Robbie Tomkins reveals his journey into session nail styling
By Scratch Staff | 14 February 2019 | Expert Advice, Feature
There isn’t a clear cut or methodical way to becoming a session technician. Everyone has a different experience and story of how they came to be on their hands and knees, painting a model’s toes through a pair of strappy stilettos in a disused warehouse in East London at 7am on a freezing December morning. So, I’ll just share my journey with you as, although rather unconventional, I think there may be some pointers you can take away that might help you on yours.
Before I became a manicurist, I used to work in public relations for nail art brand, Rock Beauty London, which was a sister brand of Ciaté. My first real step into the world of fashion was managing collaborations with Giles Deacon and Sophia Webster, which I loved. I was also lucky enough to go to London, New York and Paris Fashion Week with the brand as a publicist.
I initially began painting my colleagues’ nails just to see if I liked it, but it very quickly became an obsession.
I would practice on anyone that would sit still long enough, with my mum being my happiest and most grateful client. Much like the adult colouring in books, I found that when I painted nails and focused on the tiny canvas, my mind became quiet and calm which became a really helpful yet unexpected side effect of my new hobby. I noticed there weren’t many men working in the session world so thought I would give it a go.
I set about actively looking for nail technicians I could watch, assist, learn from and talk to. I was lucky enough to meet an amazing and talented nail tech called Lauren Weston who I very quickly became good friends with. My first big break arrived after Lauren called offering me a last minute spot to join Imarni’s team for Moschino at London Fashion Week Men’s (then LCM).
Jenny Longworth spotted me on Instagram at the show, which led to me joining her team for Michael Van Der Ham at London Fashion Week. I went on to assist Jenny on some epic Gucci campaigns as well as working at Milan and London Fashion Week for the brand. I am now signed with a fantastic agency called Premier Hair & Make Up
Follow Robbie’s session nail journey on Twitter & Instagram. and check out his columns in Scratch magazine throughout 2019.