2024.08.13
Tomoya Nakagawa's 3D Printed Nail Art that Captivates Artist Like Kiko Mizuhara, NewJeans, & IVE
K-POP has been creating a variety of fashion trends in recent years, including Y2K, bag charms, and Balletcore. The music videos are played tens of millions of times, and the costumes appearing in them are always a focus of attention. Have you heard of Tomoya Nakagawa, a Japanese artist who creates original nail arts and accessories that appear in such music videos?
After starting to produce nails with a 3D printer on his own in 2020, he was noticed by the creative teams of Björk and Chloe x Halle and has been used by famous fashion icons such as Kiko Mizuhara. Currently, he continues to collaborate with K-POP stars such as NewJeans, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, and XG.
In this interview, we talked to Tomoya Nakagawa about his production style, the behind-the-scenes of his collaborations, and his lifestyle.
PROFILE
Tomoya Nakagawa
Born in Tokyo. He dropped out of high school and experienced various jobs including office work and apparel industry. He started his own business in 2015 and transitioned to a fisherman in 2019. Currently living in New York, he is primarily active as a nail artist using a 3D printer, both domestically and internationally.
The Overwhelming Speed of K-POP
Tell us about your activities, Tomoya Nakagawa.
While creating original items such as nails, hairpieces, and headpieces, I collaborate with artists' costumes, music videos, fashion brands, and other promotions. The design is mainly done with CAD software, the molding is done with a 3D printer, and the fine adjustments and painting are done by hand.Recently, you are known for providing works to K-POP artists. Why are you continuously collaborating with various groups?
The Korean music scene is always looking for new sensibilities and is very flexible. My first job with K-POP was when NewJeans collaborated with the online game "League of Legends" and I provided the visual headpieces and nail tips. After that job, my work expanded suddenly.Orders for items that I've never made before increased rapidly from on-site inspirations, like "I want this kind of item" or "Can you make something like this?" The overall process has a sense of "Hurry up!" Often I finish the design in one day and deliver the new item in two days. The time from shooting to the release of the music video is fast, which I think is a unique culture in Korea.
That's a vivid, K-POP-like speed. In IVE's "Accendio" music video, you designed accessories for both princess and villain patterns.
When I made the accessories for the previous music video, "HEYA," another type of hairpiece that I was ordered simultaneously was used in the concept photo of the album. From there, I got involved in the music video.IVE has an image like a "magical girl" in Japanese anime, and during the process of arranging it in my own way and designing it, I received an order for a villain's hairpiece. At that time, an accessory that reminds of a gauntlet to put on your hand was also added.
This princess hairpin will be released as a merchandise at IVE's 1ST WORLD TOUR. I'm looking forward to it reaching IVE's fans.
The Balance Between Digital & Handwork
Tell us about your production environment.
I think my production style is easy for anyone to start and has a high degree of freedom in expression.For molding, I use a modeling software called "ZBrush." It's a software that allows you to intuitively change the shape of a 3D model with a brush tool, like kneading clay in the digital world.
The 3D printer that outputs the 3D model made with "ZBrush" is the "Form 3" from Formlabs. It's a model that can output anything from small nail tips to full-sized crowns that are placed on heads, and all of my works are made with the "Form 3."
Finally, remove the output support and spray paint it. From here on, it's all handwork, and it's the most time-consuming process.
The paint varies, but a key element in my works is a manufacturer called "SHOW-UP."
It's a Japanese paint manufacturer that started from sheet metal painting, and their silver sparkle is extraordinary. Once you paint and dry it, then layer more paint on top to create a beautiful gradient, it is complete.
It's a Japanese paint manufacturer that started from sheet metal painting, and their silver sparkle is extraordinary. Once you paint and dry it, then layer more paint on top to create a beautiful gradient, it is complete.
How did you learn this way of producing?
I learned most of my current styles by myself. I didn't originally aim to become a creator from the beginning.Share Article
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