Hi everyone!

The IBS Las Vegas show was lots of fun and was my favorite competition.

I had been preparing for this all year. The Fantasy Nail Art theme for the competition was "The Day of the Dead," and I tell you everyone embraced this theme and went above and beyond with it.

This competition piece had me up at late hours, but it truly was my favorite because I used a lot of techniques I learned in my research and old techniques I have always known. I wanted my piece to be as authentic as possible and true to the day of the dead ceremony.

I used my friend Ashley as my model. She is heavily tattooed just like I am.This worked because Day of the Dead is huge in the tattoo community. Her make up and costume stood out and was different than the rest of the competitors. I took 4th place in the novice level, which for my first year isn't bad.

— Amanda