This week we caught up with Sashanie Gray, a freelance manicurist and editorial/runway nail artist based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Trend: Traveling is meant to inspire, whether you take a day trip to the next town over or jet around the globe. This version of the travel-inspired nail trend sets aside common sights one may encounter on vacation. Nail artist Sashanie Gray decided to illustrate the infatuation with wanderlust by focusing on the act of traveling itself. As the saying goes, “It’s not the destination, but the journey that counts.” Learn more about travel-inspired nail art creation below.
EBONY: What inspired the design?
Sashanie Gray: One of my clients is an air hostess. She wanted a design that paid homage to her career and passion for traveling.
EBONY: How did you create this design?
SG: This design was freehand painted using gel polish and acrylic paints, but can be duplicated using regular polish and nail art striper brushes. The gel polish brand is Perfect Match by Le Chat Nails. The colors I used are as follows: Angel from Above (blue), Flawless White (white), and Paloma (nude). The acrylic paints I used are by Crafts Mart. They can be purchased at any crafts store. Suggested regular polish alternatives are Essie’s Borrowed and Blue (blue), OPI’s Alpine Snow (white), and Essie’s Sugar Daddy (nude).
EBONY: How did you become a nail artist?
SG: I have a background in illustration and fine arts that evolved into nail artistry and design.
EBONY: What do you feel is your artistic significance when it comes to nail art?
SG: Nail art has evolved into a more involved channel for me to express myself. It has become more personal and intimate. As a nail artist, it has become significant for me to [be] able to translate how my client wishes to express herself, thereby leaving symbolic meaning behind [a] piece of art.
—Loren Lee
