Some women long to be cover models, but the smart ones would rather be cover techs. If you fall into the latter category, your opportunity has arrived. NAILS’ Second Annual Cover Tech Contest gives both students and professionals a chance to see their nails on our January 2002 cover. Entrants are limited to three submissions and the deadline is Oc

t. 5, 2001. For details and an entry form, see page 26 of your August issue of visit www.nailsmag.com. The winning nail tech will also be featured in a behind-the-scenes interview. Runner-up images will also be featured inside the magazine.

To get you started, here’s a list of helpful dos and don’ts the NAILS staff compiled after reviewing last year’s entries.

Suggested Dos and Don’ts for Future NAILS Cover Techs

• Do leave room for the NAILS logo and coverlines.

• Don’t use too many props. Instead make sure to focus in on the nails.

• Do shoot vertical images. Our cover is 7 7/8² ´ 10 3/4².

• Do sent medium-format (2¼²) color transparencies or slides shot by a professional. Amateur slides are OK as well. (Note: Though it is acceptable, regular 35mm print film will most likely not provide the sharpness and clarity required for a cover.)

• Do not send overhead projector transparencies.

•  Do not send undeveloped film.

• Do not write on the back of the photo.

• Do pay attention to the consistency of the shape and length of nails.

• Do make sure the nails are perfect before shooting. We suggest using a magnifying glass to inspect your work. (That’s what we do!)

• Do use a model with long, slender fingers and nice nail beds.

• Do remember that the camera adds 10 pounds – to nails too! Thick acrylic will only look thicker on film.

• If using a model’s face, make sure hair and makeup are done, but do not overshadow the nails.

• Do be original. No idea is a bad idea (unless it’s been done to death).

For a photo gallery of past Cover Tech winners, click here and here.

For a fun look through some of NAILS covers that look strikingly similar, view our "Deja Vu" photo gallery here.