Instagram story viewer> @fieldnotes.by.cat> Posts

Field Notes by Cat (Tortorice)

@fieldnotes.by.cat

754

followers

1718

following

Exploring nail art through color, texture & curiosity ✨
Experiments • process • things I’m learning
🌿 Drawing & all creativity included
📍 Oak Park, IL

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Field Notes No. 019 🌿

Yesterday I took my first live nail class ever with the amazingly sweet and ridiculously talented @mariko__nails & @secret_nook_ , who taught us nuance nail designs & techniques with @hanah__nails . This was a HUGE milestone for them too as this past week was the launch of this fabulous nail line!!!! ✨🙌

I thought I had an inkling (😉) of what layered dimensional nails were, but my mind was actually blown by some of the techniques and philosophies we were taught in class. Selective layering on top of inks with colored gels, using demagnetized cateye to get depth with clarity. And the effect of using inks in a continuous line vs vibrations 🌀 I loved all of the products we worked with (the hand lamp you just tap to stop!) but perhaps unsurprisingly the INKS!!!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯 Working with nail inks has quickly become my favorite medium and omggggg the pigmentation and saturation and flow of these inks are NEXT LEVEL. Like I kinda just wanna hole myself up in my office for a week to experiment with them endlessly. Alls to say watch out world for Hanah nails!!

And seriously from the bottom of my sentimental sappy heart, thank you so so much Mariko & Yoko for teaching such an incredibly inspiring class 💕💕 this nail journey I’ve started only a few months ago has reignited my creativity in a way that I didn’t realize I had lost, and I’m just so thankful for every step on this way, and especially for this class I took with you 🥰

#nailjourney #nuancenail #japanesenail #nailart #fieldnotesbycat taken in A Plus Nail School - Chicago by @fieldnotes.by.cat

62

31

3 days ago

Field Notes No. 018🌿

What’s your biggest learning with nail retention been?

I’ve had a lot of learnings on retention with this set. I struggle with celebrating the wins. For whatever reason I’m much more comfortable being vulnerable by showing my areas of improvement over cheering myself on. Maybe it’s the Midwesterner in me? 😆 Maybe it’s human nature…

So this a post to pat myself on the back a little 💕😅 I started my journey of creating nail art and doing my own nails with gel polish about four months ago, so now having 3+ weeks of retention on my current nail set with minimal damage/lifting feels like a milestone. Just this dang thumb, but I’ve now learned: 1) not to paint the free edge because that’s what you’re banging things on just living your best life, 2) that using primer that’s incompatible with your base coat may cause lifting (didn’t use primer this time) and 3) to use acetone to dehydrate (because alcohol doesn’t remove oils!)

I’m feeling pretty proud. It ain’t perfect. But we’re looking for progress. Here’s to continued learning and growth 🙏

**also, don’t take photos to show your retention *right* after having crackers with cheese dust 😆 And make sure Milkshake’s hair isn’t floating around. But we’re all about transparency here AND the lighting was too fab to pass up

#nailjourney #nailtechlife #growthmindset🌱 #nuancenail #fieldnotesbycat taken in Chicago, Illinois by @fieldnotes.by.cat

45

11

7 days ago

Field Findings 🌿:

When it comes down to spooky season nail art—with the right dimensional dark syrupy cool blue, and the right deep burgundy chrome, with splatters of black & white texture—you can get something prettyyy wicked ✨

More to come 🧙‍♀️ 😈

#pressons #halloweennailart #nuancenail #nailart #fieldnotesbycat taken in Chicagoland Area by @fieldnotes.by.cat

43

12

8 days ago

Field Learnings 🌿:

To challenge myself to learn a new skill lol (hence the sarcastic intro), I am trying to figure out the camera, angles techniques, etc. for recording myself while I am creating nail art 🥰

Last night I tried a couple different angles and techniques while I was trying to make a set inspired by the black sand waters photograph (of @northlandscapes) I posted on my stories the other day. I’m deciding to take my time with it so TBD on how it progresses, but I thought that at least first showing how I use (alcohol) inks in my nail designs could be a fun starting point.

Thus far, I’ve tried 3 different brands for (alcohol) inks (maybe I’ll do some videos comparing them all), but especially when it comes to nature inspired or more nuanced nail art— @the_favorigel_kr inks are chef’s kiss 👌

Especially the ones that have some metallic dimension or sheen to them are my favs; I really wanted to record a video to watch just how it sparkles as it kind of settles into the nail plate 🤠 It always looks like a mini science experiment to me and it gets me geeked every time I it works it’s magic 😻 I love using these inks for building depth/shadows (like under jellies), or for more marble or geological designs.

Anywho, there will be more to come hopefully with a little bit more seamless video vibes, but uhh, if anyone has any pro tips for placement of their camera so it both captures what you need and also doesn’t block the light you also need for doing nails, I’m super open to any pro tips 🙏💜

** the Favori inks were bought at @sweetienailsupply, one is Ruri from the Lepidos collection and the other is Blue Velvet from the Raw Earth collection

#alcoholinkartwork #alcoholinks #pressonnails #nuancenail #fieldnotesbycat taken in Chicagoland Area by @fieldnotes.by.cat

83

21

10 days ago

Field Findings 🌿

When you redo a nail, say, 3 times, is it really worth it?

In this last press on nail set that I posted obviously there was a lot of nuance and abstract, funky, dark moody spooky vibes, so certainly a lot going on. And as I had mentioned in the original post, I had done one of the nails three times and it was this one.

Obviously, there’s a huge jump from the 1st to 2nd version, but looking at it now I think my perfectionism came in when looking at the difference between the second and third. I remember that I muddied the topcoat I was using to cover the chrome in the second one and I was trying to get a little clearer and brighter finish with the chrome in the third. I think I somewhat achieved this, but I also at the end of the day I think the second version would’ve achieve what I was looking for.

Alls to say, I learned a lot with this one. 1) the value of adding a lighter color in the same tone for dimension (awesome 👌), 2) and well, when it’s time to put down the nail Cat 😂 And it maybe coulda been sooner with this one.

#nailtechlife #nailjourney #chromenails #nailart #fieldnotesbycat by @fieldnotes.by.cat

39

10

15 days ago

Field Notes No. 017 🌿

A little close up view of my first of the spooky season press on nail set. My sister wore these to a party recently so I got some awesome photos of her looking like her fabulous self while channeling Nicole Kidman in Practical Magic ✨ (I need to see the new movie asap!)

Per usual, I played with texture, trying to add a little matte but more dabbled with layers of colors. And especially given how dark these colors are, I tried to give some element that would project light in each nail while still channeling the witchy spooky vibe 🧛‍♀️ I was reminded, I did indeed NOT use limited colors, if you scroll through the carousel near the end you’ll see but a *subset* of all the gel colors, syrups, cateyes, textured gels and chromes.

As you’ll see on the card, these were actually made over a month ago. Looking at the details now it’s kind of wild to see how I can see a difference in what I am creating now, versus then. Semi in a self critical way (admittedly), but more in a self evolutionary way 🥰. I’m going to create a set inspired by this set soon for my mom, which I’ve never replicated-ish a set before, so stay tuned 👻

#halloweennails #spookyvibes #custompressonnails #nailartist #fieldnotesbycat

Remembering products used is a bit rough a month later, but I know for this nail I used @yogurtnail.co.kr black gel as a base, @youandme.official___ pigment powder, @kokoistusa accessory bond & top coat, and that fab dimensional burgundy chrome is Blanc Blanc —all from @sweetienailsupply ✨

This silky red chrome is @paloma.glow that I got from @banananail_supply and it’s SO PERFECT for the spooky season! 🩸

The base was a @yogurtnail.co.kr syrup & I know those silver flakes are @izemikorea silver flake ink which is one of my products (got it from @nailarthouse.store and all my Izemi polishes)

I used the @functionofvex sand texture gel here and it’s soooo good, used mellow silver @bonniebeenail chrome on top ✨

The drippy nail up top I used the same @paloma.glow red cateye that I got from @banananail_supply

My fab sister @annagenesay 🥰🥰🥰 absolutely ROCKING these nails!!!!💅 seeing my nails on someone just is 🤯😭

Final shot saved for the m taken in Chicago, Illinois by @fieldnotes.by.cat

65

22

17 days ago

Field Learning 🌿:

I’ve often wondered, if I don’t let alcohol dry up enough before proceeding with my nail art designs. I’m increasingly learning (sometimes the hard way) that patience is a virtue in the gel nail world.

So, I figure why not conduct a little experiment? Apparently if you have a lint free wipe doused with 99% alcohol, it takes:

About. 15 seconds.

Which is somehow both shorter and longer than I thought 😂 I wonder if it’s lower % of alcohol (like 70%) if it takes longer…that’s my suspicion because there’s more water in it right? Perhaps a full experiment is in order 🧐

Learned nail folks, how long do you wait for your alcohol, or acetone for that matter, to dry?

#nailtechlife #nailjourney #nailtutorials #nailtechniques #fieldnotesbycat by @fieldnotes.by.cat

92

13

19 days ago

Field Notes No. 016

Fall is my favorite season of the year, and unfortunately it always feels the shortest. So celebrating once the air feels a little crisper (even if it’s still the mid 80s) feels right.

These press ons were made for my sister — the brief was witchy, vampy…and a challenge 😈. Which, you know we always like to learn in these parts. And boy were there a lot of learning here.

Even though I made these about a month ago I remember the blood sweat and tears that went into these like it was yesterday…can you guess which nail art I did THREE TIMES (and it’s still not as perfect as I want 😅). But I’m excited to start experimenting in the dark, muddy, yet iridescent colors of this time. I have to say, seeing how early the nail community celebrates this season has made me realize how much I’ve found my people 🥰

I hope you’re all enjoying the full start of the Halloween vibes. Here’s to leaning into our spookier (maybe even moodier) selves 💜✨

#halloweennails #spookynails #pressonnails #natureinspiredart #fieldnotesbycat taken in Chicagoland Area by @fieldnotes.by.cat

34

20

21 days ago

Field Notes No.015

I love to let my creative brain run free by just going into full experimentation mode 🧪 No agenda, no plan for making a cohesive set of press on nails. Just, create ✨

I wanted to do my usual nature inspired nail art approach, while also playing with the textures of the nail products. I’m pretty obsessed with Peruka’s matte coat and the ehae gel. The matte creates a finish that doesn’t flatten the design. And the gel is strong but also not brittle which was perfect for the 3D elements & super textured bits and bobs.

I also drew some nail inspo from some of the popular nail art designs I’ve seen, like fish nails, or just even a lovely fall colored cateye.

I’ve included photos of the products I used with the product list in the caption, in part for myself because as I’ve mentioned, sometimes I get in such a creative flow state even I can’t remember what I just did/used 😂

Here’s to more freedom of experimentation without internal pressures (with nails or otherwise) 💜

#nuancenail #pressons #naturenails #abstractnailart #fieldnotesbycat

SPECIMEN 01 — Sunset skies

Materials:
@enoi___official — MG15
Énoi — MG23
Énoi — Amber Shell
@kokoistusa — Galaxy Magnet
Kokoist — Ultra Glossy Non-Wipe Top Coat Gel

Bought from @classiquenailsbeautysupply & Kokoist directly

SPECIMEN 02 — Raw Amber glow

Materials:
Function of Vex — Egg Shell Top Coat
@___cleto___ — Copper/Bronze Magnetic Gel
@the_favorigel_kr — No. 12 ink
CREAR— Mama Choice Matte Top Gel
Cleto — Raw Amber MS101

Purchases from @zillabeau & @sweetienailsupply & FOV

SPECIMEN 03 — Nature’s protector

Materials:
@kokoistusa — Terra Magnet TM-53
Kokoist — Ultra Glossy Non-Wipe Top Coat Gel
@peruka_official — Non Wipe Watercolor Matte Top Gel
@izemikorea — Flake Painting 001 Silver
@enoi___official — Amber Shell texture gel
@___cleto___ — Raw Amber MS101
@valla_gel.official — Recipe Gel, Olive Green
Cleto — Clear ink
Cleto — Copper/Bronze matte ink
Cleto — Yellow/Olive ink

Purchased at @zillabeau , @sweetienailsupply and @nailarthouse.store

SPECIMEN 04 — Desert Mars

Materials:
@___cleto___ — Copper/Bronze matte ink
@kokoistusa — Galaxy Magnet GM-04 Koko’s Comet
@enoi___official — MG15 Close up of cateye press on nail art taken in Chicago, Illinois by @fieldnotes.by.cat

69

19

24 days ago

Friday Field Finding 🌿:

Despite having a bit of a cold I decided to record my voice 😂 I just wanted to share some extra love for the very abstract nature inspired art on the thumb of my current gel nail set. Someone lovingly dubbed these “goblin princess nails”, and especially with spooky season being upon us, I thought that was perfect ✨

Okay so, I thought I’d share my process in written form (because when I tried to record it, like a noob it was at an angle where you could barely see ish lol). So after base coat, and builder….

1.) I used the @ehae__official texture gel in amber shell to well, give the texture of the base before I any color gel. I use a Bevlah metal mixing stick thing to paint it on my nail, so it was a smidge 3-D, but not too much so. I thought if I used a syrup color, that would allow the texture, and color to really come through.

2.) I did a couple of coats of the @izemikorea syrup in the dark green. On the first super thin layer (remember, I learned this was needed the hard way lol) I used light blotches of a @the_favorigel_us alcohol ink to give the glittery blue effect underneath. Kind of like what water looks like when you’re swimming and looking up.

3.) And then, on top of the second coat of the green, I added little dots of a @functionofvex gold texture gel. Thought this would emulate light as well, but kind of just made me think of the various twinkles you see in nature.

4.) And then last, but far from least, I gave the nail a lovely glossy @kokoistusa shiny top coat.

Often with nail designs where I get into a creative flow state, even I can’t remember what I did so there may be nuances to the above😅.

It’s a warm sunny evening here in Chicagoland, hope all of you are having a fab start to the weekend ✨✨🌿

#nailprocess #nuancenails #abstractnails #chicagonailtech #fieldnotesbycat taken in Chicago, IL by @fieldnotes.by.cat

51

18

a month ago

Field Notes No. 014

As I went through these photos, I had the delightful realization that I accidentally created a 90s nostalgic back to school year vibes photoshoot with these nuance/abstract nature nails. As I swiped through in my feels it hit me, art or Art (if you will), is about evoking ANY emotion. And that can and SHOULD be inclusive of nails 💅

Whether it’s the sheer joy of a crisp French tip line, or a fluidly shiny top coat, or even intrigue or disgust as you contemplate “what is that thing?!” there’s emotion, and often appreciation. I mean, the fact that it’s one of the most easily accessible art forms that immediately connects strangers is a pretty rad thing when you think about it. I can’t think of how many times I’ve said to my dear husband and been like, “BABE, BABE!! Someone noticed my nails at/in the [insert location here]✨”

As I’ve gotten into this world (fingers first, like a true former competitive swimmer), it’s been interesting to see how often nail art still isn’t recognized for what it is: art. Especially by those outside of the community — but honestly, I think we could stand to claim that a little more confidently from within it, too. Because I have found the most ✨delightful✨ community here — from newbs like me to seasoned pros. Lacquer, gel, and everything in between ✌️ And the world deserves to see — and feel — all the talent, creativity, and love that exists here. Because I’ve felt it. And it’s meant more to me than I can really put into words. (Thank YOU 💜🫂)

Anywho, I guess I just wanted to say that I want to connect with people through my art. And maybe, I do want to make you emotional 😂 Because the older I get, the more I realize embracing that side is where it’s at. Maybe it’s the Pisces rising in me that wants everyone to join my overly emotional, sensitive state, but dang it — if I can captivate you with a 1.5cm artifact long enough for both of us to stop and pay attention to one tiny bit of joy, I think that’s pretty fucking cool. So step into it with me. Let’s pay attention to the little things. 💜

#nailcommunity #nuancenail #90sNostalgia #nailart #fieldnotesbycat Very close up of a cool mineral underwater pool with a little glimmer nail art taken in Chicago, Illinois by @fieldnotes.by.cat

81

24

a month ago

Live in the Field 🌿:

It’s late Friday night 🌃 And I’m having some fun with doing these nuance nails, with a lil funky nature inspo (I think that’s what I’m calling it? For now? 😂) I have 3 finished-ish nail designs—tbd for the rest! ✨

This far I’ve been using that dark olive @___cleto___ , some @by_muse_official and @kokoistusa cateyes and some fab @favorigel_official_jp inks that are just 👌

abstract gel nail art · magnetic cat eye nails · chrome nail art · fall nails · organic nail design

#nailart #creativity #nuancenail #naturenails #fieldnotesbycat taken in Chicago, Illinois by @fieldnotes.by.cat

62

25

a month ago