Painting the top of a whisper lid

I have an idea to paint a tribal flame pattern on top of my whiper lid. I'm think of blue to match the exterior and I thikit would be a great compliment to the black. It was slow day yesterday so I drew up the pattern I like.

Has anyone done/seen this? Should I primer only what I'm going to paint, or should I primer and paint the whole lid black and them paint on the flames? What about clear coating? And of course, what's the best way to take care of it. I would assume a quick detailer would keep it looking it's best?

Thanks in adavnce.

Well I know this isn't exactly what you're asking.

If you don't want to worry abou the work. Contact this guy HERE. (http://www.thecheckeredflagstore.com)

Great guy and great quality. Maybe you have him do your work if you're willing to pay. He does custom work too.

Paint the entire thing black then paint the flame then wet sand so the flame evens out with the black then clear you can prime before you paint it black if you want to I wouldn't do it with the flames though but that's just me