Girls use art talents for nail design

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 18:31:40 GMT

By Kirsten Flickinger

Most people paint their nails as a way to stop bad habits, to match an outfit or to look pretty. Some, however, consider it an art. Between the nail polish colors that nail artists choose, to the intricate designs painted, some girls take nail painting more seriously than others. Senior Allison Weber and sophomores Abbey Czekaj and Madi Scianamblo all started creating designs on their nails in middle school. All of their inspirations are different therefore resulting in many varieties of styles and designs. “Occasionally, I will Google nail designs and sort of base my ideas [on] combinations of what I find,” Weber said. Czekaj, Scianamblo and Weber all learned how to create their designs differently. The three girls did repetitivly experimented and practiced to create the best designs. Czekaj learned how to do her designs from her sister. “My sister is really good at anything that has to do with art, so she would sit down to do her nails, and I would watch her. She would kind of show me how to do things, and then I decided to do things on my own and just became good at it,” Czekaj said. Weber acknowledged that she paints her nails several times a week. At times, however, she paints her nails multiple times in one day. Czekaj paints her nails at least once a week as a minimum and it has become a hobby to her. Depending on the design, painting nails can be very time consuming. Scianamblo’s favorite design is the French manicure. She normally takes less than an hour, depending on the quality of her work. Czekaj acknowledged the longest time she has ever spent on her nails was three hours. Normally, however, she takes about forty five minutes. Weber also spends a lot of time doing her nails. “I've never done a design that takes less than an hour, but that is including at least 2 base color coats, the design, top coat and drying time,” Weber said. Depending on what design Weber, Scianamblo or Czekaj do, they all have different ways of painting their nails. Weber uses SoEasy Stripe Rites, which are skinny brushes that makes the design easier to do. Czekaj used to use SoEasy Stripe Rites, but then she went out and bought a professional nail polish set. Creativity and attention to detail are two necessities required for the success in painting nails. “A steady hand is needed…sometimes I have to just wing it and hope it will turn out good,” Scianamblo said. Designing nails is something anyone can do; it just takes time and patience. “It takes a lot of time to do your nails. They take work time and care. People may not think work is involved but, not only [do I] paint my nails, but I have to file them to a good shape, keep them clean, [keep them] unbroken and [keep them] strong,” Scianamblo said. “It is just like any other art: you try it, you like it, you practice, and you get better,” Weber said. Weber would like to continue her nail painting because she loves the compliments, and she believes it is a lot of fun. Weber would like to continue her nail painting through college and maybe making some profit out of it. “It would be a great way to make some extra money. As expensive as salons are, I could make some significant cash but still be cheaper. And for the other students, it would be a lot more convenient than trying to find a close salon,” Weber said. While Weber will be off to college, she will continue to paint and design her nails. Czekaj and Scianamblo are going to continue doing designs for pure enjoyment.

The Lantern

Girls use art talents for nail design