Carla Foster, of Carla Foster Nails in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, prefers UV gels as her medium of choice when it comes to nail art — which may come as a surprise to many nail artists (especially in the United States) who think gels aren’t workable for detailed designs.

"I don’t think any technician should ever be intimidated by gels. In fact I feel that gels are very forgiving. They are easier to file and shape than acrylics and less time consuming," Foster says.

She offers this advice to nail techs who are hesitant: "Take advantage of trial kits. They are an inexpensive way to learn if you’re going to like working with a product. Try until you find the one(s) you love. And practice, practice, practice! Any beautiful nail design that can be done with acrylic can be done with gel. I find lots of people try it once or twice and if they don’t get it they give up. No good nail tech developed her craft overnight, so pick up that brush and keep it up until you get it.

View more at http://nailartgallery.nailsmag.com/carlapatra.