Recently, Exclusive Nail Couture CEO and director of education Max Estrada had the unique experience of seeing himself immortalized in a series of bobblehead dolls. Each month, members of the 3-D Fanatics Facebook group receive a challenge from moderator Kimberly Harr. In February, the challenge — issued by Estrada — was to capture his likeness in doll form.

“I didn’t want any rules. I wanted the artists to have the freedom to interpret the challenge in any way,” says Estrada, who was more than pleased with the results. “I thought the entries were amazing! I personally liked the ones that felt more anime than realistic. All the details made a huge difference and it was so cool to notice all the small but important touches that make each one unique.” 

The winners in each category received a selection of products from the Exclusive Nail Couture line and each entrant received a small gift as well. “It was very hard to choose a winner because everyone really pushed their limits,” he says.

To any 3-D artists who might be struggling, Estrada offers these words of encouragement: “Every day it gets better. Mastering 3-D nail art comes from repetition. Don’t lose your inspiration. Beautiful nails do not happen by accident; it is a science of precision and consistency.”