Meet The World’s Star Nail Artist shortlist: DANIELLE BRINDLEY, UK

Danielle Brindley is a nail artist from Staffordshire, UK, and one of the 21 shortlisted applicants in The World’s Star Nail Artist competition 2023. Get to know her, below…

What’s your background in nails? When and why did you enter the nail industry?

I’ve been in the nail industry for 8 years now. I completed training with CND after the birth of my son and I thought I could work hours to suit parenting. I’ve always been artistic and worked in fashion and beauty so this industry feels perfect for me!

What’s been the highlight of your career to date?

The highlight of my career has to be a choice between getting into the finals for pain and polish last year and participating in nail safari last year.

Getting into the finals for polish and paint was the biggest adrenaline rush for me as I didn’t think I had a chance at all! I was literally preparing myself and the scratch staff for me to pass out during the competition so the fact that I completed my piece on the day AND won was a massive achievement for me! It’s all about the personal growth for me and I pushed myself so hard to achieve my potential.

Participating in nail safari was also a highlight for my career as I had the privilage of receiving education from amazing artists and was able to meet many other likeminded nail techs/artists from all over the world. The feeling of acceptance in such a positive, safe and unique creative environment was so inspiring and warm like a family. I learnt so much about myself and I gained not only friendship but knowledge and experiences that I cherish.

What are your career goals and aspirations?

I want to continue to learn and adapt as the industry changes to push myself. I aim to turn my nail qualifications into and NVQ, which I had planed to do this year if I hadn’t got into the scratch finals, and maybe do a teaching qualification. I would also like to perfect more extreme nail styles and shapes; I’m so grateful to WSNA for allowing me to delve into this more experimental nail work!

What kind of nail artist are you? What’s your signature style and favoured techniques?

I love colour and individuality and hand painted nail art on wearable nails. I love expressing personality through unusual, intricate hand painted designs; designs that play with light, like Korean styles or the cat eye magnetic designs, are some of my favourite as I want the person to look at the nail and wonder how it’s been created.

What do you love about working in the nail industry?

Working in the nail industry has allowed me to be myself, to express myself through my creativity and to be recognised for being an artist. The creativity, the friendships, the people I have met and their passion for their career and their chosen brands and education is unlike any other profession. And the constant evolutions, of products and techniques only inspires more creativity.

How did you feel to be shortlisted in The World’s Star Nail Artist competition?

Like it really wasn’t happening! I thought I had either completely got the wrong end of the stick with the brief or that it would stand out with my entry; I didn’t think for a second I had a chance!

How did you find the preliminary challenge?

I loved the challenge and the opportunity to be creative and make nails that are completely impractical! It was a shock, realising how much work was involved and I struggles with balancing family life and appointments alongside working on the competition but it was a great brief to work on despite it being confusing.

What is this competition doing for your profile and skillset?

It’s been a whirlwind; I’ve not really had time to reflect on the competition process yet but it’s pushing me to try new things I had never considered doing and has introduced me to many amazing artists.

If you could create artistic nails for anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what design would you create?

While Thierry Mugler has always been an inspiration to me since I studied art and design at college and designing nails around his creations would be a pleasure to create, I actually think I would pick Alex Fox. She has such positivity, and gives off so many good vibes; I love being in her company and it would be an absolute please to do her nails. I would create whatever she wanted, but if it had to be a surprise for her- it would be something nail safari inspired some animal print and maybe a capybara.

What would it mean to you to win this competition?

It’s an achievement in itself to be shortlisted. I don’t think I could possibly win but every step of this process has taught me something about myself and has helped me to explore the world more. I’ve tried new techniques and hope to continue to do so and hopefully introduce myself to other professionals with the same passion as me. I’m trying to stay true to myself and be the best version of me while pushing myself beyond my limits and making myself proud.

Follow Danielle Brindley: 

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Instagram: missbrinnynailartist

TikTok: missbrinnynailartist