Models

Models are a big deal. Other than practicing ahead of time, they’re probably the most important aspect of competing. Competing is an expensive venture and not scoring a good set of hands can be a real waste of money and your precious time. How good will your artistic creation look if the canvas is nothing less than perfect?

Nice Hands!

Competition after competition I agonize watching competitors search far and wide for a suitable model to use for competition. I can feel their pain after all; I have been in their shoes. I know firsthand the best way to compete is with a model that can travel with you on a regular basis. Someone with nail beds you know like the back of your hand, that can anticipate your needs, who knows how to position her hands and will relax. A true find is the model that understands the importance of the competition to the competitor-- and this is a bigee. Competitors are obsessed with creating that perfect set of nails, so having a model that thinks it’s all about her is super stressful even being that in the end, it really is all about her. Understand that without her you can’t win but a diva model can wreck everything because of the stress her attitude may cause you.

Picking up a random person in the hotel lobby or at the show can also be stressful as well.  You settle for a less than perfect set of hands and seal the deal by offering to pay her and the next thing you know there is a great set of nail beds right around the corner. Or maybe you find the ideal model, set it all up with her, and one of your competitors offers her something better (like money). In an instant your model is gone. Another scenario might be you find your girl, agree on a meeting time and then she’s a no show. Shopping for the afternoon sounded like a lot more fun than sitting for you for 2+ hours. And then there’s the unthinkable—you do your best set of nails, it comes time for the judging and your model disappears. If you want a good model, pay her, give her product or do something to compensate her. Just keep in mind that sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry. 

The ideal model will have fingers that are long and slender. Her nail beds should be consistent nail to nail in length and width.  She needs model quality skin, the ability to listen and be patient. In some categories moons are a plus too because if you have to create them it’s always best if you have her natural ones as a guideline to follow.

I cannot stress enough the importance of preparing a potential model. So many times while judging behind the curtain we hear models complaining, even crying because they need to get to work and didn’t know it was going to last so long.  Take into consideration that every convention center floor is freezing cold, no matter the season! 80% of hands I judge are shivering, sometimes uncontrollably. Models must be told ahead of time to wear layers. Bring an extra jacket for her and some hand warmers from the sporting good store—no kidding.

Here’s a list of suggestions that I hope will help you if you just can’t find the ideal model to travel with you.

1. Craig’s list—Many competitors have had good luck by advertising on Craig’s List. Be sure to include what you’re willing to pay (average is $100 per day), let them know it is contingent on acceptance by email photos and remember to mention what the day entails and how long she will have to sit.
2. Beauty Schools—Check with the local beauty school. Student manicurists can get really excited about the opportunity to experience a competition and watch a “pro” work.
3. Friends—Contact friends you may have living in the area, you never know who may have a niece or sister with great nails!
4. Arrive early—Try to get to the destination city a day early and comb the local restaurants, stores and hotels for potential models. Even contacting local salons may give you some options because every nail tech with a clientele has at least one client with nice hands and nail beds. Maybe one of their clients would like to make a $100 and get a great set of nails. If the show is going on a day or two before your competition the show floor may be your best place to hunt.

Our work is only as good as the canvas it is built upon and we are at our model’s mercy. When you do find a good model remember to treat her with respect and kindness and by all means don’t forget to thank her.   

~Carla