Is it easier to paint your fondant once its on the cake just like they do in the cake shows or color with the coloring before....

I always color my fondant before putting it on the cake.

ok, i was just wondering, because i've seen in done alot on the cake shows...

I've watched CakeBoss a couple of times and I've never seen Duff's show. I have seen the Ultimate Cakeoff a few times but I hardly ever watch cake shows on tv so I wasn't even aware that they do it that way.

i think it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If you're talking about solid colors then I have either mixed the color to the right shade (like the pink on this one)
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1447570

...or I have airbrushed the entire cake after it was covered in white (like this blue one)
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1397586

For me it depends on the color and what i'm trying to achieve.

It depends on the color you want. For pastels it is easier to color before. For more vibrant colors, it is usually better to paint it afterwards, as adding that much food coloring can affect your fondant. Or you can buy pre-colored to get bright or deep colors.

I like coloring my fondant more than airbrushing, just because the color is more even. But you can use both, there is no wrong or right.
Edna