Anastasiia Rozdobutko shares five ways to succeed in nail competitions.
Participating in nail competitions isn't just about winning trophies (although that's definitely a plus!). It's about immersing yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share your love for nail art. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with fellow nail enthusiasts, learn from industry experts and gain exposure.
Competing allows you to push the boundaries of your creativity and technical skills. Each competition theme presents a new challenge, sparking innovative ideas and pushing you to experiment with different techniques, textures and designs. It's a chance to unleash your imagination and create breathtaking nail art that captivates judges and spectators alike.
Since we are entering the season of nail competitions, I wanted to share with you some tips that helped me.
Before entering a competition, familiarize yourself with the rules, judging criteria and past winners.
Start by thoroughly reading the competition guidelines provided by the organizers. Pay close attention to rules regarding nail length, shape, allowed materials and any specific themes or categories. Understanding the criteria by which your design will be judged is essential for tailoring your concept and execution to meet the competition's standards.
Pick the categories you want to participate in. Some of the categories will require you to have a hand model. Make sure you have a friend that can go with you and book a trip. If this isn’t working for you, there are online competitions available too. Another option: Participate in a nail art competition, where you need to showcase your artistic skills on tips only.
Take the time to research past winners of the competition, if available. Analyze their designs, techniques and the elements that set them apart.
2. Practice
Perfecting your technique is essential for success. Dedicate ample time to practice various nail art techniques, including freehand painting, 3D embellishments and intricate nail sculpting. Experiment with different products and tools to find what works best for you. You can start with practicing on tips first. Once you decide on the shape, length and design, start practicing on real nails and your model.
The Nailpro Master Challenge 2024 is taking place in Sacramento on Sept. 8-9, 2024.3. Time Management
Competitions often have strict time limits, so practice working efficiently under pressure. Plan your design layout in advance and prioritize tasks to ensure that you complete your nail art within the allotted time frame. Practice on your model a couple times. If you are participating in a nail extension category, ample practice on your model will allow you to memorize how you need to tailor nail forms specifically to her natural nails. This will save a lot of time on the floor.
4. Stay Calm and Confident
Competitions can be nerve-wracking, but it's essential to stay calm and confident throughout the process. Trust in your skills and preparation. Remember to breathe and stay focused on executing your design to the best of your abilities.
5. Be Open to Feedback
After the competition, be open to receiving feedback from the judges. Whether you win or not, constructive criticism can help you improve your skills and techniques for future competitions.
Better Serve Your Client
Even though many nail technicians say competition nails and salon nails are two different services, I still recommend every nail technician to participate. In the process of preparing for the competition you will master your techniques and become faster, which will help a lot when working with clients.
About the Author:
Anastasiia Rozdobutko is a licensed nail technician and licensed nail educator from Ukraine. She is the founder of Banana Nails in Chicago and more recently Banana Nail School. In Nailympia 2023 in Columbus, OH, she was the competition winner in three categories: The Joy of Nails, 1st place (Division 2); Stilleto Nail, 2nd place (Division 2) and Salon Nail, 3rd place (Division 2).
The Nailpro Master Challenge 2024 is taking place in Sacramento on Sept. 8-9, 2024.
The Nailpro Master Challenge 2024 is taking place in Sacramento on Sept. 8-9, 2024.
