NAILS Magazine, the parent brand to Nail School News, wants to identify the next crop of up-and-coming nail artists in an online reality-show inspired contest. The inaugural NAILS’ Next Top Nail Artist is searching for licensed nail techs of all experience levels who have that “it” factor. Does one of your recent nail program graduates fit the bill?

Let your recent graduates who have passed their state board exams know about this great opportunity. It could give them an amazing kickstart to grow their careers — and bring acclaim to your school.

Applications must be completed by April 27, 2013. We will contact the top 16 by May 31. It will be an elimination-style contest where the contestants will be given challenges. The challenges will be a mix of video, photos, nail art on tips, and other social media-type entries. (Since we’re looking for the NEXT top nail artist, contestants can’t be affiliated with a nail manufacturer as an educator. It is OK if contestants have taken manufacturer-specific  classes.)

The final two contestants will receive FREE admission to ISSE Long Beach 2014, a two-night hotel stay in Long Beach, Calif., to attend the finale, airfare (up to $500) to Long Beach, $1,000 cash prize, enough nail art supplies to keep the winner creating for some time, the opportunity to work for a major manufacturer, and a spot on the NAILS blogroll for one year.

To enter, simply fill out the online application at www.nailsmag.com/nextopnailartist to later than April 27. We can’t wait to see what your graduates come up with!