One of the coolest things about being in the nail industry is
the opportunity to enter competitions. It's a way to better
your skills and put your name on the map. Competitions
range from international to domestic and can be completed
online or in-person. We spoke to NAILS Next Top Nail Artist
Season 9 champion and salon owner/educator Nicola
Sawyer as well as the global director for Nailympia
competitions, Alex Fox, to get their winning advice.
“I always look at the quality of previous submissions. If I'm taking the time to enter a
competition, it needs to stretch my abilities. I need to look at the other competitors'
work and think ‘ WOW !’”, recommends Sawyer. If you're new to competing and
want to try your hand at many different categories, Fox recommends entering
Nailympia at the Division 1 Level. “If entering a competition like Nailympia, bear in
mind that you can only ever be in Division 1, once, so it's best to enter as many
comps as you can, so you make the most of this division,” she says.
The benefits of competing are endless. “For nail professionals that want to explore
their own creative avenue, it's a great way to challenge themselves. Plus, they get
to see what other ideas and innovations are being used around the world by other
techs and they get to network, get industry acknowledgement, and can grow their
salon business by marketing the fact they are competing. A medal also helps them
extend their menu and up their prices. It can also open many other doors in the nail
industry that they may not have considered such as being a brand ambassador,
educator, designing posters, editorial shoots, advertising campaigns, and fashion
week teams too,” says Fox. Sawyer points out that you don't need a win to
successfully compete: “My favorite part of competing is when you finish your piece
and you know you have done your absolute best; that there's nothing you would
change, and even if you don't place, you have accomplished something you have
never done before.”
Before throwing your hat in the ring, try to have a game plan in place. Prepare
yourself for the potential stress and toll competing can take. “For smaller
competitions try blocking a little time out every week from your schedule to work on
your pieces. Having dedicated time in your diary helps structure your personal
development,” advises Sawyer. She warns, “You need to look after yourself too. A
tired nail artist makes mistakes. Ensure that your working area is well lit, your seat
and desk are comfortable, you have good ventilation, and take regular breaks. Trust
me, your brain only runs on coffee for a limited time!”
The act of competing can pay off in many different ways once a competition is over.
When asked how it feels to win, Sawyer shared, “I can only compare it to the feeling
you got as a child at Christmas…It's amazing to be recognized for your skills by
your peers.
Winning NTNA was on another level. ‘Disbelief’ would be the first word, then
excitement, then realization that all that hard work had finally paid off. It's clearly
been the highlight of my career so far.” Fox says, “Competing brings highs and lows
that generate feelings. It's emotive and exciting, it's full of flavor and intensity and
it's downright exhilarating. It's a powerful experience that all techs that truly love
their nail craft should try out at some point in their career.”
If you've competed before but are working up the nerve to get back into it, Fox
offers the following words of wisdom, “Remind yourself why you love nails. Feel the
power and buzz that nails gives to you and go and share that in the arena. You'll be
around like-minded people, your peers, and surrounded by people that want you to
be the best you can be. It's only you that's holding you back. Another person's nails
is their experience. This is yours - so get out there and show us what you can do
and ‘wow’ us with your skills, talent and creativity. This industry needs you - we
need to elevate and create together. So get your competition head back on and
show us your style. You just never know - a medal could be in your hands very
soon. And that feeling is sensational.”
First time competitors should seek out a like-minded mentor to guide
and motivate them through the process.
When looking for a model, seek out one who is patient with great nail
beds, hands, and personality.
If feedback is offered, take it. At times it may be hard to swallow, but
don't take it personally and build on what you have learnt.
Join a competition team. Collaborating with other nail artists can be
fun and amazing for your own personal development.
Avoid competitions that look like a scam. A small admin fee for entry is
normal, but it shouldn't cost you more than what the top prize is to pay
to enter.
FOLLOW NICOLA SAWYER
Learn from a champion! Get more info on her training academy: https://www.nailcouturelincoln.co.uk
IG: @nailcouturelincoln
FB: @nailcouturelincoln
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