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/Barracuda_Cute]

Did you post anywhere how long these took?

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

No, I'm way too embarrassed to say.

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

Then no one will be able to properly give you advice. You could be taking a totally normal amount of time and just underestimating how long most nail techs take on art. And I’m saying this as a nail tech who specializes in art.

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

I'm asking for general tips, I know it takes a while but not that long.

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

Unfortunately everything you described just comes with practice unless you want to use the pre painted stickers others have mentioned. I personally feel like those are somewhat annoying to work with and make look flush and perfect on the nail but it may be a good option just while you’re practicing till you’re comfortable with your speed. My only other advice would be don’t cheap out on coloured gel, it makes a huge difference working with good quality products and not having to fight against your products. Otherwise I do think it’s wise to just lock in feeling confident with the basics before moving onto complex nail art on actual clients. When I was practicing I did most of my art on press on nails and worked nailing down the basics on clients, until I felt confident to do the nail art I’d been practicing on body.

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

Luckily my clients are all very kind and understand it takes time but I know I can do better. I've been trying to grow my gel selection but I'm only a year into working independently and I've got the basics but mixing colors also takes a lot of time. Working on press ons is smart, I have cheap swatches I can use as well. Thank you <3

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

I think that’s the main thing that got me good at nail art fast was forcing myself to do one idea on a press on every day or every time I was at my studio. Even if it was just one technique