Ten years after establishing leading nail art salons in both New York and Miami, Vanity Projects is proud to announce the upcoming April 2021 launch of its new online training program: Vanity Projects Institute (VPI).

Conceived and developed by Vanity Projects founder Rita Pinto, VPI’s core mission mirrors that of Vanity Projects: merging top-tier talent with fine art sensibilities. This online education platform will provide vital tools for both professionals and hobbyists seeking accredited experience, and allow students to professionalize their creativity. Inspired by the Vanity Projects Artist-in Residency program, which features leading international celebrity nail artists in both the New York and Miami locations, Pinto saw a meaningful impact on her anchor artists within this incubator-like environment. This critical exchange of ideas and techniques has in turn developed some of the top nail artists working in the industry today and inspired the creation of VPI. 

From pop-ups at MoMA PS1, Aspen Art Museum and other leading cultural intuitions, to working with brands like Dior, Nike, and HBO, Vanity Projects has garnered critical attention and been named “Best of New York” by both Allure and New York Magazine. In addition to garnering celebrity clients and editorial spreads, VP artists have assisted and led runway shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York and Miami Swim. This wealth of experience and connections in the industry enables VPI to be the premier online nail art education platform in the U.S. 

Led by master nail artist and JNA-certified (Japanese Nail Association) educator Kanae Yagi, VPI’s curriculum focuses on providing the tools and knowledge necessary for quality nail preparation and technical design execution. VPI offers two courses based on students’ skill level: Beginner’s Level and Intermediate Level. Each level requires seven days to complete with students obtaining the VPI diploma upon completion.

To make the online learning process as seamless for students as possible, VPI uses the professional online educational platform Canvas for the best hybrid learning experience.

“It was important for me to offer a robust educational experience online,” says Pinto of choosing Canvas. “I wanted our students to feel the sense of engagement of in-person learning while distant.” 

Canvas simplifies online student learning with easy-to-use functions, such as uploading assignments, interfacing with the instructor, study course materials, testing capabilities and more—all in one place and in 33 languages, making VPI accessible to an international audience. Both courses contain five pre-recorded class videos, one live Q&A session with the instructor, and a one-on-one feedback session on the final test. Students will have assignments and tests throughout the course, and can interact and learn alongside other students in the Canvas Studio. “Canvas also allows for the students to pinpoint questions on the video itself with extreme precision, allowing for our instructors to give the best feedback on various brush skills or techniques, which is a game-changer,” says Pinto.

• Tuition for the Beginner’s Level is $380 while Intermediate Level is $500.

• Students are encouraged to purchase a Core or Recommended kit, which contain tools necessary to excel in the courses. 

In just seven days VPI students will gain the vital nail art skills that make an immediate impact on their earning potential. Students will be able to register online beginning February 20th for the Spring 2021 launch at www.vanityprojectsinstitute.com.