NTNA 2014 Pre-Challenge #1: 3-D Music (Sherri)
Sherri Traweek (Redlands, CA) creates a 3-D design on a single nail tip using a variety of nail products based on a "music" theme. "These nails represent the band and genre that touch me the most, and play a big part in who I am. The Pawnshop Kings are a pair of brothers who, through heavy doses of Southern Soul and Southern California surf culture, spread the Gospel through music that moves you to the core. I've taken a few of their trademarks, and recreated them in acrylic, gel and acrylic paint. From Joel's acoustic guitar, to the Fender amp, the humble wood stage, and even the crown, these nails sum up the Pawnshop Kings experience. The crown hanging upside down on the guitar isn't just a literal interpretation of their telltale logo, but tells a much deeper, more profound story. Traditionally, an upside down crown signifies a king who has fallen in battle. In this case, the crown represents Jesus Christ, and how Scott and Joel hang their musical influence ultimately on Him. The fact that it's also on a nail represents who I hang my creativity on!"
NTNA 2014 Pre-Challenge #1: 3-D Music (Simone)
Simone Gilbert (Victoria, Australia) creates a 3-D design on a single nail tip using a variety of nail products based on a "music" theme. "Upon reading the theme for this week’s music challenge, I immediately thought back to my childhood. My Grandparents owned an old player piano, which is a piano that plays braille type musical scrolls. I created an antique-looking nail with musical notes swirling its way around the tip, where it takes off and becomes three dimensional. I decided to incorporate a gloss factor to symbolise the black piano keys that we would to press to mimic the music as it played. These childhood memories are amongst some of my fondest and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of reminiscing to create my nail for this challenge."
NTNA 2014 Pre-Challenge #1: 3-D Music (Tammie)
Tammie Alvarado (Tulare, CA) creates a 3-D design on a single nail tip using a variety of nail products based on a "music" theme. "My inspiration was the Yellow Submarine from the Beatles. I choose it because when I think of music I think of Iconic figures. So naturally I had to choose them. Their choice of color variation and use of shapes really captured my eye. I am so happy, excited, and honored."
NTNA 2014 Pre-Challenge #1: 3-D Music (Yesenia)
Yesenia Oliva (San Luis Obispo, CA) creates a 3-D design on a single nail tip using a variety of nail products based on a "music" theme. "'Music is love in search of a word.' I found this beautiful quote and decided to use it as inspiration for our first challenge. Music is a reminder of memories whether it’s sad or happy ... Sometimes if a certain song comes on the radio it reminds of a certain moment right? This is what I wanted to show. I wanted to show all the beautiful things that come out thru that speaker that makes us feel so much. I chose gold glitter for the speaker because I wanted to make it stand out more than anything else, with the colored notes out of it. I decided to make the album coming out of the speaker just to make it fun with a little twist."
NTNA Pre-Challenge #1: 3-D Music (Danielle)
Danielle Constantino (Lincoln, R.I.) creates a 3-D design on a single nail tip using a variety of nail products based on a "music" theme. The first image that popped into my head when I read the first challenge was my 4-year-old son’s connection to music.
NAILS Next Top Nail Artist Sponsored by CND Announces Top 24
The applications came in for NAILS Next Top Nail Artist sponsored by CND. We excitedly read through every answer, watched YouTube video diaries, gazed in awe at nail art photos, and scoured social media to narrow it down to the Top 24.
by Beth Livesay
Take a Tip from...Lauren Wireman
When we asked NAILS Next Top Nail Artist first runner-up Lauren Wireman how she keeps her nail embellishments intact despite the damage that regularly occurs on the job, she revealed her simple secret...
Good Things Come in Small Packages
Next Top Nail Artist top six competitor, Jane Moate, is known for her quirky style and fun YouTube videos. Her most recent endeavor, Jane’s Tiny Things, is a line of Etsy products the nail artist developed, featuring her Tiny Nail Decals.
by Beth Livesay
Behind the Scenes: Musical Nail Art
Music to Her Ears: Ryoko Garcia paints a song with legendary music artists Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, and Sammy Davis, Jr., for our April 2014 cover.
by Hannah Lee
On My Mind: Are You Up for a Challenge?
Editor Hannah Lee celebrates the inaugural year of NAILS Next Top Nail Artist.
by Hannah Lee
Ryoko Garcia Is NAILS Next Top Nail Artist
The nine-year industry veteran from Florida (by way of Japan) dedicated every free moment to completing each of the weekly challenges. Her artistic skills, attention to detail, and love of her craft helped her win the title of NAILS Next Top Nail Artist.
by Hannah Lee
NTNA: The Final Challenge
See the photos from NAILS Next Top Nail Artist's final fantasy nail art challenge, sponsored by Gelish.
by Hannah Lee
Get the NAILS May 2014 Cover Look
Cover tech and NAILS Next Top Nail Artist Lauren Wireman shows you how to get the look she re-created for the May 2014 cover of NAILS Magazine.
3-D Fantasy Nail Art: Raccoon
Nail artist Lauren Wireman shares how she created this cute, furry friend.
Tiny Nail Decals Tutorial
Check out how to make super simple nail art using tiny decals made by NAILS Next Top Nail Artist competitor Jane Moate. Designs are available at janestinythings.etsy.com.
Announcing the Final Three Next Top Nail Artist Finalists
The first-ever Next Top Nail Artist had some pretty stiff competition. So we decided to bring the final three competitors to Long Beach to challenge them one last time and crown the ultimate winner.
by Hannah Lee
ISSE Long Beach 2014
The West Coast's largest shopping and education event for beauty professionals took place on January 25-27 at the Long Beach Convention Center.