By Joy Kraft
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Airbrushing has been the recent buzz for those in search of a toasty-but-temporary tan, and it's always been a decorating staple of the motorcycle set. But shoes are stepping into the scene, according to Michael Dougherty, owner of Anything Airbrushed in Cheviot.

"Getting your shoes airbrushed makes them one of the most popular pieces of clothing," says the 39-year-old grad of the Art Institute of Philadelphia.

"We used ballpoint pens when I was growing up. But today, kids - teens, up to those in their 20s - bring in their shoes. We get maybe a dozen pair a week."

Most want to see their name, which will cost about $15 per shoe, but some go for celebrity portraits, or their own, which can cost up to $100 depending on the elaborateness.

Clothing, which makes up about 40 percent of the shop's business, has changed as well. There are still plenty of leather, jean jackets, jeans and T's, but dresses come through the door, as well as an array of boxers and panties.

One woman brought in a jacket with black and white graphics on it. She wanted the design replicated on a white dress.

Everything is done by hand with the traditional airbrush tool.

"Our inventory is only limited by the size of our customers' imaginations," says Dougherty.

When asked about the most unexpected assignment the shop has gotten, there's no hesitation.

Artificial limbs. As in arms and legs.

"We've had three in the last couple of years. They tend to stand out. One woman came in and asked us to airbrush something on her leg for a Jimmy Buffett concert.

"But then she came around the counter, unstrapped her leg and handed it to us," he says.

What did she ask for?

A beach scene, of course.

Anything Airbrushed, 3739 Glenmore Ave., Cheviot. 662-5400.