The Great Scratch Shoot Out 2020

Tiia Puputti "Love nature and birds. This theme was also choosen by models peacock tattoo. I love detailed nail art and freehand painting, so there is peacocks head painted with gels in one finger. These are gel nails."

Toni Rodway "I love to create an ombré! These sculpted Baby pink ombrés are so classic and goes with everything you wear! I teamed it with a marble and I think it looks lovely, more importantly the client was thrilled."

Wilma Peeters "Happy days are always there."

Wilma Peeters "Secrets are in me forever."

Pippa Trotter "My image shows me and represents my passion for nails and the beauty. I love a classic yet stylish look and I strive to create the perfect smile lines. I am constantly trying to improve my skill and love learning from the great educators this industry has. I love being creative. Make up, nails and fashion all in one photo. Being able to express and showcase my style in the hope that I may be able to win this amazing competition and be recognised for my work would be a dream come true."

Lianne Uddin "Leopard print is like my statement print everyone associates it with me, I've done it colourful, matte and raised like winter sweater to represent my bubbly character and the bright pink is my favourite colour it always makes me smile, I absolutely love this set I've been wearing during lockdown its fun, summery and just me. It also shows off my lockdown tan a treat."

Alexandra Teleki "I tried to incorporate all the things I love, wear and that make me the person I am today. The fashion choices were based on my favourite hairstyle that I wear for events and for travelling, as it's not only comfortable but immensely fashionable. I am by no means a makeup artist, so I've done an easy and light everyday makeup. The outfit is a traditional Japanese dragon, which represents the strength in me to overcome situations and grow wiser, as well as my artistic freedom, whilst the red represents power. My nails are simple yet effective, choosing my favourite shape and colour. As for the metallic element, metal represents obstinacy, fortitude, honor, courage, sharpness of mind, tenacity and confidence, which I believe would explain my personality in a nutshell."

Alexandra Teleki "I tried to incorporate all the things I love, wear and that make me the person I am today. The fashion choices were based on my favourite hairstyle that I wear for events and for travelling, as it's not only comfortable but immensely fashionable. I am by no means a makeup artist, so I've done an easy and light everyday makeup. The outfit is a traditional Japanese dragon, which represents the strength in me to overcome situations and grow wiser, as well as my artistic freedom, whilst the red represents power. My nails are simple yet effective, choosing my favourite shape and colour. As for the metallic element, metal represents obstinacy, fortitude, honor, courage, sharpness of mind, tenacity and confidence, which I believe would explain my personality in a nutshell."

Senay Tayfur "My entries represent my spirituality and ability to connect and heal using crystals. I have been practising energy work and clairvoyance for many years, where my crystals have played a big part in assisting me, especially my pendulum. Even though Covid-19 has sadly been an unfortunate experience, it gave me the time to showcase my passion for crystals by expressing their beauty on nails. My entries may not contain an image of me or another person, but I feel where crystals are concerned, they speak for themselves."

Senay Tayfur "My entries represent my spirituality and ability to connect and heal using crystals. I have been practising energy work and clairvoyance for many years, where my crystals have played a big part in assisting me, especially my pendulum. Even though Covid-19 has sadly been an unfortunate experience, it gave me the time to showcase my passion for crystals by expressing their beauty on nails. My entries may not contain an image of me or another person, but I feel where crystals are concerned, they speak for themselves."

Lee-Ann Naidoo "I’m originally from Africa but been in England for 28 years. I love living here but I’m equally proud of being different and sharing all the colour and vibrance of my heritage."

Danielle Currie "I absolutely adore intricate patterns such as lace but also love patterns from nature flowers etc, inspiration taken from my many mandala tattoos and my love for the colour blue. I love black & white photography as it makes everything look airbrushed & perfect but love a modern twist with coloured accents. Hand painted nail art is my passion as it’s always unique and personal."

Oksana Smirnova "This picture is showing what I love to do apart just salon nails, I did enjoyed doing this set on myself."

Neringa Alsauskiene "I am absolutley in love with creativity projects and chalanges. I can express my self, open my soul and release my imagination, break standards. This is my passion and my breath..."

Kym Symington "This photo represents myself, exploring my colourful side, focusing on crisp clean lines and contrasting blends! As a first time competitor, I'm hoping to invite the audience into my fun, mesmerising look!"

Olivia Collins "Being a young nail tech in a small town has its challenges. I don’t often get to express myself with nail art so I took this opportunity to push myself way past my limits. This is me. I’ve never sculpted nails on myself past a number 1... these are a 4.5 which I definitely struggled with. I’ve never made any shapes out of acrylic so I tried to do my best with a mermaid tail. I don’t hand paint so I freehanded some scales, I’ve never done a full Swarovski crystal nail before but I did it. I find it hard to express myself in a small town sometimes but I think I exceeded all of my own personal expectations with this project."

Olivia Collins "Being a young nail tech in a small town has its challenges. I don’t often get to express myself with nail art so I took this opportunity to push myself way past my limits. This is me. I’ve never sculpted nails on myself past a number 1... these are a 4.5 which I definitely struggled with. I’ve never made any shapes out of acrylic so I tried to do my best with a mermaid tail. I don’t hand paint so I freehanded some scales, I’ve never done a full Swarovski crystal nail before but I did it. I find it hard to express myself in a small town sometimes but I think I exceeded all of my own personal expectations with this project."

Leanne Curran "I love being on holiday, it's the one thing I look forward to, I save all year so we can go abroad every year. This year has been really hard not being able to go. At first I got really down about it but then I just gave my all to nails doing them makes me happy."

Abbigail Colston "My nails represent me as I listen to spotify and watch netflix. I also went to polefit classes before lockdown and looking forward to going back when it safe to open. I love shopping in primark and always seem to buy at least one thing Disney. My nails gives insight of my interests and part of daily life."

Simone Radley "I think my entries represent me as they are totally different styles which is how I feel my work is, totally different and eclectic i’ll do one thing one day and something totally different the next and can never decide on one favourite style or technique I love it all. One image is girly, soft and pastel with a summer theme fitting the time of year while the other is more bold and edgy with a technological theme representing how life recently has turned more to technology than human interaction. So i would describe these imagines exactly as I would describe myself, different, eclectic and fun."

Simone Radley "I think my entries represent me as they are totally different styles which is how I feel my work is, totally different and eclectic i’ll do one thing one day and something totally different the next and can never decide on one favourite style or technique I love it all. One image is girly, soft and pastel with a summer theme fitting the time of year while the other is more bold and edgy with a technological theme representing how life recently has turned more to technology than human interaction. So i would describe these imagines exactly as I would describe myself, different, eclectic and fun."

Ivana Prokic "The text 'Be Kind' on the nails goes back to my childhood. As a child with immigrant parents, with a non-Swedish family name and having dyslexia, what those days was not so well known, people were just not so nice. I felt i didn't fit in. When i moved to Belgium and I saw a photoshoot where Ilona helped out a bullied kid, I felt lots of appreciation and found a good friend in her. I finally found my place now and feel good with myself. People being kind can make such a big difference in life."

Ivana Prokic "With everything in life, i like basic, elegant looks. That's why French nails are my favorite and my signature. It started in Sweden. For the shoot i chose pastel colours and mixed it with a twisted french to match the whole picture."

Agnes Dullo "I like to make a statement, so I choose to use bold colours that compliment each other. The overall mood of the images show what we all should be like: fearless and free."

Agnes Dullo "I like to make a statement, so I choose to use bold colours that compliment each other. The overall mood of the images show what we all should be like: fearless and free."

Alyssa Fronce "My entry represents me because as a nail tech I enjoy a clean simple look, which I tried to portray in this picture. Between the white shiplap background, the simple floral nail art and the clean cuticles. What you see is my style and persona played out perfectly!"

Carly Dorman "This is me. I have chosen mental health as it’s something I have suffered with for many years the dark and the bright side suffering from many traumatic past events , the dark side showing the inner hidden pain and not wanting nails or any thing done feeling broken inside the hidden pain that isn’t clear for others to see the way mental health can effect our body to. The bright side having make up, hair and full nails done shining bright and standing proud. I have used the art of one stroke as find this so therapeutic for my mental health, roses are one of my favourite flowers which represents growth, the butterfly represents change, the crystals represent to keep shining bright. Using the nailchemy’s beautiful minds gel polish’s, acrylic and crystals from Crystal Parade. Model- make up- hair- nails - myself. Photography - My husband"

Carly Dorman "This is me. I have chosen mental health as it’s something I have suffered with for many years the dark and the bright side suffering from many traumatic past events , the dark side showing the inner hidden pain and not wanting nails or any thing done feeling broken inside the hidden pain that isn’t clear for others to see the way mental health can effect our body to. The bright side having make up, hair and full nails done shining bright and standing proud. I have used the art of one stroke as find this so therapeutic for my mental health, roses are one of my favourite flowers which represents growth, the butterfly represents change, the crystals represent to keep shining bright. Using the nailchemy’s beautiful minds gel polish’s, acrylic and crystals from Crystal Parade. Model- make up- hair- nails - myself. Photography - My husband"

Carly Dorman "This is me. I have chosen mental health as it’s something I have suffered with for many years the dark and the bright side suffering from many traumatic past events , the dark side showing the inner hidden pain and not wanting nails or any thing done feeling broken inside the hidden pain that isn’t clear for others to see the way mental health can effect our body to. The bright side having make up, hair and full nails done shining bright and standing proud. I have used the art of one stroke as find this so therapeutic for my mental health, roses are one of my favourite flowers which represents growth, the butterfly represents change, the crystals represent to keep shining bright. Using the nailchemy’s beautiful minds gel polish’s, acrylic and crystals from Crystal Parade. Model- make up- hair- nails - myself. Photography - My husband"

Hayley Fox "This photo represents me because I have had a really tough year. Like so many people out there! At Christmas my partner of 3 years left, I lost my job, My pets had to be re homed. I didn’t have a penny to my name! but for the last 2 months I’ve picked myself up, worked with the job centre and ‘rose from the ashes’ and I am now starting my own nail business! It’s not much but it’s mine. My future used to scare me, now it excites me! I love being a nail technician, I smile everyday now. I want to inspire other women to not give up! Go for it! When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose. Be the Phoenix." 

Candy Pap "Working as a nail tech I often file the top of my nail or the decoration so I decided to decorate under the tip. This 2 tone nail represents my personality, can be pure like white with a rose or cheeky like pink with the diamonds at the same time."

Sarah Kay Abbott "This entry is all about me. It’s my favourite movie of all time and also I done all my own hair, makeup and photoshoot. I really feel this represents who I am and the things I love, long nails, freehand nail art, makeup and movie. Plus Lydia Deetz is my favourite character so I had to be here."

Debbie Marangos "This is a first for me, as I have never entered a competition being the model. Although nails are my absolute passion, I didn't want to go with the obvious, so I did something to reflect my way of life, and that is as a Rastafarian woman. I have incorporated the traditional Rasta colours in the nail design, red, gold, green & black, and I created the One Love heart emblem, out of Swarovski crystals & black caviar beads over a base of builder gel. I wanted my hair to be in the photo, as this is who I am, my hair is my strength, and I wanted the nails in fierce stiletto form, to represent the lionesses claws. My business name, Lioness Paws, is a great reflection of who I am, a nail artist, a mother to 13 children, and a powerful & strong woman."

Grace Suggett "My love for minimalism, white, gold and pearl/shell inspired these images. Having grown up in the small town of Saltburn by the Sea, it would be wrong for me not to feel a connection to the ocean and all that comes with it. Last year my love for all things beach took me to the small Greek islands of Ios and Santorini. Whilst there I completely fell in love with the hundreds of immaculate and minimalist white buildings, stunning beaches scattered with sea shells and unbelievable golden sunsets! The golden sunsets, stunning white buildings and sandy beaches of Greece and Saltburn by the Sea combined is what I hoped to capture in my images. This is why I chose a minimalist white background, added a touch of gold and pearl and incorporated a sea shell earring."

Grace Suggett "My love for minimalism, white, gold and pearl/shell inspired these images. Having grown up in the small town of Saltburn by the Sea, it would be wrong for me not to feel a connection to the ocean and all that comes with it. Last year my love for all things beach took me to the small Greek islands of Ios and Santorini. Whilst there I completely fell in love with the hundreds of immaculate and minimalist white buildings, stunning beaches scattered with sea shells and unbelievable golden sunsets! The golden sunsets, stunning white buildings and sandy beaches of Greece and Saltburn by the Sea combined is what I hoped to capture in my images. This is why I chose a minimalist white background, added a touch of gold and pearl and incorporated a sea shell earring."

Grace Suggett "My love for minimalism, white, gold and pearl/shell inspired these images. Having grown up in the small town of Saltburn by the Sea, it would be wrong for me not to feel a connection to the ocean and all that comes with it. Last year my love for all things beach took me to the small Greek islands of Ios and Santorini. Whilst there I completely fell in love with the hundreds of immaculate and minimalist white buildings, stunning beaches scattered with sea shells and unbelievable golden sunsets! The golden sunsets, stunning white buildings and sandy beaches of Greece and Saltburn by the Sea combined is what I hoped to capture in my images. This is why I chose a minimalist white background, added a touch of gold and pearl and incorporated a sea shell earring."

Sinead Bulley "This entry represents me as I absolutely love anything to do with halloween or hocus pocus so I feel it shows my love for all things spooky. I also love bright colours which again is shown on my nails in the photo. I was my own hand model in this shoot using a professional photographer."

Sophie Gore "In my photo I decided to stay true to myself and simply smile. I am not a model who knows how to pose for the perfect photo, I am a beauty therapist from Sheffield who is very passionate about the industry with the dream to grow my business by challenging myself. As you can see I'm never without a cup of tea in my hands and I believe this particular cup couldn't represent my style any better. The ring I'm wearing is one I wear everyday as it was given to my mother, the first time my father proposed to her. The bracelet I'm wearing has my nickname "Soph" ingrave into it as well as a diamond which represents my birth month. I also chose to go with opal nails as opal is too, a birthstone known to be associated with April. Finally my backdrop is my beauty room blanket."

Eloise Nom Chong "The darkness of the photo represents the obstacles and hardships we encounter in life, the crown represents a reminder of who I am able/meant to be a placement in my life, the ability to rise above and conquer trials and tribulations with steadfastness and unwavering strength. The positioning of my head, facing upwards represents, keeping my head up through all life's issues, good and bad the light shining on me is my faith and reminder that there are always ways to rise out of any situation. The red nails are my assertiveness, boldness and my extroverted personality. I chose the color red because it puts an emphasis on the nails which are my career, its my grounding and foundation of why I am able to be where I am today."

Evelin Nagy "I'm grateful for this opportunity, it was pretty exciting, and I could finally get out of my comfort-zone. My poster is about all of my life. Dominating my favorite color, black, black & of course black. Crows and viking culture are playing a huge role in my life. The black make-up, the skull and feathers - dark as my personality. In my opinion Stiletto is one of the most beautiful extreme nail form: Gracious, wild and wonderful at the same time. The nails are acrylgel and gel nails. The skull are made from acrylic powder, and painted with painting gels. In the thumbnail I sculpted in tiny treasures in the french part. For a little extra, I used feathers and rhinestones as decoration."

Nicole Dowling "I've titled my entry 'Behind the Nails'. In my day to day general life I am the most confident out going person, always the life of the party BUT for some reason i struggle to talk about my self when it comes to my job. If anyone asked what I do for a living a just say "I'm a nail tech " I never mention I'm a buisness owner of 16 years, an educator for pure nails and a waiting list for clients. I feel terribly uncomfortable when I talk about my career I'd rather the ground swallowed me up ! I prefer my nails to do the talking rather then me hence my titled image - I feel it's the perfect representaion of me and my life in the nail industry."

Theresa Foddering "This image couldn’t represent me stronger if I had tried. To my friends I’m nicknamed Mermicorn, because of my love of the sea and anything glitter. Even the sea glistens itself. (And naturally my favourite colour is blue.) When briefed to present myself this was my immediate choice - Me in my true happy place - which is on the south coast in Dorset. My nails also represent the glistening wash of waves, and I have to admit they are my favourite nails I’ve created on myself to date. This time has Provided great reflection for me - I have rode the storm and I’m now drifting off into the sunset."

Emma Brock "I love all thing japanese related i even have a japanese theme garden. Also during lockdown I attended an online nail marathon where I learnt about different nail shapes and structure so I wanted to incorporate my new knowledge."

Emma Brock "I am obsessed with flamingos so just had to do an image involving them."

Marzena Maria Zygmunt "I have always liked pastel colours, something delicate... classy it’s exactly what I like on nail."

Marzena Maria Zygmunt "I have always liked pastel colours, something delicate... classy it’s exactly what I like on nail."

Deanna Stelmaschuk "This entry represents me in many ways. Girly but dark, I love the contrast or pairing something dark or edgy with something soft and girly. I have a sunglasses obsession, a pair for every outfit. So naturally when going through all the photos I selected one with sunglasses. I've always wanted to do a canola field shoot to pay homage to where I grew up. I did the styling, hair , makeup, and nails for the shoot. For the nails I chose a sharp bright edgy design topped with flowers for softness on a short salon style stiletto. This is a design I would actually wear. I feel this set and shoot really captured my personality and my upbringing. My amazing niece Morgan Fraser took this beautiful photo. I'm very lucky to have such a talented up and coming photographer in my family bubble. Very handy in these challenging times."

Sara Cady "“You.” I thought ‘How can I create an image that portrays a personality, an individual?’ I must have done a good job, as when I presented my image to my model (best friend) she said ‘That’s exactly what I thought you’d say! That’s what I think of when I think of you’. So here is my image, the face of my creation. A person close to my heart. Red lip & winged liner, definitely my signature look, beautifully recreated by Briony. Darling, I always wear black. Black nails are my go-to, and here using Black Betty, we have a beautifully simple, yet oh, so classy set. So, as approved by my best friend, my sister, and my husband, my entry for The Great Scratch Shoot Out on the topic: You."

Saba Jaff "I love colours and art And I tried to show the love through my images."

Saba Jaff "I love colours and art And I tried to show the love through my images."

Aimee Connelly "I like to think of myself as rather out going and creative. I’ve tried to express that through both the image itself and my nails. I love bright colours and standing out from the crowd so I feel like this is a true reflection of myself."

Idalia Lopez "This art expresses how I have come out of the Pandemic Ready and the new me! The flowers: means I have blossomed; The Rhinestones: signifies my love for bling (Diamonds)!; The Birds, and Clouds wth the mountains and the Palm Tree justifies, how long it took to get here; The Butterfly: Justifies how I am ready to fly and ready to show the world what I really am about; and last but not least; The Fire justifies,that "this girl is on Fire"! and I'm not talking about Alicia Keys :) I'm Ready to tackle the world..."

Mitsue Kanehara "There are times I feel strong and vibrant, but also times when I feel delicate and fragile. No matter my spirit at any fleeting moment in time, through nail art, I have the privilege of casting the magic of love and happiness for my clients and receive lots of love from them in return. This photo portrays me in a multifaceted and magical light, featuring polished nails in red, the color of love and passion."

Emma Faulkner "This represents the chains that hold my team together in the dark times."

Catherine Lawson "I have a passion for hand painted nail art. This image represents my love for colour and flowers. The model Louise is my fellow nail technician I'm sure you will agree shes beautiful and I wanted to give her a pamper with her hair and nails before we got clicking the camera!"

Rachel Mellor "When I first left school I wanted to join the army, I had been an army cadet for a couple of years and loved it. Unfortunately I found out that I could not apply due to having hypermobility syndrome. Last minute I had to find a course to do at college, somehow I ended up on a level 2 hair and beauty course. I found my favorite part of the course was nails and took further courses on gel polish and nail art whilst at college. I also learnt to do nail extensions and other treatments that work alongside. Since leaving college about 5 years ago, going into the beauty industry has been a blessing in disguise, my health has got worse and I now know that the army would not have been the right place for me even if I do miss the idea."

Susan Strijbosch "The roaring ‘20s... the first decade that a woman really dared to stand up against the traditional way of life... The first decade of feminists... we have come a long way and a lot has changed for women in 100 years. Because of these strong, bold women, nowadays our society allows a woman to be independent. I am also a strong, independent woman, being an entrepreneur since 1996. As an educator I try to inspire woman how to be independent too, just a feminist would do. My image is an ode to all feminists! Who run the world? Girls!"

Naoíse Sheerin "My first ever entry to the The Great Scratch Shoot Out. It represents me as a new artist & technician trying to navigate through 2020. It represents the new generation of nail artists that may have been studying or just certified early in the year like myself and may not have had the most “conventional” beginnings to their careers but we have pushed through! This concept has been following me around for months, I had been waiting on the mask for weeks for the photo and It had arrived 1 day before deadline. So to me this represents that everything that’s meant for you will not pass you, and to keep persevering!"

Natalia Butucel "The title of this photograph is “Longing”. This picture expresses a lot how I felt in the past few months and how I still feel sometimes. In these strange times we all have a longing for something that has either been stopped by the current circumstances or had to be put on hold. But the future is always bright because of our creative abilities to never stop trying to make things better and happier. This is what I wanted to express by the bright colours I chose for the nails. My emotions, my heart and soul is shining through the photography and all its elements, the colours, the retouching of the background, the lights and the composition. I send you my love from London Mode Beauty, where I am a nail technician and nail artist. I have been sent to this competition by my lovely team."

Dani Bailey "Well... I'm a Brazilian nail tech who has spent almost half her life in the UK. So my heart is half Brazilian, half British.I might seem loud and confident most of the time, but it's just bravado to hide how shy and insecure I really am. So this is me - messy hair and all (I'm a mum of 2 little ladies, so who has time for hair?!)"

Amy Watts "Throughout this difficult year and during Covid-19 lock down I have cried many tears. When we were told to shut down our business I thought my life was over so I spent most of my time of lock down doing my own nails and doing my makeup in hopes of lifting my spirits. When people ask me if I could only wear one colour - it would be black, they would be extremely long and they would of course be stilettos! This image represents me in my truest form."

Jennifer Seales "I wanted to create an image that showcases my love of nature, fusing the effortless beauty of Mother Nature into a contemporary style which encapsulates my ethos when it comes to designing nail art. The idea was for an overall image to represent mourning the end of summer, with the fly historically used in artwork to symbolise decay and melancholia."

Nick Tran "The Dragon represents me because I was born in the year of the dragon. Lotus flowers symbolise for my mom who is really important in my live as these are her favourite flowers. Lotus is all so is national follower of my home country Vietnam."

Delia Turville "My entry represents me as a sassy, bold and honest person with old fashioned values. The decorative text on the sunglasses is an old fashioned saying about telling the truth. "Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye" I am always true to myself, honest to those around me and create my work with integrity. The style of the photograph is my typical bold style. I love a classic red lip and matching red almond nails. I wanted to create a fuss free fashionable image encompassing red and monochrome as this is my favourite colour palette. This entry represents me to a Tee!"

Sarah Murray "I’m kind of quirky and edgy, but I’m still figuring out who and what I want to be. The hands and toes being joined together gives the sense of feeling trapped and compromised. Something which I am trying to break free of through doing nails. In my free time I train contortion and hand balancing for the circus and shown this through the poses I’ve done.The nail style is inspired by Hattie Stewart as I love really bold and graphic images."

Sarah Murray "I’m kind of quirky and edgy, but I’m still figuring out who and what I want to be. The hands and toes being joined together gives the sense of feeling trapped and compromised. Something which I am trying to break free of through doing nails. In my free time I train contortion and hand balancing for the circus and shown this through the poses I’ve done.The nail style is inspired by Hattie Stewart as I love really bold and graphic images."

Amanda Taylor "With this years theme being “you” I chose to do gender based domestic abuse “victim & survivor” as it’s something so close to my heart. My entry represents me and my past from being the victim of physical abuse to now and becoming the Independant strong survivor that I am today. There is love and happiness after years of abuse. I am a survivor."

Kamila Borowiec "My entry represents me as a creative person who's not scared of challenges, who follows the trends and love what is unique. Everything done by me , makeup nails and that's me as a model."

Kamila Borowiec "Very creative thinking out of the box, loving unique ideas , following the trend. Make-up and nails done by me on me."

April Sidlow "I thought long and hard about what interests and hobbies I could portray on my nails, but nothing felt right. I love drawing so I then thought what could be better than my actual face on my nails?!"

Greta Simkute "I love love black colour! It’s classy, simple yet effective! Goes with everything and looks yummy. Almost all my clothes, shoes etc are black. If I had my nails done, it will always going to be a black. I’m just loving it!"

Greta Simkute "I love love black colour! It’s classy, simple yet effective! Goes with everything and looks yummy. Almost all my clothes, shoes etc are black. If I had my nails done, it will always going to be a black. I’m just loving it!"

Kamila Borowiec "Very creative thinking out of the box , loving unique ideas , following the trend. Make-up and nails done by me on me."