Where Nail Techs Find Inspiration for Their Designs

From paintings to pieces of clothing to everyday street scenes, nail artists find myriad ways to get their creative juices flowing. We asked several nail artists to tell us what inspires them to create their miniature works of art -- and show us a few examples.

You already know that nail techs are a creative bunch, but have you ever wondered where some of them get their inspiration from — especially those who love dabbling in nail art? Well, our curiosity got the better of us. We asked several nail artists what inspires them to create their miniature works of art. And, we also challenged them to come up with several designs inspired by nature, or fashion, or art (the possibilities are endless).

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Tags: NAIL ART

Our Favorite Reader Nail Art for the Winter Holidays

Whether your clients celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or celebrate nothing at all, you'll enjoy the ideas from our readers for seasonal nail art. Browse through these editor's favorites from nail art submitted by our readers over the years.

To look at more holiday nail art, look at these other nail art galleries:

Multi[Nail] Denominational

Be of Good Cheer - Holiday Nail Art

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Tags: CHRISTMAS, HOLIDAY NAIL ART, NAIL ART, SEASONAL STYLES

Multi [Nail] Denominational Nail Art

With the holiday season quickly approaching, busy nail techs are gearing up for the busy season. With all the parties, clients are sure to want to look their best. We asked techs to make some holiday-inspired nail designs you can try for yourself this year. From Christmas to Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah to the Winter Solstice, we’ve got a design for everyone!

To look at more holiday nail art, look at these other nail art galleries:

Be of Good Cheer - Holiday Nail Art

Our Favorite Reader Nail Art for the Winter Holidays

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Tags: CHRISTMAS, HOLIDAYS, NAIL ART, SEASONAL STYLES

Mother-Daughter Nail Art

Six talented nail artists present their designs to help moms and their daughters bond.  Whether your clients are mother/daughter duos who love to look the same or would rather express their individuality we’ve got something for you to choose from.   

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Tags: HOLIDAYS, NAIL ART

Agents of Style: Nail Art on a Mission

While providing only minimal directions and options, the editors at NAILS commissioned five nails agents to create individual works of art on three separate missions. The first group had to use black and white polishes to create nail tips, the second use any and all shades of red polish to create nail tips, and the third group use white, silver, and gold polishes to create nail tips. The "agents" we enlisted for this special project were Sayaka Sako of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Yoko Dykes of Marysville, Wash.; Elsbeth Schuetz of Orange, Calif.; Mia Kim of New York, N.Y.; and Christie Lovett of Ocean View, Hawaii

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Tags: NAIL ART

All Tatted Up -- a Tattoo Nail Art Gallery

Looking to offer an edgier style of nail art to your clients when butterflies and flowers just won't do the trick? Get inspired by these tattoo nail s to push the boundaries and appeal to a different type of client. Click these links to see the image that made NAILS cover in November 2008, and read a full story of the amazing artist behind this concept.

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Tags: NAIL ART

International Sensations: Russian Nail Art

In recent years there’s been a re-awakening of creativity and renewed appreciation of Russia’s deep cultural traditions. Ancient cathedrals are being restored, colorful markets are brimming with activity, and literature and the arts are regaining the popularity they once enjoyed. What's more, the creativity behind the nail art coming out of Russia is unparalleled. Looking at these nails — all created by Russian nail professionals — it seems anything is possible with liquid, powder, and a little imagination. Peter the Great would be proud.

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Tags: INTERNATIONAL, MULTI-MEDIA NAIL ART, NAIL ART

Nail Artist Sculpts German Tourist Stops

In Germany, where gels are king, a nail tech using acrylic is bound to get noticed — especially when she is using the acrylic to model 3-D images of local tourist destinations. A German film crew recently visited nail tech Peggy Jakob-Kissner of Nagelatelier Exquisit in Ostheim, Germany. The crew, which came from the neighboring town of Schweinfurt, interviewed Jakob-Kissner about her acrylic work, most notably the 3-D acrylic version of the Schweinfurt City Hall she designed for a client’s nail.  She’s also memorialized the notable sights of Ostheim to share with clients and to show off to NAILS readers.

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