Our recent Lip Service costume packaging project presented quite a few challenges. Beside a rather insane time-frame to complete printing in time for a major trade show, there were a lot of photo editing and retouching issues to address in virtually all of the photos. One of the only drawbacks to having great alt models to model your new lines is that sometimes they have extras like tattoos or piercings that might not go over in mainstream markets. When the extra in question is a big and rather prominent nose piercing, there is not a lot of working around it to try to reduce impact. In this sample, there was also the added challenge of the skirt not quite fitting correctly on the model and pulling the pleated details with contrast inserts into an unattractive shape.

Here, I rebuilt the model’s nose where the piercing had been to create a more mainstream look. The skirt was rebuilt, along with contrast inserts, to give a more natural line and smooth out the waistline. In addition, themed insignias were added to the model’s kneesocks, expression wrinkles were softened, and skin tones on her belly evened out.

Before and after - click for full size

Face detail - click for full size

Skirt detail - click for full size

Our recent Lip Service costume packaging project presented quite a few challenges. Beside a rather insane time-frame to complete printing in time for a major trade show, there were a lot of photo editing and retouching issues to address in virtually all of the photos. When you have a deep and diverse list of great alt models, it’s a shame not to call them for a new photo shoot. Of course, most alt models have a wicked collection of ink all over their bodies which does not play as well for packaging of garments being marketed to mainstream markets.

One of the most consistent retouching tasks in this project was tattoo removal and lots of it. This is one example, chosen principally because the image includes other common retouching requests, removing skin folds and wrinkles and (there’s no way to say this gently) getting rid of visible nipples. There was also a bit of rumpling in the skirt to address, as well as coloring the pitchfork to coordinate with the color of the dress.

Before and after - click for full size

click for full size

Our recent Lip Service costume packaging project presented quite a few challenges. Beside a rather insane time-frame to complete printing in time for a major trade show, there were a lot of photo editing and retouching issues to address in virtually all of the photos. Sometimes a garment simply will not behave and lay properly, no matter how hard you try to adjust it. Add the factor of stiffer, shiny material such as vinyl and any awkward lay of the garment is intensified. In this specific case, the vinyl blouse refused to lay correctly over the model’s strapless brassiere, as well as rumpling obviously in several places. The skirt also created stubborn textures against the model.

The challenge in this photo was to rebuild the top to create a clean line at the chest, remove or reduce rumples and folding of the vinyl, and still retain the unique shine, feel, and texture of vinyl. There was also a slight modification requested by the designers to adjust the model’s thighs for a cleaner, slimmer line.

Before and After - click for full size

Chest detail - click for full size

Skirt detail - click for full size