Cam Tran on Transforming Nails into Art

Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.

Cam Tran, Manicurist

Hometown/country: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Based: Paris, France
Representation: Artlist

How would you describe your work?
The nail art I create is a fashion accessory. My work is creative and highly varied. I consider myself a chameleon—I adapt to everything, am eager to explore all possibilities and enjoy evolving based on my own desires or the desires of others. If the client’s request is complex or specific, I strive to be extremely precise, meticulous, and resourceful. I love learning new techniques and using that knowledge to improve my art, whether it’s by imagining a new design, look, texture, or even creating a new technique.

How did you get started in the field of nail art? Was there a particular moment or experience that led you down this path?
I’ve been drawing since childhood, but my spark for nail art came during a visit to the salon with my mother. She had colorful flowers painted over transparent pink polish; I thought it was so pretty and delicate. At home, I grabbed markers and began painting my nails. I love nail art because it’s fascinating to create designs. I would usually draw on paper or boards, but drawing on such a tiny surface is fascinating. It’s even more intriguing because these small works are so temporary—either the nail grows, and the art must be cut away, or the polish fades and disappears. As my mother would say, the idea of having ‘mini masterpieces’ is truly captivating.

What would you say are the main differences between creating nail art for shows, editorials, and campaigns?
The differences between creating nail art for shows, editorials, and campaigns are what makes my job so exciting. For campaigns, the look must be timeless and appeal to a broad audience, creating something universally appreciated. I can push boundaries, experiment, and collaborate on fresh ideas in editorials. I often think that years from now, a nail artist just starting out might look at one of my editorials and think, ‘That was cool.’ It’s inspiring to imagine that something I created in 2024 might influence the next generation of nail artists. For fashion shows, the look needs to be either timeless or iconic. While I haven’t created an iconic show look yet, I did design a deeply symbolic piece for Simon Porte Jacquemus. Simon trusted me and asked me to paint the LGBTQ+ flag on his ring finger, which was symbolic as he had just gotten engaged to the love of his life. We then applied this nail art to all the models for the show.

What’s your creative process like when designing a new nail look? Do you begin with a theme, a color palette, or something else entirely?
My creative process is often a bit chaotic, but it’s where the magic happens. I begin by immersing myself in music or a film to capture an emotion, then I gather all my tools, along with paper and pencil, and sketch out what comes to mind. Once I see the concept on paper, I assess my materials and figure out how to bring it to life. Sometimes, inspiration strikes unexpectedly in everyday moments, and I have to write it down quickly—or if I’m already in my atelier, I rush to execute the idea. This often happens late at night, which ruins my sleep, but it’s part of the process. About 80% of the time, the idea doesn’t quite work out, but when it does, it’s fantastic.

What other jobs have you had?
I also work with paint and sculpture, creating 3D pieces on canvas.

Can you tell us about your experiences working with Schiaparelli and Coperni? Since 2022 and 2021, you’ve developed a close collaboration with each brand—how have their creative visions influenced your approach to nail design, and are there any particularly memorable campaigns or shows that stand out?
My work with Schiaparelli and Coperni has been incredibly inspiring. Schiaparelli’s creations are nothing short of extraordinary, with truly iconic accessories. I had the opportunity to blend my gold nail designs with their gold bags and accessories, which felt like a perfect match. Schiaparelli’s jewelry often takes the form of eyes, ears, mouths, and fingers, so I sought to recreate these shapes in my nail designs, giving rise to what I call ‘jewelry nails.’ It was an exciting challenge, pushing me to think beyond the nails themselves — ‘The sky is the limit,’ or in this case, the hand is the limit. My collaboration with Mugler is equally exciting. They offer nail artists a lot of freedom to express themselves, and recently, we’ve been experimenting with bold new lengths while keeping the designs fierce and innovative.

What’s something outside of your work that fuels your creativity?
Cinema, music, and travel are major sources of inspiration.

What’s one thing outside of your work that you would like people to know about you?
When I told my mother I wanted to pursue this career, she was initially discouraged. This kind of work is poorly paid and physically demanding in my country. But she chose to support me when my passion didn’t fade over the years. My mother passed away in 2013, but before she left, she made me promise to shine so brightly that no one would ever overlook me. I’ve held onto that promise and am grateful to have a job that brings me fulfillment, joy, and security. Despite my passion for what I do, I find immense joy in life’s simple pleasures—walking my dog, cooking delicious meals, or finally learning to ride a bike at 32.

Who do you think is one to watch?
Aurore Gibrien is the person to look for. I love her vision of beauty, her unique touch, and her desire to always renew herself.

Selected Work

Schiaparelli F/W 24 Show
I found it incredible to style the toenails—it’s like saying, ‘Yes, I wear tights, but my nails deserve to be seen.’

Frieze Magazine – Eye of the Beholder
Carlijn Jacobs is one of my favorite photographers, and that day, she had a nail art idea in mind and told me she couldn’t trust anyone else to bring it to life. There’s no better feeling than achieving a difficult look in a short time and first try.

Oh Baby! Rihanna’s Plus One
Meeting Rih was an absolute dream—I’ve loved her since Pon de Replay. That day, I also had the privilege of learning, well ahead of everyone else, that her favorite nail shape is square and that she absolutely dislikes coffin shapes, information that all nail artists’ fans would love to know.

Etro Vela Bag 2023 Campaign
That was the chrome metallic era—I love it because our eyes are drawn to all the little details.

Superselected for Schiaparelli
Daniel Roseberry is a true genius and incredibly talented—so much so that I wanted to create this jewel on my nail.