Nail Artist Q&A: “Nailed Down!” with Tamara Di Lullo

Tamara Di Lullo Composit

 

Welcome to NAILPRO’s NAILED DOWN where we “nail down” the details of selected nail design artists from our User Galleries.

This week we visit Montreal, Canada.

Meet Tamara Di Lullo:

 

 

 

 

Where do you work?
I am the owner of Candy Nail Bar.

 

How would you describe yourself?
Above all… an artist! I’m passionate about what I do and always work hard!

 

Tell us about how you got started in the nail industry.
I’ve always loved nails and doing friends nails but I really started taking it more seriously when I began traveling to Asia and became intrigued by 3D and Japanese nail art. I was living in Hong Kong for work (in fashion) and I begged a bunch of nail artists to give me lessons in nail art. That was a challenge! Back then no one sculpted gel nails in Montreal, so I practiced like crazy and got really good at it. My hobby became my passion which lead me to a drastic career change when I opened my salon Candy Nail Bar in 2009.

 

What/Who inspires your work?
I’m obsessed with Japanese fashion and nail magazines. I have been collecting them since I was a teenager. I was a fashion designer for over 10 years before opening my shop, so I love translating fashion trends onto nails and doing things that don’t follow “nail-art” trends necessarily. My clients are cool! They’re artists, stylists, designers, burlesque performers…. so they are often inspiring and full of ideas too! Of course I can’t forget the work of my idols: the nail masters Catherine Wong, Viv Simmonds and Gina Silvestro.

 

Tool(s) you can’t live without?
Orly Instant Artist liners, studs of any kind, and my 3D brush!

 

Favorite technique/style?
Girly and playful! Intricate hand painted acrylic designs mixed with Kawaii-style 3D nail art.

 

What is your craziest/funniest nail story?
I had one client who would keep her decorated nails (after they fell off) in a bag. At the end of an appointment, she busted out the bag to show me. I’m still amazed how much she loves my nails.

 

What tip can you offer to other nail technicians?
With nail art it’s really important to take the time to consult with your clients to learn their tastes and offer them a custom work of art that’s one-of-a-kind. Clients always appreciate creative suggestions and feeling unique.

 

You can find Tamara Di Lullo on the web:
In the NAILPRO User Gallery: Nail art by Tamara for Candy Nail Bar Montreal!
Candy Nail Bar Website www.candynailbar.com
Facebook Group: Candy Nail Bar
Twitter: Candy Nail Bar
Blog: Candy Nail Bar Blog

Also check out the NAILPRO-file interview featuring Candy Nail Bar!
click here

 

 

Click here for more Nailed Down! interviews »

 

 

Would you like to be featured in NAILED DOWN? Post images of your nail art to our User Gallery. We’ll be highlighting outstanding artists based on those submissions! (minimum six pictures to qualify for consideration) NAILPRO reserves the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and clarity.

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