When I signed up for the body painting competition at at MAX 2026, I knew I wanted to create something that could be understood instantly.
The theme was Wonderland, and I pulled inspiration from a previous event I had done in Angleton, Texas. That experience taught me something early. In a crowded room full of artists, subtle details disappear. If someone has to walk up close to understand your work, you’ve already lost the moment.
So I built this piece to read from a distance. The rabbit became the focal point, with exaggerated features and bold shapes that carried across the room. Everything else supported that idea, creating something a little chaotic, a little playful and unmistakably Wonderland.
What I underestimated was how quickly six hours would disappear.
I went into the competition expecting to paint solo. On the first day of the convention, Cassie Minter stepped in to assist, and that changed everything. Working with a partner meant sharing decisions, trusting instincts and staying aligned under pressure. That was both the challenge and the advantage.
We worked inside a tight 8-by-8 space, surrounded by noise, movement and other competitors. But once we started, everything else faded. For six hours, it was just the model, my partner and the work.
One of our biggest risks was building the piece for two different experiences. What people see under normal light and what comes alive under UV.
To make that happen, we painted the entire design twice. First for visibility, then again to create glow in specific areas.
Technically, it worked.
Practically, it didn’t matter.
The judges and most of the audience never saw the UV layer.
That was a hard but valuable lesson. Next time, I ask better questions upfront and design for how the work will actually be judged and experienced.
Where everything finally clicked was when the model stepped into the character.
Up until then, it was just paint. Once she started moving, reacting and engaging with the piece, it shifted into something else. She helped shape a backstory on the spot and brought personality into every movement. The exaggerated features, the Queen on the back, the attitude. It all came together.
People laughed. Stopped. Looked twice.
That reaction mattered. It meant the piece was doing its job. It was readable, engaging and strong enough to hold attention without explanation.
The final lineup, though, was humbling.
I knew there would be high-level artists, but seeing everything side by side made one thing clear. I have room to grow. The level of detail, efficiency and polish from more experienced painters was on another level.
For a moment, it felt like I was behind.
But the reality is, I’ve only painted a handful of full bodies so far. Showing up anyway was a step forward. And more importantly, it gave me clarity.
Body painting has a place in brand activations, festivals and events where the goal is to capture attention and create something people remember. A painted model isn’t just decoration. It becomes a moving focal point. A photo opportunity. A conversation starter.
That’s the direction I keep coming back to.
At the same time, I know what I need to improve. Speed. Efficiency. Decision-making under pressure. Designing with the end experience in mind, not just the concept.
I haven’t mastered this yet.
But I’m in it.
I started painting murals on fiberglass horse statues. Then moved into face painting, learning how to work fast while still creating impact. Body painting feels like the intersection of both. Scale, speed and storytelling, all at once.
And I’m not done exploring it.
Want to Bring This to Your Event?
This kind of work isn’t limited to competitions. It translates directly into high-impact experiences for businesses and events.
I’m currently booking body painting for:
Brand activations and promotional events
Festivals and 18+ events (including breweries and nightlife)
Corporate events and experiential marketing
Editorial, photo shoots and creative campaigns
Each concept is custom-built around your brand, audience and event goals. The result is a live, interactive element that draws attention, encourages engagement and creates shareable moments.
If you’re looking for something beyond the standard event setup, this is it.
👉 Reach out through my website or message me directly to start the conversation.