CHAMPIONING PROFESSIONAL ARTISTRY & CREATIVITY

SEASON 3 - CHALLENGE 2

ANNABEL'S WILD WEST ADVENTURE

Briefed by Glitterbels

SPONSORED BY

Glitterbels

Saddle up for a nail art adventure across the Glitterbels Wild West. Inspired by the six satin magnetic shades in the Cowgirl Club Collection, this challenge asks artists to bring co-founder, Annabel Maginnis’s journey to life through technical skill, imaginative storytelling and Glitterbels glamour.

THE STORY
Annabel has pulled on her cowgirl boots, saddled up and set off across the Wild West in search of a legendary destination said to sparkle brighter than anywhere else on earth. Her journey takes her along dusty trails, beneath turquoise skies and through cactus-filled deserts. She watches an unforgettable Arizona sunset, stops for an afternoon in the saloon and follows a mysterious clue towards the final stop on her adventure.
What happens along the way, and what awaits Annabel at the end of the trail, is yours to decide. Maybe she grabs a new hat from Casanova hats or some new cowgirl boots from Boot Barn. She could discover a hidden glitter mine, a dazzling cowgirl town, a magical rodeo, a jewel-filled desert oasis or somewhere nobody has imagined before.

AN INTRODUCTION FROM GLITTERBELS
Hear from Glitterbels co-founder, Annabel Maginnis, and head of education, Jennie Nippard.

THE TASK

  • Create a show-stopping five-nail design on one hand that tells the complete story of Annabel’s Wild West Adventure.
  • The nails should work together as one cohesive composition, while each nail contributes a clear moment, detail or development within the journey.
  • Your interpretation may be playful, glamorous, fantastical, dramatic or avant-garde, but it must combine recognisable Wild West inspiration with the sparkle, glamour and personality of Glitterbels.
  • We are looking for an original story, not five unrelated cowgirl-themed nails.

CREATIVE DIRECTION

Your design should:

  • Show where Annabel’s adventure begins and the landscape through which she travels.
  • Create an unexpected moment within Annabel’s journey. This could be a challenge, encounter, discovery or change of direction, but the storyline and outcome are entirely yours to imagine.
  • Reveal the final destination or treasure Annabel finds at the end of the trail.
  • Use light, texture, movement and dimension to create atmosphere and connect the five nails.
  • Reimagine the Wild West through your own artistic style.
  • Avoid relying entirely on familiar Wild West symbols without developing an original narrative.

Along the way, Annabel may encounter an unexpected challenge, discover a mysterious clue, meet a memorable character or find something that changes the direction of her journey. These are suggestions only. We want you to decide what happens and use your imagination to create an original Wild West adventure.

THE PRODUCTS

For this challenge, you have received a product package containing:

  • The Glitterbels Cowgirl Club gel polish collection + 5 in 1 magnet.
  • Hema Free Dehydrator & Acid Free Primer.
  • Hema Free Basecoat & Topcoat.
  • Black, White & Gold Unbelievabel Gels.
  • Glass Heart PureSculpt Hard Gel (clear).
  • Liner Brush.
  • Mix of Nail Tips.

All six HEMA-free satin magnetic gel polish shades from the Glitterbels Cowgirl Club Collection must feature visibly within the finished design:

  • Saddle Up
  • Cactus Cutie
  • Afternoon in the Saloon
  • Arizona Sunset
  • Spur of the Moment
  • Turquoise Sky

The shades may be interpreted and used in any way that supports your individual design and storyline.

CHALLENGE RULES & CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Create five nails presented as a complete set on one hand.
  • All six Cowgirl Club shades must be visibly incorporated into the completed design.
  • The satin magnetic effect must be clearly visible and used purposefully to create movement, dimension, light or atmosphere.
  • Include at least three distinct nail art techniques. These may include hand painting, ombré or colour blending, encapsulation, chrome, texture work, fine line detail, mixed media or sculpting.
  • Include at least one sculpted or three-dimensional element created using a professional nail enhancement or nail art product.
  • The five nails must form one cohesive story rather than five disconnected designs.
  • There is no minimum or maximum length. Choose a nail length and shape that support your design and provide sufficient space to demonstrate detail and technical ability.
  • Glitterbels products should be used wherever possible.
  • Other products may be used during the creation process, but only Glitterbels-branded products should be shown in the submitted video.
  • The work must be original and created specifically for this challenge.

DELIVERABLES: 

1. PHOTOS.

Up to 20 high-quality photos of your creation on a PLAIN background (ideally white or cream/neutral). Submit a close-up of each nail and photos with all 5 nails in view. Submit from the top, side and front angles. You may crop photos, but do not digitally retouch or alter aspects such as colour or surface smoothness.

2. VIDEO.

A reel-style tutorial video (1080px x 1920px, up to 5-mins long) showcasing how you created the design, plus professional tips/advice. Showcase your skills across nails and include techniques.

3. WRITE-UP.

Share a written explanation (max. 800 words) of the inspiration and story behind the design and reasons behind the elements/artwork. Explain the creative decisions that connect the five nails and bring Annabel’s Wild West Adventure to life.

List (in bullet point form) all materials and nail products used in the challenge. This list does not contribute to the word count.

NOTE: Answer the following points in your video or write-up:

    • Where does Annabel’s Wild West Adventure begin?
    • What happens to her during the journey?
    • What does she discover at the final destination?
    • How does each nail contribute to the complete story?
    • How did you use the magnetic particles to create movement, dimension or atmosphere?
    • Which Glitterbels products and techniques did you use, and why did you choose them?
    • How does your finished creation combine the Wild West theme with Glitterbels glamour?
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY

DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 14 @ 12.00 PST

If you have issues with the entry form, don’t panic! Instead, please submit the required content via a file sharing site (such as WeTransfer) to competitions@scratchmagazine.co.uk and await a confirmation email.

SEASON 3 IS SPONSORED BY:

Nasna s2 sponsor jan