ideas or suggestions I'd love to hear it. It not I may venture out to experiment on my own and I'll make sure to keep you guys posted.

 My second experiment will be about making wing repros. I've seen some really cool ones and I want to try it out as well.

[PrincessGryph]

I don't know anything about doing decals, though this has been suggested to me. And unless you're doing a bunch of the same thing, I can't imagine it would actually make anything easier. Though I could be wrong; if you start experimenting and find something that works well, make sure you share it here.

You'll never have enough skill to paint that small if you don't give it a try and start learning. I recommend investing in a good set of fine miniature brushes. These are the kind I use (sizes 0 and 1)
http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-series-7-kolinsky-sable-pointed-round/

[Salli]

I agree with PrincessGryph. Decals probably aren't easier. Get a tiny liner brush and water down your paints a bit, putting color on in thin layers, allowing the paint to dry completely between layers. I don't have a great pic of blind bag cutie marks I've done but you can kind of see Mimic's.

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[kaoskat]

I've seen them used before, temporary tattoos too, but I've never done it myself. A custom just didn't really feel like mine unless I painted the symbol myself. It's not really as hard as it seems. With practice you'll do great in not time. With BB remember to keep the designs simple. Too much detail and it'll become a mess.

[Sawkinator]

I'm curious about using decals too. Hopefully someone posts about them!

[puuush]

As long as you state that you used decals when selling customs I'd say try it. I just would be a bit embarrassed if I paid expecting to honor the skill and experience of an artist and then realize that it's not handmade.

But don't let anything that is "expected" get in your way to creatively express yourself.

[Darkhorse]

As long as you state that you used decals when selling customs I'd say try it. I just would be a bit embarrassed if I paid expecting to honor the skill and experience of an artist and then realize that it's not handmade.

But don't let anything that is "expected" get in your way to creatively express yourself.

Yeah, what she said

[Gingerbread]

I've used decals/temporary tattoos as I just don't have the manual dexterity to paint anything too little. Warning - they are hard to apply without tearing/slipping, and you only get one go or the decal is ruined. I went through loads! Mod Podge/sealant is a must to ensure they stay put but you run the risk fo applying the sealant and taking the decal off. Decals will also not 'set' and remain sticky if it's too hot/cold/Tuesday/you're not wearing your lucky underpants.

This is the reason I do not do customs!!!

[Ligress]

I've tried decals and ended up regretting it. They slide around, look messy, etc. The few I did get to stick- felt like cheating. I agree if you sell them to state you use decals. I wouldn't say you can't...but I don't know that they are any easier, either xD

[mlp4me]

I've never used decals. I do have two dinosaur ones that I've wanted to use, but am afraid of messing them up... (Who doesn't love a pony with a dinosaur symbol?)