Could someone give me some tips on the best way to airbrush ribbons for bows or ribbon borders ?

Is it best to airbrush them before I apply to cake or on the cake and mask off around them ???

I know to do bows before and let dry but I would think fondant ribbons would start to dry out before the airbrushing is dry enough to touch, then they will crack when you try to apply. Could someone share thier wisdom please, thanks