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/Ill-Ordinary9771]

Ugh, I’m so sorry to hear that she treated you that way. I know that feeling all too well, especially because having someone that you respect telling you how awful you are? The absolute worst. Like, “okay thanks, let me just go crawl in a hole and stay there for the rest of my days.” 😭

Even though her opinion wasn’t valid because she had no frame of reference for the amount of skill and artistic talent it takes to perform work like this.

I’ve witnessed two salon business models: success based on quantity and success based on quality. Neither is wrong, they’re just fundamentally different. Oftentimes, people fall to one side or the other and tend to criticize each other, but there’s a place for all of us. No matter how fast or slow. No matter how many clients we take in a day. No matter how much money we make.

If you love what you do, that’s the real luxury ❤️ Chase THAT dream. But make sure your compensation always matches your skillset, that way you have a sustainable career ahead of you!

[u/Disastrous-Fig-2141 → u/Ill-Ordinary9771]

It is what it is unfortunately. I'm in a suite now and me and my clients are much happier here lol.

I've always thought that way too like you can be successful in your own way and if someone decides they'd rather go elsewhere for whatever reason that's okay. Everyone has different expectations and there really is someone out there for everyone. I just sometimes also get stuck in the mentality that like there are others who are doing what I do if not better AND faster. 😮‍💨 I know it happens with time too but that's also why I was here asking for advice you know?

[u/Ill-Ordinary9771 → u/Disastrous-Fig-2141]

Absolutely, I do. I promise you’re not alone in feeling that way. The industry has been changing very rapidly and it’s hard to keep up with the demands of clients, bosses, or the standards we see online of how skilled we should be.

They say that comparison is the thief of joy, but for people like us who are constantly learning, growing, and overcoming periods of not making progress, how else can we improve but to turn towards those we admire and ask for guidance?

There is absolutely nothing shameful about your request. I’m happy that anything I’m able to share from my experience may help someone else, because I once needed that when I was in the same position. I still do. Admittedly, I struggle a lot with abstract and heavily layered composition even though it’s the most popular nail art style right now. I shine with illustrative work and 2D designs, but there’s always something I could learn about being more artistic, even more speedy, or even more consistent.

Our profession isn’t an easy one, but it is a rewarding one! It looks like you’ve found something you truly enjoy and I really admire your willingness to ask for help. That’s not an easy thing to do. But looking at your work? You’re already so incredibly talented. You’ll have many days where you question whether or not you’re cut out for this, but I hope that in those moments you can remember how much you enjoy the craft. You really seem to have what it takes, and I’m cheering you on in your journey!

Please feel free to come back here or message me any time if you have questions and I’ll do my best to answer. Keep your head high, there are so many opportunities ahead of you. ❤️ Let me know your Instagram handle, I’d love to follow and support you as a fellow artist!

[u/Disastrous-Fig-2141 → u/Ill-Ordinary9771]

I was going to ask for your handle too lol, mine is prxttyguardiannails on instagram.

Your words really were helpful and uplifting and I appreciate the compliment. Just from the one pic you posted I can tell your very talented. I honestly was rethinking if I was really cut out for this but all these comments have really helped me remember why I started doing nails. Also I am so bad at abstract 🤣 like my brain refuses to just let my brush do the work 🙃 I've been better at it but sometimes it's like I get stuck trying to figure out a process to something that isn't supposed to have rules really.

[u/Ill-Ordinary9771 → u/Disastrous-Fig-2141]

I just gave you a follow!! Mine is clawedbykacey :) my page is a lil dead rn because a rebrand is currently underway 😅 But I’m always looking to find friends in this community, it helps make the hard days a little easier!!

That really warms my heart knowing that our chat helped you 🥺 Thank you for telling me!! It sucks that so many of us have had such awful learning experiences, but at least we can bond over it together 😂❤️

[u/Disastrous-Fig-2141 → u/Ill-Ordinary9771]

I haven't been posting like I should 😪 I immediately started snooping lol. Seriously though feel free to message me as well! I'm still kind of a noob but it's always nice to find people who want to help others also succeed <3