HELMET PAINTING PROVIDES LUCRATIVE INCOME FOR FORMER FASHION DESIGNER

MACHANG,  Nov 16 (Bernama) --It all began with Lee Chooi Yee, 39, wanting to try her luck by testing her creativity through painting and drawing on crash helmets. This skill and creativity have since brought luck to the former fashion designer, yielding her lucrative returns.

A graduate of Limkokwing University, Lee said she had no regrets about deciding to 'switch' her career as a fashion designer to becoming a painter and helmet painter 10 years ago.

Her meticulousness in producing artwork of various patterns and themes including 'custom design' on helmets where she highlights the 'airbrush' technique, which uses compressed air to spray paint to get a smooth spray effect.

 "I started my career as an 'airbrush' painter after leaving my career as a fashion designer in Selangor around 2014. 

“I left because of several factors including the salary, which was not commensurate with my hard work. For survival, I started dabbling in this creative art and considered myself very lucky because it turned out to be a success.

"I tried my hand at this helmet painting after watching a video on YouTube about a man who paints cars using the 'airbrush' technique," she said when met by Bernama at her home near Kampung Paloh Rawa here, recently.

Lee said she would discuss with her customers their preferences on the design and colour and then prepare a draft of the design before painting it on the helmet.

 "In terms of choosing a helmet, it is better if the customer gives a white helmet and one with no damage. With this helmet, I can get the painting done in about two weeks, if the design is a simple one, but for the more elaborate and intricate one, it can take more than two months," she said.

The youngest of two siblings, she said that the process of painting and spraying paint must be done carefully, including wearing gloves to avoid any damage, like leaving finger marks on the helmet that will affect the quality of the pattern and colour produced.

"Among the patterns preferred by most of my customers are animal-themed patterns including the Koi fish monkey and dragon.

“Some also preferred abstract, especially those who like car and motorcycle racing,” she said.

As for the price, she said, it varies between RM1,800 and up to RM7,000 each depending on the type and pattern.

“If the painting is complicated and requires more work, it will be more expensive, " she said.

Lee said she also received requests for her artwork from overseas including Hong Kong, France, Australia, Singapore, and the United States.

“My customers include royalties,” she said, adding that she not only does her artwork on helmets but also guitars.

“A few months ago I received an order from a guitarist from the Amy Search Band for a painting of the Palestinian flag,” said Lee who became known through her social media Facebook and Instagram account  'Abs Lee Design'

--BERNAMA