Welcome to Nailandia: The Top 3 and the Bottom 3

Challenge #5, Nailandia, asked the finalists to let their imagination really go places. In this week’s challenge, NTNA Finalists designed nail art on ten tips that represents their vision of “Nailandia” and the results are filled with 2-D and 3-D artwork.

The Guest Judge for this week was manicurist and nail expert, Carly Snyr.

In alphabetical order, the Top 3 are:

Emily:  Judges loved going on this magical journey with you, Emily. “You went into a magical place in your imagination and lived it for real and then took us there with you!”

You slayed the challenge! They were especially charmed by the black file panthers, Glitter Falls and the nail lamp helicopter! They appreciated that you challenged yourself by creating 3D objects using Brisa and Plexigel.  To push things even further, refine elements like facial features, etc.  The tips you shared were especially appreciated, like the tip on the amount of pressure you’re using with your brush to get finer lines or on how to fix things when you mess up.

I’d say as far as the TikTok  video goes, judges though that maybe a quicker technique or more simplified video would have been a better approach. But overall, you slayed the challenge.

Jessica: You started with a great point of inspiration—the clouds and Neverland. One judge shared, “This set looks so different from the others and I love it – this is a challenge for your huge imagination to take flight and it did!” They were charmed by your plants, your flowers and your creative names for all the stops along the way and thought your functioning cloud fountain was especially fantastic.  The technique video scored high marks: “The special effects in your video editing are cool” and your TikTok video set just the right tone.  Way to go!

Silvia: Your Nailandia was called “imaginative, magical and wonderous”!  Your use of color and painting skills were, as always, so admired. Your crisp lines and placement—gorgeous.  Judges would like to have seen you pushing yourself even further with some 3D components. Also, one judge challenges you to rely less on acrylic paint for your coloring and to instead utilize CND products like Shellac and Vinylux.  And remember to have your own nails done as well as the nails you’re creating!

And these artists are safe for this week.  Here they are in no specific order…

Jodie: Judges liked that your CandyLand-inspired land was actually playable, and they liked the addition of unexpected elements such as the magnets to attach the bottles and the cards that you can shuffle. A lot of thoughtful work obviously went into it.  One judge says they wish the video was a little more zoomed in at times to really see the actual line work you are making.

Stephanie: Your video diary was much improved and your utilization of so many techniques and products in this piece was very impressive.  Plus, you reinforced key steps in your video, which was great.  Judges were split on the inspiration, with one feeling like, “I enjoyed your approach, but it didn’t scream Nailandia to me” while another loved the idea of mini golf.

Unfortunately, there always has to be a bottom group. The bottom 3, in alphabetical order, are:

Eileen:  Overall, judges wanted to see you push further in the different elements. “I think the artwork here is kind of expected and not as out of the box as I would have hoped from you.” As an example, on the white nails, one judge commented that, “there’s glitter, some design and a few snowflakes on the nails but then the snowman seems a bit out of place, you could have for example, added smaller 3D elements to tie up the bigger elements into the rest of the design for a more striking effect.” Your video contained: “Beautiful teaching and clarity of messaging, with great graphics and excellent use of supers!”—well done!  One judge loved that “when talking about how to make your ocean nail, I appreciate that you gave a tip to not put the color too close to the cuticle if you’re working on a client. “

Kristen: You obviously took the judge’s comments into consideration and it was appreciated. The research and time you put into the CND collections was also applauded.  Some specific comments included: “I would love to see a little bit more refinement in your 3D pieces” and “the message of celebrating each person’s individuality was not easily seen by looking at the nails without explanation.”

LaTara: A nice Jamaican vacation vibe came through with your work though the challenge concept of Nailandia went a bit astray. Even though this is a lovely scenery piece, judges felt the techniques were two simple. Your video contained some good pro tips.  Going forward, they want to see you kick it up a notch or two because they know you have it in you.