A to Z CND: The Top 3 and the Bottom 3

Challenge #1, A to Z CND, asked the 14 Finalists to share their personal journey using the letters C, N, and D across a 10 nail tip mural.

The Guest Judge for this week was nail artist, educator, salon owner, and brand ambassador Buddy Sims.

In alphabetical order, the Top 3 are:

Emily:  The judges loved your story and your work. “What a beautifully written, thoughtfully told story you shared in the write-up!  Your clarity of information, tight zoom of the camera to your art and attention to detail were all exemplary!”  Your art was described as being “like living in a water-colored dream!  Near perfect execution of all requirements.”  The video submission portion of the challenge was also praised by the judges, who felt you did an excellent job of shooting and framing your process, plus you shared lots of tips and tricks.  A+!

Kristen:  Your entry gave off major Carol Baskin vibes and the judges loved that!  Your artistry was so evident in the painting of the lion and cubs and the judges admired your custom-blended colors: “You really know the color wheel!” They loved your authenticity on camera, too.  Going forward, they suggest a bit more precision (as in your lettering, for instance) and added that a smaller linear brush might have achieved that.  But well done!

Silvia: A resounding “Wow” greeted your nail mural. “ Great clear perspective of art and color; beautiful drawing, painting, and lettering! Excellent color blending and attention to detail.”  A love for your color choices was unanimous, as was a love for your story.  The judges felt like they learned so much about you with this design.

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

Chloe-Elizabeth: Our judges loved your personality and found you and your work bold, filled with style and humor. Going forward, they crave tighter shots on the actual art in the making.  Pay attention to the requirements of the challenges in the future, too, and make sure you’re hitting all the points.

Denielle: You took our judges to Kawaii with your theme, and our positive and fun outlook was obvious on your video. Be sure to explain the steps you take in your designs (share those pro tips)! The judges loved seeing your color mixing and felt you balanced all the elements in your design.

Eileen:  You did a lovely job teaching us and taking us through your technique.  Your painterly approach and use of pointillism was impressive, as was your use of 18 total colors.  Remember to pay attention to all the elements of the design so nothing gets lost and continue to push yourself.

Asia Bloodworth: Your urban graffiti style and use of lettering to complement your design was deemed “super cool.” The judges appreciated hearing your motivation behind your concept, but would like to see you “teach and mentor” as you share your actual process. Also, they’d love to see your face in your video diary.

Jessica: One of the judging panel’s favorite parts is when you showed how to troubleshoot the placement of your tips. That said, one comment is that if the tips had been connected at the top it would have given the lettering a better canvas to showcase it.

Jodie: We want to keep seeing your beautiful work so remember to center the art and action to the camera for easier viewing and slow the video action so we can learn from you. The overall composition of your piece is very clean and pleasing to the eye.

LaTara: Your choice of words for this challenge was very impactful, according to our judges. Sometimes you were out of frame in your video so stay in focus and in frame.  Also, work on refining your elements.

Stephanie: Beautiful painting, color choice and graphics, but sometimes hard to see the technique.  Would love to have you feature some narration next time!

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

Ashleigh:  While the judges admired your gorgeous galaxy design, there was a feeling that it was a bit simple and that you could elevate your work and challenge yourself, a bit more.  They would have loved to see how you gave your galaxy all the layers and depth in color. They appreciated your explanation of when to use polish vs gel polish. They’re eager to see more of your talent on display!

Elena:  There was a consensus that while your painting is gorgeous, the way it was captured on video could have been improved. “Please present your art directly to the camera so that we can see what you’re doing and we can learn from you.” Maybe consider a different format that better showcases your process.  The judges loved seeing you in your dress and they also loved the music you chose.

Marie-Louise:  Your concept of a charm bracelet was a wonderful metaphor.  The judges would have loved to see more details and painting skills demonstrated. “I definitely think that you could have showcased your lettering in a greater way and given the bracelet the 4D effect with some shadowing using CND Shellac and Vinylux voiding the need of adding builder gel.”