As social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram become even more apparent in this digital age, the act of inspiration sharing has dramatically increased. Using social media as a driving force for idea swapping, countless trends have been initiated in the nail world. From chrome nails to Christmas nails, the possibilities are endless. However, beyond the salon, nail art represents a whole new form of creative expression.
oli_capollari_phibrows | photography
leebyamamichi | photography
b_dazzledbeauty| photography
Artists like Alicia Torello and Saccia have paved the way for younger nail technicians, innovating the artistry and creativity of the nail art process. These nail artists have worked with celebrities like Doja Cat and Kylie Jenner, showcasing their talent to the entire world. Working with these clients have allowed them to reach a much greater audience, which has allowed them to amplify their artistry even more.
aliciatnails | photography
sacciadidthat | photography
“It’s literally like a dream come true… perfecting my craft is what I’m doing everyday.”
Who is Stone Zhang?
Stone Zhang is a current student at Northview High School. Heavily involved in activities like the marching band, you’ll most likely find him in the band room practicing his euphonium or helping out the band teacher, Ms. Dickerson. However, beyond the classroom, Zhang indulges himself in another activity… nail art.
After months in quarantine, Zhang found himself itching to pick up a new hobby. After convincing himself to go after his interest in nail art, he finally bought his first nail kit. From the various brushes, powders, and polishes, Zhang quickly realized that this would become more than just a hobby.
“More than just a hobby.”
A Q&A with Stone…
Q: How has your nail art become a medium for creative expression?
A: I feel like it allows me to try new things and explore different parts of myself. I feel like my art style is kind of weird, mostly abstract, so I use nail art as my artistic catalyst.
Q: What does your artistic process look like when creating, designing, and doing nails?
A: The first thing in mind when I’m doing nails is to just make them look pretty, that’s the ultimate goal no matter how long it takes. When I’m thinking of designs, the techniques and designs I do are all based on my mood. Sometimes I want to do longer nails and do acrylic or sns, but other times I opt for something easier and shorter like gel polish. I really like abstract designs, so something like dimensional nails with glitter and gold foil encapsulated in the designs is my choice over painting French tips, but sometimes I’d rater pick up the brush and paint. It’s all just based on how I’m feeling and I enjoy the freedom to be able to do nails in all these different ways.
Q: When are you most proud of a nail set?
A: I am most proud when I see the reactions of those around me. At my work, customers tell me that they are always excited to see the new set I’ve done. Those compliments are so memorable, and I think a big part of being an artist is seeing how my work impacts others. I also feel very proud of myself when I complete a set that I was nervous to attempt or reluctant to try. When I’m able to challenge myself as an artist, I feel the most accomplished.
Q: Why is nail art meaningful to you?
A: Nail art is a way for me to express myself as an artist in a different way than on a regular canvas. I can’t really explain why I like it, but I just do. I think it’s just a hobby that I picked up that I felt I was made to do, it came to me a lot easier than a lot of my classes right now, and this little side thing I used to do twice a month became a large part of my personality and self. And I think that’s what’s most important to me… that it became a whole part of my being and life, and something that I cherish.
Q: Looking back, how much have you’ve grown as a nail artist since you have started?
A: I’ve definitely grown a lot as a nail artist since I first started. When I first started doing nails, I didn’t know that nail polish needed a base coat, and I didn’t even know what base coat was. Now I’m able to do complex designs with gel paint, glitter, and more. It’s fun for me to look back and see the progress I’ve made, and it’s also kind of exhilarating to look to the future and see all the crazy designs that I haven’t tried yet that I’m itching to give a go at.
“[Nail art] is a way for me to express myself as an artist in a different way than on a regular canvas.”
Stone Zhang | photography
*all photos by Stone Zhang*
With art becoming increasingly more versatile, many artists have begun to create their own definitions. In Zhang’s creative journey, it’s clear that he is paving his own artistic path, navigating what it means to be an artist in 2022. Being able to experiment with unique mediums like nail art has allowed Zhang, and countless others, to express not only the person they are, but the person they want to become. As he navigates the world of nail art, Zhang is able to discover his own artistic voice, exploring the endless possibilities of being a nail tech.
Getting a glimpse into Stone’s artistic process has allowed me to understand how important it is to foster all means of creative expression.
“And I think that’s what’s most important to me... nail art became a whole part of my being and life... something that I cherish”
Web Page Design by SARA HSU