Struggling to find original inspiration for your nail art? Read our tips on how to get your creative juices flowing!

Tuesday 6th Aug 2024

Nail art is a fantastic way to express your personality and creativity. However, even the most imaginative artists can hit a creative block. Fortunately, inspiration is all around us if we know where to look.

Here’s our guide to finding fresh and original ideas for your next nail art masterpiece.

1. Look to Nature

Nature is a boundless source of inspiration with its vast array of colors, patterns, and textures. Here’s how you can draw from it:

Floral Patterns: Observe the intricate designs of flowers, leaves, and vines. The vibrant hues and delicate details can translate beautifully onto nails. Think of a rose's soft gradient or a sunflower's striking contrast.
Landscapes and Seasons: Capture the essence of different landscapes, such as a beach sunset or a winter wonderland. Seasonal changes can inspire colour palettes and motifs, like autumn leaves or spring blossoms.
Animal Prints and Textures: Consider the textures and patterns found in animals, such as the spots of a leopard or the stripes of a zebra. Even the scales of a fish or the feathers of a bird can offer unique design ideas.

2. Find Inspiration in Artwork

Art is a rich resource for innovative ideas. Here’s how to use it for nail art:

Famous Paintings: Take cues from well-known pieces, such as Van Gogh’s swirling “Starry Night” or Mondrian’s bold geometric patterns. Try to replicate these on a smaller scale or use them as a starting point.
Art Movements: Explore different art styles like abstract, impressionism, or pop art. Each movement has distinct characteristics that can be adapted for nails, such as the bold colours of Fauvism or the delicate lines of Art Nouveau.
Local Artists and Exhibitions: Visit galleries or follow local artists online to see fresh and contemporary work. You might find a unique style or technique that sparks your creativity.

3. Explore Wallpaper and Textures

Wallpaper designs and textures can offer surprising sources of inspiration. Here’s how to utilise them:

Patterns and Repeats: Wallpaper often features repeating patterns that can be perfect for nail art. Look for motifs that appeal to you, like geometric shapes, florals, or damask designs.
Textures: The tactile quality of different materials can inspire unique nail finishes. Think about the roughness of brick, the smoothness of marble, or the woven texture of fabric.
Vintage and Retro Designs: Delve into retro wallpaper patterns for a nostalgic twist. The bold, colorful designs of the ’60s and ’70s can bring a funky vibe to your nails.

4. Use a Colour Wheel

The colour wheel is a valuable tool for creating harmonious and eye-catching designs. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Complementary Colours: Choose colours opposite each other on the wheel for a bold contrast, such as blue and orange or purple and yellow.
Analogous Colours: Select colours next to each other for a more harmonious look, like different shades of blue and green.
Triadic Colours: Use three evenly spaced colours for a vibrant and balanced design, such as red, yellow, and blue.

Experimenting with different colour combinations can lead to exciting and unexpected results.

5. Look at Clothes Designers

Fashion is constantly evolving, offering endless ideas for nail art:

Runway Trends: Watch fashion shows to see the latest trends in colours, patterns, and textures. Designers often push the boundaries, providing fresh ideas for nail art enthusiasts.
Fabric and Prints: Look at the prints and fabrics used in clothing, such as plaid, polka dots, or lace. These can be translated into intricate nail designs.
Iconic Fashion Eras: Draw inspiration from past fashion eras, such as the elegant lines of the 1920s or the bold prints of the 1980s. Each era offers distinct elements that can be reimagined on nails.

Finding inspiration for original nail art is all about observing the world around you and drawing from a variety of sources. Whether it’s the natural beauty of a flower, the dynamic colours of a painting, the patterns of wallpaper, or the latest fashion trends, there’s no limit to the ideas you can explore. So, let your creativity run wild and start experimenting with new designs.

Moyra UK has you covered when it comes to nail art supplies!

From stamping, to glitter, to stickers, to gel paints, to the finest quality watercolour paints...we have it all!