Smiling blonde woman standing beside white garden flowers

Tiny details, big impact: nail artist shares trending fish French tip nail design

By Jess Watts | 02 August 2026 | Art & Technique

Ariana Nevoienna fish French tips nail art design lead image

Philadelphia-based nail technician, Ariana Nevoienna, has over seven years’ experience in the nail industry, having trained in her home country of Ukraine before moving to the USA three years ago.

She shares her take on a trending nail design, as well as her thoughts on why micro nail art is a such a sought-after style choice…

Ariana Nevoienna

“I wanted this design to feel bright, cheerful and inspired by a tropical summer holiday,” Ariana says of her nail style. Looking at the tiny fish and vibrant neon hues, it’s clear she has brought that vision to life.

Built on a classic French tip foundation, the nail design strikes the perfect balance between playful and wearable. “The soft, milky pink background keeps the manicure elegant,” Ariana explains. “Combining this with vibrant accent colours allows the artwork to stand out, while keeping the look refined and wearable.”

When it comes to creating the perfect French manicure, Ariana believes preparation is key. “A well-balanced nail shape makes a French tip look much cleaner,” she shares. “I always paint the smile line with a fine liner brush rather than using the bottle brush, and I adjust the depth of this to complement each nail. Taking the time to perfect symmetry makes all the difference.”

While the French manicure is a timeless classic, Ariana believes it offers endless opportunities for creativity. “I love using colourful French tips as a base and combining them with miniature hand-painted artwork,” she says. “Small characters, tiny sea creatures, fruit, flowers or abstract details can completely transform a French manicure, without affecting how clean or wearable the style is.”

Ariana enjoys adding fun twists to French tip designs.
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/ariana.deikun_nails_

Ariana’s delicate fish illustrations perfectly capture the growing popularity of micro nail art. “Clients are looking for nail designs that feel playful yet elegant. Tiny details attract attention without making nails feel overwhelming,” she explains. “Micro art allows nail techs to tell a story on a very small canvas, ensuring every manicure feels unique and personal.”

Ariana often uses micro art to enhance French manicures.
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/ariana.deikun_nails_

The takeaway? A little individuality can go a long way. Whether it’s a subtle accent or detailed miniature nail design, adding a personal touch is what makes a manicure truly memorable.

Follow Ariana Nevoienna on Instagram.

Click here to view our gallery of summer French tip designs.