Yuna Jessica’s Nail Art
Agnese La Spisa
If your group chat had a beauty equivalent, it would probably look a lot like the nail art work of Yuna Jessica.
Based in Vancouver but constantly on the move, she’s not your typical nail artist. She’s a travel manicurist working across Canada, creating content for brands worldwide. and turning internet culture into tiny, wearable nail art masterpieces.
Think hyper-detailed nail art meets meme culture meets “wait, how is that even possible on a nail?” energy. Yuna’s aesthetic might look effortless, but it’s actually rooted in a very specific mix of influences: a love for mini details and internet humor, brought together on a tiny canvas. And honestly, it shows. Her nails don’t just look good, they feel like something. Funny, nostalgic, oddly specific… like the exact meme you didn’t know you needed to bright your day. And if that caught your attention, wait until you hear her talk about it!
Your work blends playful, meme-inspired ideas with detailed nail artistry. How did you develop this unique aesthetic, and what inspires your designs the most?
Thank you so much! It came quite naturally, as I’ve always been drawn to miniatures and memes. It’s kind of a mix of my two favourite worlds colliding onto a nail. I also noticed it was a medium of art that has brought me the most joy. So I’ve been sticking with it!
Nail art trends move incredibly fast online. How do you stay inspired without feeling pressured to follow trends, and how do you keep your work original?
Art is so subjective, so I don’t put much focus on being original. I’m simply recreating my interpretation of a meme or a trend that I like. And again, because I love memes and am constantly looking for new ones, I just pick what makes me laugh the most. I also do nails in the film industry and for personal clients. So all of these categories are a bit different from each other. It’s more of a pressure of juggling between them rather than feeling the need to keep up with or start the next trend.
Can you walk us through your process when starting a new nail art design, from the initial idea to the final set?
I think meme nails are pretty straightforward, so I’ll dive more into branded content or client nails. If I’m presented with inspo photos or a product, I like to focus on elements like textures, finishes, and patterns. From there, I create a moodboard in my head of what would fit aesthetically. Then I bring it all together for a set. I also think a lot about feeling. How the audience would feel looking at the nails, and how I feel initially when I see the product or inspo photos.
When someone books with you, how do you translate their personality or mood into a nail design that feels truly personal?
I am truly chronically online, and I love seeing everyone’s different styles. Because of that exposure, I can accurately guess the type of nails a client would want based on their appearance, personality, and interests. Also, in the nail chair, you get to know your client pretty well when they feel comfortable being themselves. So my focus is being myself with them so they can feel safe too.
As your nail art brand continues to grow, what direction do you see your work evolving in? Are there new mediums, collaborations, or creative projects you want to explore?
Definitely more online-focused. I love mixing art with media and marketing. I think it’s such a fun and creative space for me. On a month-to-month basis, I also really enjoy having my days look a little different. That is why I have three different “nail careers.” That said, it can be challenging to stay consistent across all avenues, so I’d like to put more focus and effort into my online content.
What makes Yuna Jessica’s work pop isn’t just the skill (although yes, the precision is wild). It’s the personality baked into every set: the humor, the instinct, the way she turns a fleeting internet moment into something you can actually wear. Her nails don’t just look good. They say something, spark reactions, and sometimes steal the spotlight entirely. Honestly, not bad for ten tiny canvases!
Yuna Jessica Instagram
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Agnese La Spisa is an Italian creative based in Italy, specializing in publishing and fashion communication. At IRK Magazine, she brings together creativity, research, and design to shape stories with clarity and style. Curious and collaborative, she is driven by a passion for exploring culture, aesthetics, and the narratives that connect people, ideas, and disciplines.
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