Isis Nicole
I interview cool people and obsess over nails. I pretty much find inspiration from creators and positive thinkers. You can get an idea of my interest by viewing my blog, as well as stories and interviews composed by me. To any online editorials or glossy publications looking for someone new, take a chance with this gal right here.
"Tell him I’ve been too fucking busy or vice versa"- Dorothy Parker
I'd love to hear from you so make yourself known. All interview inquires send to gigi.mag.support@gmail.com
xx
@isisnicole
I got my ‘Punky Florals’ by Astrowifey and already thinking of what’s next!
(Source: astrowifey.wordpress.com)
So last night I went to illroots launch party w/ friends and got my #illamerica nailsdid by @astrowifey for the event. I had lots of fun, especially when the beers became free. I also got to meet a few new faces and catch up with Darnell. Best moment: when my nails got called FRESH. Unfortunately people didn’t really break out of their circles, but I did get to hand out a few biz cards. Even learned that Chiddy Bang was in the building. That DJ should have played ‘The Good Life’ from that Taco Bell commercial cz that songs a hit!
i’m just getting in from photoshoot w/ @astrowifey and cameron killa derby. i had a blast! it was cold in the C tho. chicago…you freeze me. but i had an awesome time w/ awesome ladies.
p.s., that wig was giving me the hardest time!
Look what I got in the mail today! My Top Tendance dvd from France :-) My nailsdid by AstroWifey got featured in a segment on the show. My thinking is that nail art seems so much more appreciated overseas. M6 yall sure do keep yall word! I thought this was a pretty good look ♥ and I was honored to have a lil hand time on the show. P.S. Sophy Robson had a few photos on there as well which was nice. So again, thank you for that Celine Dherbecourt!
I’ve wanted to post a new interview for the longest so here is my latest with windy city tipsetter (yes I just threw in the perfect term I learned from Lushy Lurkdat) Ashley Crowe aka @Astrowifey. Truly a gem who gives giving her all. This woman can touch any nail and make it look like a new found treasure. I wish nothing but the best for this bish, as she is the most humble hustler I know. We discussed inspirations, challenges, weird ass requests, even her love for the nail queen Sophy Robson. This is just a first draft of a pending article I will be writing shortly after Thanksgiving break. Get familiar with Astrowifey and book some appointments with her (especially you folks in the Chicago area).Name Ashley CroweHometown Chicago, ILAge 22Most Known For: Nail ArtUnknown For: My personal artWhat music has to be playing in the background for you to get your work started? I’m always open to everything! Depends on the day. I have to admit, I’m a bit addicted to Pharcyde radio on Pandora though.
When did you start designing nails and why?
Back in 2008. I started designing my own nails because I was so into nail art that I noticed was big in L.A. I searched everywhere on the internet for salons in Chicago and didn’t find what I was looking for. I didn’t want the typical nail art that I had seen in the salons. Having always been into art and having experience with painting and drawing, I channeled those techniques into nail art. I started doing my own nails, then my best friend, and soon other people, were contacting me to do their nails. I got educated, practiced, and AstroWifey began!What’s your favorite piece of nail art you’ve coined or created?
I love doing the Alexander McQueen print inspired by a dress that Drew Barrymore wore to an awards ceremony. I went with the tribal-like print, and it has been my most popular print so far!I learned of your love for Sophy Robson. Would you consider her a bit of motivation to you as artist?
Yes! Super inspired by her work. I came across her when I first was getting into nail art. I love that she takes nail art to another level, which is completely how I view my craft. Its not just nails. She’s doing events and involved in projects and creating products. I hope that I can one day be living out my dreams the same way. Baby steps!With the popularity of nail art, there are just as many good designs as there are bad. Any nail trends you wish to see leave?
Duck nails—-meaning the nails that flare out like triangles. I also dislike Jersey Shore type nails. I just can’t dig it. But I can respect the fact that people love it and rock it. If your feeling it that is all that matters.How do you set yourself apart from so many other designers out there?
I don’t really try to set myself apart, I’m just ME. I try to create unique designs and one of a kind nail art. But if I had to choose something that I feel sets me apart from other nail artists I hope it would be that I really am passionate about natural nail care. I’m not only just into the nail design. I care about getting your nails healthy and strong.What’s your biggest challenge so far?
Tumblr (laughs). When I started blogging my pictures of my nail art in 2008, nail art was definately getting popular, but not at the level that it is now. In a way I love that my industry is growing and flourishing and it’s exciting to be a part of it all. But at the same time, now everyone wants to be in the nail game. I know there is room from all of us, but it is frustrating when you see your work duplicated by others without any credit given. Especially when it’s more well-know nail artists. I don’t have tolerance for this. If someone brings me a picture of another person’s nail art and I cant persuade them to put my own spin on it, then I will always give credit in my post for the inspiration. I want to give the nail artist the respect and credit they deserve. I would just like that same respect in return.
What’s your most prized accomplishment(s)?
I just got my first magazine publication this month in Scratch! I’m a huge fan and feel really honored that they wanted to do a Q&A including me in their story on “Nails on the Net.” Especially since it’s a UK magazine and I’m in the U.S.I know that you love to do events which is dope! Can people expect you to have some more Astrowifey nail pop up’s around the city and beyond?Definitely! I plan on traveling to other cities really soon. I’m working on flying out to NY in January and I have a few things up my sleeve for the following months. You can always follow where I will be at next by following on Twitter, Facebook, or my Blog, or contact me for an event in your city!
Are there any upcoming projects you’re working on that you’d like to share?
I’m working on t-shirt designs and a possible semi-permanent pop-up nail shop in a local retailer. I also would LOVE to be doing a nail bar at Top Shop. Holler if you have a connect (laughs)!Who, besides a family member, do you find inspirational and why?
I’m inspired by way too much to choose just one! I know that sounds like a cop out, but I seriously find inspiration from everywhere and everything.If you could design anyone’s nails who would it be and why?
I saw your recent post on Iggy Azalea and talk about a girl crush! I would love to keep her nails fly! And definitely Kid Sister. She’s a fellow Chicagoan and always reps the flyest nails.
What’s the craziest nail request you’ve had from someone?
I once had a request to embed an ultrasound picture in acrylic for a baby shower. If the client requests it, I’ll make it happen!
Any advice to aspiring artists?
Follow your dreams. I aspired to be a nurse when I graduated high school, but after working in health care for a few years I realized it wasn’t the direction for me. I’ve always been a creative individual but never thought I could be in a field and be successful doing anything creative. Everyone thought I was crazy when I said I didn’t want to be a nurse and wanted to do nails I received so much criticism. But it feels so nice that even those people who doubted me are now supporting. It does sound crazy but if its your passion, then you should do it! Don’t worry about the money at first. That all falls into place. Yes it’s a ton of hard work, but the hard work is so much more enjoyable and so worth the struggle.*PHOTOS TAKEN FROM ASTROWIFEY FACEBOOK PAGE*Ashley Crowe
Nail Designer
www.AstroWifey.wordpress.com
Twitter/Facebook: AstroWifey
I’ve been curious about nail artist Madeline Poole ever since my eyes got hooked to her blog. I was like, ‘who is this mystery woman with all these phenomenal designs?!’. Poole be getting hella reblogs, like literally thousands, in just a couple hours. ‘I must interview this b***h!!!!’—-was all I could repeat. And sure enough, the worldwide web linked us together and I felt ever so grateful to have gotten a closer understanding of who Madeline Poole is. She discusses her inspiration from Kandinsky, opinion on nail art buzz, egg dioramas and more. Madeline is a creator to say the least. And a humble heart, I say, with the utmost sincerity as a tipsetter to another. Peep my interview (well q&a) with Maddie after the jump.
Name: Madeline Poole
Hometown: Baltimore, MD but now living in Los Angeles.
Age: 25
Blog: http://madelinepoolenails.tumblr.com/
Most Known For: Nail art?
Unknown For: I make egg dioramas and drawings.
Favorite blogs:
Manishtama, my ultimate most favorite blog http://manishtama.blogspot.com
So tell me a little bit about yourself (aside from nails because we’ll get into that as we go):
I moved here [Los Angeles] a few years ago and started off looking to work in fashion. I wanted to design clothes. I’ve been doing a glorified couch surf and finally found a place. I guess I really live in LA now and I’m trying to find my way here.
You just changed your blog layout! It looks good. What brought on the change?
Isis! You really are the the quickest to notice every time! I’ve been wanting to change it since day one… And I’ll hopefully be changing it again and again and again until it satisfies me.
Do you have background in music or a sort of routine you need in order to start designing?
I like looking at other-non-nail-related things, looking at art, record covers, old books, rocks, clip-art, egg dioramas, botany charts, runway shows or even other peoples closets and apartments to see collections of patterns together. Sometimes I plan out designs on nail wheels or sketch them with pencil.
When did you start doing nails and why?
Not long ago… I always painted my own nails but I didn’t start getting experimental with it until a year and a half ago. And even then it was just an occasional getting-dressed-up-crazy-accessory. It didn’t start taking over my life until about 5 months ago when I started my blog and started documenting what I was doing.
What’s your favorite piece of nail art you’ve coined or created?
I don’t know that I’ve coined anything… maybe the combination’s I choose are my own. But everything’s been done before, I can only really reinvent. The outlined nail and negative space nails are some of my favorite and most original.
I love your artistry and detail. You got skills girl. Is this a gift (like you just woke up and could do this sh*t) or much practiced?
Thank you. I’ve had a long history with painting. I worked with my mom since I was a kid, she’s a muralist and faux-finisher, she taught me how to paint fake marble and wood grain and leather. And I’ve got to give credit to my old job in Baltimore at The Poster Repair Company, where I spent several years restoring vintage posters, mixing colors and reconstructing missing pieces of lithographs with extremely small paintbrushes. I learned how to mix color and match color very quickly.
Why do you think there is this new found buzz around nails?
It’s an easy way to be expressive and change your look constantly without having to buy a bunch of new stuff. I’m not sure why there’s such a buzz, maybe it’s that when you have no extra cash but you still want to be fabulous, you can always paint your nails.
Just as there are crazy good designs, there are also some bad bunches floating around the bloggyverse. Any nail trends you wish to see leave?
Hmmm. Sure, theres a lot of garbage but I sort of like it all. I did notice this fan shaped nail and that is fascinating me at the moment. Have you seen that?
[Dang, I don’t think so…maybe?!]
How do you set yourself apart from other designers out there?
I don’t do anything intentionally, but I’m usually designing with a bit of my intuition.
What does it take to be successful and motivated in this business?
As soon as I decided I was dedicated to nails as my livelihood, I started feeling like I could actually find some success. It feels right to me to be doing this, so I naturally feel motivated.
What’s your biggest challenge so far?
Waiting for nail polish to dry.
What’s your most prized accomplishment(s)?
Leaving Baltimore and moving to a city where I knew barely anyone.
Do you have any pop-up events or nail tours for your fans outside of LA?
I would like to of course! I hope to be doing a nail party in NY around the new year.
Can your press-on’s be ordered? And do you take nail art requests?
Sure, no one’s ever ordered them but I wouldn’t be opposed! I’m working on developing a limited edition series of press-ons for this mysterious “brand” a friend of mine is starting… As far as requests go, I do take them but only if I think that I can put my own spin on the idea in a way that I’ll be happy with.
Are there any upcoming projects you’re working on that you’re open to share?
There are some projects in the works, some I have to keep a secret. But the press ons I mentioned, and I’m working on an album cover.
Who, besides a family member, do you find inspirational and why?
Maybe this is a boring answer but most of my close friends are artists and they have a major influence on me. Also Kandinsky and people on the street.
If you could design anyone’s nails who would it be?
OH BOY. Prince.
Have you got in touch with Lady Gaga yet? Naomi Yasuda could make some room for collaboration or competition!
No! Sadly, no Gaga. Working with Naomi would be a dreamy. I could stand to learn some things from her. Can someone convince her to read this?
What’s the craziest nail request you’ve had from someone?
My friend Janine wants me paste some of her dogs fur onto her nails, which I plan to do.
Any advice to aspiring artists?
You really have to self-promote even though it feels weird. Otherwise, no one will ever see what you do.
Additional: how to book apptments, service menu
Email: Madelinepoolenails@gmail.com
My shoes/weapon/bottle opener. I make purchases based on form and function. The higher the heel the closer to God.
