Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/809430
60 | NAILS MAGAZINE | MAY 2017 } BUSINESS Competing is one of the best ways to hone your craft and get noticed. In the world of nails, there are many opportunities to showcase your talents and grow as a result. We talked to some regulars on the competition circuit to find out what you'll need to know if you want to compete — and possibly win big. BY BETH LIVESAY What You Need to Know Before Competing in a Nail Contest >>> PHOTOGRAPHY-BASED CONTESTS SALON OF THE YEAR If you gave your space a makeover or built a brand new one, you might be eligible for the Salon of the Year award from our sister publication, Salon Today. Since this contest is all about photographing interiors, editor-in-chief Stacey Soble recommends using a professional photographer who has interior-specific experience. Soble's other tips include: avoid clutter; schedule shoots early so you have time to review and edit; tell your design story in writing; remove distractions; and format your images properly. www.salontoday.com Deadline: January 31, 2018 NAILS COVER TECH CONTEST Every August, NAILS announces its Cover Tech Contest. Entrants submit their take on a NAILS cover concept in hopes of being featured on the January cover. This year's winner, Celine Cumming, says staffing is everything. "Getting a good photographer and model is absolutely key. If you plan to have your model's face in the image and not just her hands with a prop, then you should also source a good hair and makeup artist. You can be the greatest nail artist in the world, but if you don't have a good team to work with, your final image will be lacking major qualities. You really have to source people who can complement your work with theirs." Cumming also suggests allowing time to brainstorm and sharing those ideas with other collaborators. www.nailsmag.com/covercontest Deadline: October 3, 2017 NAHA The Professional Beauty Association allows entries from nail, hair, and makeup professionals from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to enter the North American Hairstyling Awards. To win Nail Professional of the Year, nail techs must submit photos that showcase the harmony between hair and nails. Entrants can demonstrate their talent for nail art, embellishments, or salon-style nails. 2015 winner Reiko Omae says that in addition to planning and brainstorming, testing is also key. "Sometimes an idea in your mind doesn't translate well on the nail; it's worth knowing before it's too late to correct the design," says Omae. Another helpful tip from Omae is to step away then come back to the look later. By doing this, you can see what can be pushed in terms of design. www.probeauty.org/naha Deadline: December 1, 2017 IN IT TO WIN IT If you're considering entering a nail competition, here are some general rules of thumb. > Start small if it's your first time competing. Trying your hand at the NAILS Mural Contest before jumping into something like NTNA can give you an idea of what skills need improving. Likewise, entering a competition at a smaller show as opposed to an international one can get your feet wet. > Invest in winning tools. Make sure you have the right equipment from nail art brushes to a good camera to ensure success from conception to completion. > Talk to fellow techs. Reach out to others who have competed before to get honest answers and advice. > Train. Much like running a marathon, you can train for a competition on your own in the salon or with a group. Joining online groups such as 3-D Fanatics on Facebook can provide the support and training you need for game day. @reikoomae