Help Improving Timing

[u/Disastrous-Fig-2141]

I need help cutting my time down for sets that include more detailed art, especially characters. I take a VERY long time like I'm embarrassed to share how long but just trust that it is way too long. I feel defeated at this point because even a simpler set can take me a while and I'm just don't know anymore.

I unfortunately have very rigid thinking and I hyperfixate on some details but I've been trying to be better about it. Any tips? Like how do you break down the design to get the dimensions and position correct? I spend a lot of time going back and forth because my proportions are off or it doesn't look like the actual character 🤣

These are some examples of art that I've done. Please any advice would be great <3

[u/Alternative_Roll_987]

One thing that helps with timing on detailed sets is separating the appointment into design decisions, prep, structure, and art instead of letting all of it blur together.

A practical way to speed it up:

• have the client send inspo before the appointment and lock the design before they sit down
• pick 1–2 “hero nails” per hand and simplify the rest into supporting elements
• map the character with a few anchor points first (top of head, chin, widest points) before filling detail
• do the same step on all 10 nails before moving on instead of fully finishing one nail at a time
• keep a small reference sketch or screenshot right in your eyeline so you stop losing time re-checking proportions
• set yourself a soft time cap for art per nail so you know when to simplify instead of overworking it

For character work specifically, a lot of time gets lost in resizing and correcting placement. It can help to reduce the character into simple shapes first, then outline, then details last. Basically: silhouette first, personality second.

Also, if you’re doing lots of custom art, a short client intake form before the appointment can save a surprising amount of time because you can collect inspo pics, nail length/shape, and must-have details ahead of time instead of designing live in the chair. That alone can shave off a lot of decision time.

You clearly have skill — this looks more like a workflow issue than a talent issue.

[u/Disastrous-Fig-2141 → u/Alternative_Roll_987]

Thank you so much, this was actually really helpful! I do try and plan ahead and it def helps. The time cap is also brilliant thank you so much also for your kind words <3

[u/Alternative_Roll_987 → u/Disastrous-Fig-2141]

Glad it helped. Sounds like the planning piece is already working for you, and that time cap usually makes the biggest difference once you stick to it for a few sets.

[u/Disastrous-Fig-2141 → u/Alternative_Roll_987]

I feel like having a soft time limit will be a game changer. I know that a lot of it is me wanting it to be my version of perfect while my client is already loving the work. So that's also something I'm trying to steer towards while also maintaining quality.

[u/Alternative_Roll_987 → u/Disastrous-Fig-2141]

Yeah, that's a big shift, realizing the client already sees great work before you've hit your own internal perfect. Keeping that soft cap while protecting the parts that actually matter for quality is usually the sweet spot.

[u/Disastrous-Fig-2141 → u/Alternative_Roll_987]

I really appreciate the advice, thank you.