In celebration of last months’ International Day of the Girl Child, our mission is to feature women from around the globe who’s making a difference for the international community.
Japan may be known as a country with delicious cuisines and anime, but this time we wanted to dive into the local level to find businesses and initiatives that are shaping the community.
We have had the privilege to sit down with the world-class nail artist, Yuuko Matsuyama, who is determined to empower Japan-based nail artist to aim at becoming world-class themselves.
One of the comments Yuuko made that gave us incredible insights was about her journey.
“One of the reasons I am passionate about supporting up and coming artists to go global is because, for me personally working at an international scale helped me cultivate my ability to express and verbalize my thoughts and emotion. This may be unique to our culture but Japan has less verbal communication such as bowing as to show respect and so on which is a different type of mannerism compared to Western countries. So through experience,I learned the importance of verbalization which ultimately helped accelerate my passion of Nail design.”
As to provide more context to our readers, introducing Yuuko as a “well known” nail artist may be an understatement when you go through her impressive resume and accomplishment.
Euro Fashion Akademia Paznokcia Certified, JP National Nailist skill exam highest marked- level 1 JNA Gel Nail Proficiency Test Advanced Certified instructor of Japan Nails Association JNA certified nail salon hygiene manager
Nail Expo at Seoul International Nail Fair 2016, SINAIL 2016 received the title: GRAND CHAMPION …. and goes on and on.
Contents
Q: For starters, please tell us about yourself.
A: So, my name is Yuuko Matsuyama, I’m from Japan and I’m a nail artist with a mission to educate young Japanese nail artists to reach the next level and become world-class artists in the industry. I graduated in 1999 in the nail beauty school, and have worked with nails ever since.
Q: What is your go to process from design to implementation
A: From idea to implementation as well as the design varies depending on the material I use.
Some times I utilize general art supplies and put my imagination as a drawing on paper.
In other cases I have a plastic hand model which I experiment on as it was a real hand.
How I implement is by utilizing a brush with acrylic resin(which is a mixture of certain liquid ) and I adjust the length, shape and color accordingly.
There are times where great designs birth out of failure of implementation of certain designs. Especially my original designs tend to fall into this category.
Creation is really infinite in my opinion. Because you can use Sea opal made from Polishing natural stones or even shells to design vibrant art. Some times I catch my self getting a flash of inspiration and racing straight to play with different types of materials.
Q: What’s the inspiration behind your nail art and designs
A: I like beautiful things.
So my inspiration really comes from everything that I feel is beautiful on this planet.
I especially like the atmosphere of medieval Europe and jewelry, flowers there so much beauty all around us. Also seeing paintings at exhibition or listening to music helps cultivate my imagination as well.
Looking at Nails designed by other artist is another way that I get inspired to push forward.
As for design for my customers, I do my best to match designs based on what each customer are wearing or their favorite colors. And this allows me to design nails that glow with customers’ style of clothing that can also much their personality. In order to achieve this, it is very important for me to conduct a counseling session with customers and really focusing on having effective communication with each person.
Q: Who is your favorite nail artist?
A: I would say
Alisha Rimando has been one of the most impactful person in my life. Over 20yrs ago, when I was just starting out, she came to Japan to demonstrate her work and that moment I would never forget.
Also Kirsty Meakin who is an amazing nail artist from UK, MaxEstrada who I have had a privilege and honor to have worked with.
And of course all my fellow coach and instructors at EuroFashion in Poland who have amazing skills and so much talent.
Writers note:
Yuuko may be a great example of what’s great about our society that’s becoming more connected throughout the globe, where individuals through their courage and experience play a major role in shaping their industry. We thank this opportunity and Yuuko for allowing us to dig deep into her inspiration and story and looking forward to further witnessing the impact she brings to the industry.
If you’re looking for inspiration or guidance for your step to the world, for more information about Yuuko’s work, you can click here.
Website: https://www.global-state-ltd.com/
