Part II: Discover what this nail design concept that you’ve come up really means
This is the part where you should spend the most time. The discovery phase can help you form a clearer mental image of the type of nail art that you’re really trying to create. If you’re doing the nail art for yourself, then this process may be a bit simpler.
However, if you’re doing it for someone else, then there’s one added step. You would need to take the time to ask your person questions about the particular nail art request – why do they want a particular nail design concept, what does it represent to them and what do they feel when they think of the concept. The responses to these questions can help guide you through the discovery process.
So how do you begin this discovery process? Here’s the most efficient way that works for me.
The Discovery Process
1. Do a quick google search with the key words about the nail design concept
If the images resonate with me in some way, then great! I’ll pull them into my design template. Otherwise, I’ll search for related keywords. I also check Instagram with similar key words because people tend to make an effort on creating memorable visuals on this platform. Again, if there are any images that seem to make an impression on me, I just pull them into my template. This initial step is a quick way to gather your thoughts and get a sense of the direction that you want to take. If you think your collected visuals give you a strong meaningful impression, then great! You can just move to Part III. But for those of us who want to dig deeper, let’s keep going.
I usually do not spend more than 15 minutes on this step. Think of this as the brainstorming stage – don’t judge or overthink, just pull those images that seem draw you in.
2. Research the history, people and places related to the concept you’ve defined
What attracted you towards the concept that you want to recreate? Is it an annual celebration? If so, look into some of the ways this is celebrated around the world. In fact, you may even have some unique ways that you usually celebrate compared to others. History books are a great resource because you may gain insights into new ways of living that you may have never even considered. When I was looking into a creating a nail design that represented the pandemic, I came across a story about the Danse Macabre. This art movement took place during the Black Death and was like a light bulb moment for me.
Research does not only have to be through books. It can also be done by exploring movies, music, and even theatre! Do the type of research that you enjoy the most! There’s no right way. It’s more important that you actually do the research. This step has given me some of my most favorite ideas!
3. Go out into the world and take your own photos
Sometimes, we forget that our own eyes are the best camera. There is only one of you. The people and places that you interact with shape one of a kind experiences that cannot be replicated. What objects or creatures are in your presence right now? Go outside, have a mini adventure and take some pictures. Alternatively, you can browse through old photos and videos of yourself. What aspects of these photos bring a sense of nostalgia? Do they create moods or feelings that align with the design concept? Through these exercises, you will find that your own experiences are important sources for formulating unique nail art ideas.
4. Look for open access artwork
Sometimes, we may feel really lazy or too drained to be creative. Generally, I think it’s important to refrain from directly copying any artist. But if you’re really desperate, you can copy the open access artwork from the Met Museum for free.
The Formulation of Nascent Nail Art Ideas
If you’ve been following along with the digital nail art template, the Mood Board section should now be filled with the visuals that you’ve chosen. Now, pause. Close your eyes and look at the mood board again. Remove those images/visuals that you thought may have been amazing but now fall flat.
Now, pause again. Close your eyes and come back to the mood board. What stands out to you? Do certain colors tend to dominate? What people, animals, places and things are common? Now look at the textures of the visuals that you’ve selected. Do they seem soft with round edges? Or harsh and rough? This is important to notice because it would give you a sense of the textures and shapes to use in your nail art. And finally, what’s the overall feeling that you get from the mood board. Does it fully represent what you defined in Part I above? If yes, you’re ready to proceed. Nail art ideas should be running through your mind at this point. If not, take some more time with this discovery process.
