Nail Art Superstar: Whitney Gibson

The internet is bursting full of talented people making nail art, but among the masses there are the nail art superstars: an army of mani mavens from all over the world whose job is to make our fingertips look inspired.  

Los Angeles–based nail stylist Whitney Gibson, repped by the exclusive nails-focused agency Nailing Hollywood, is one of those superstars. Her work has appeared on the hands of Ariana Grande, Rita Ora, Azealia Banks, and many more musicians and celebs. A Renaissance woman who has her well-manicured fingers in other artistic pots like music and jewelry design, Whitney says she’s heavily inspired by fashion, and in particular the collections she sees on Style.com and Net-A-Porter. Her current favorite trends: orange polish in place of signature reds, and simple nail looks like perfect French tips and the classic half-moon.

Check out Whitney’s amazing work below, and follow her on Instagram @whitneygnails and Tumblr here.

1: This complex tortoiseshell design was inspired by a handbag from Parisian designer Shourouk, a perfect example of Whitney’s top-shelf skills.

2: Whitney finds inspiration everywhere, including beauty product packaging! This look was based on the colorful print on Tarte’s Cheek Stain in Blissful.

3: In creating this chic mod gray-and-black negative space mani, Whitney thought about one of this year’s biggest trends, the crop top.

4: These gorgeous golden triangle half-moon nails were done for a lookbook for accessory brand Luv AJ.

5: A black-and-white mani Whitney created for Sherise Cromwell, the talented Canadian designer behind REESE clothing.

6: These cute clear and periwinkle nails bring the exquisiteness of latticework to mind. Intricate yet subtle!