Many girls paint their nails, but not many paint them with artistic skill like Michelle Mellon does! From intricate flower designs to the British flag to unique patterns, Michelle paints her nails in a beautiful new way each week. HerCampus caught up with Michelle to find out more about her passion for painting nails and even got step-by-step instructions on how to do a fabulous job painting your nails from the expert herself, Michelle. We discovered some exciting news for all you Bruins! Michelle paints other people’s nails and she told us that if you email her at mellonmr@hotmail.com you can set up an appointment! So contact her for prices and more details!
Her Campus: How do you get your ideas for your nail designs?
Michelle Mellon: Just by the patterns I see everyday and random things I come across. It could be a folder with a design on the cover or a flower I see walking up to my dorm. I take these designs I see and incorporate them into a unique design that I can fit on my nails.
HC: When did you first start painting your nails?
MM: I went to a Catholic school up until middle school and we weren’t allowed to have our nails painted. So it all really started when I went to high school. Freshman year, I began trying to come up with designs to paint my nails with. I also used to be in art classes so it was kind of a natural thing for me to want to paint my nails with unique designs. My passion for art basically led me to painting my nails. I have found that painting my nails is a good way to take some time express my creativity.
HC: How often do you paint your nails?
MM: Well, I try to paint them at least once a week but with school it is sometimes hard to find the time.
HC: What is your favorite nail design?
MM: My dad is Irish so I am half British and I am fascinated by the British monarchy, so I did my nails with the British flag on them for the Royal Wedding a few weeks ago. I put flowers on each nail with the British flag to decorate them. See some of the pics Michelle so kindly shared with us for some of her favorite nail designs!
HC: If you could give one piece of artistic advice what would it be?
MM: It would be to use soft colors. I really like flowers, gardens, and floral prints in general so soft colors make everything flow and the design look better as a whole. So, using light pinks, purples, blues, and greens allow you to add more detail to the nail and have everything blend in. My favorite nail polish colors are light pink and basically any light, creamy colors.
HC: Lastly, any nail painting tips for the rest of us?
MM: Step one: make sure to file your nails properly so they can be in a nice shape.
Step two: Apply nail polish and depending on the color you might need 1-2 coats. The trick is to start on one side and use a few strokes to work your way to the other side of the nail.
Step three: practice with your “bad hand” so that your left looks just as good as your right, or vice versa.
So there you go UCLA, Michelle Mellon, nail painting artist extraordinaire!