This week we caught up with Kelly McPherson, a freelance nail artist based in Los Angeles, CA. We cannot take our eyes off the precise grid design paired with precious floral graphics. Done in neutral shades with a subtle pop of yellow, this nail art look is fresh for fall.
Read on to learn more about this floral grid manicure, plus discover more about the nail artist behind it.
EBONY: Kelly, what inspired the design?
KM: Well, I’d say almost all my designs are collaborative pieces between the client and myself. I don’t always sit and plan designs. I open myself up to whatever comes to me. It’s very organic. For this particular design the client couldn’t decide between a grid and a floral design. It didn’t take long for me to whip up this nail idea. We were both pretty pleased with the outcome!
EBONY: Step-by-step, how did you create the design?
KM: Curing between each step and using all Bio Sculpture Gel polishes, I started the design by applying Sculpting Gel as a base coat using their #6 Round Sable Brush. Next, I applied two coats of Liquorice (a rich black) using their #4 Round Sable Brush.
Then, with a brush my husband custom made for me, I outlined the bottom of the grid with French White (a matte white). Next, I drew the vertical lines, and then the horizontal lines in the same color.
Following that, I used a dotter tool to create the daisy petals with French White and Daffodil (a bright yellow) as the center of each daisy. Lastly, I used their UV Top Coat to seal and create the ultimate gloss finish.
EBONY: How did you become a nail artist?
KM: I had some bad experiences in a popular Los Angeles salon that shall remain nameless. My husband had the bright idea that I start my own project since I have a background in art and fashion. So I did and I’ve never looked back.
EBONY: What do you feel is your artistic significance when it comes to nail art?
KM: I come from a fine art background, which helps me understand the movement and energy of what I’m trying to capture. This is vital when trying to make a nail design come to life. I also like to think of myself as a nail art medium. I take the client’s ideas and turn them into designs they might not have imagined by whimsically letting my mind run wild.
EBONY: What is one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring nail artists?
KM: Never be comfortable with where you stand as an artist. There is always something to refine.
Check out more designs by Kelly McPherson on Instagram @bakenekonails.
–Loren Lee, EBONY.com Freelance Beauty Contributor
