We’re not going to lie: tribal manis are what made us fall head over heals for nail art. With that eye-catching, any-color-goes palette and mix of wild patterns, could you really blame us? We’re completely set on acing the intricate Aztec-inspired designs for festival season, so we sourced our 18 fave nail art tutorials that show exactly how to turn your tips totally tribal. All it takes is a handful of bright polishes and some serious geometric inspiration to recreate these stand-out looks all spring and summer long.
1. Tribal Triangle Nail Art: Triangles are the cornerstone of the tribal-inspired look, so why not let them have their time in the spotlight? We’re nuts about how this design looks paired with that cutout midi ring. (via So Nailicious)
2. Easy Aztec Pattern: Don’t think for a moment that the tiny stripes and shapes of Aztec-inspired nail art have to be a chore—use a stencil to take the look to the max and keep the effort to a minimum. (via Minted Strawberry)
3. Geo Printed Tribal Nails: No nail design is the same on this tribal mani—and we’re obsessed. The palette of pink and royal blue keeps the eclectic look cohesive. (via Chalkboard Nails)
4. Tribal Patchwork: These two-faced nails are so fresh. Use a contrast color to divide the nail in two, then outline the details in black to make ’em pop. (via Refinery29)
5. Studded Ikat Nails: This manicure takes tribal nail art to the next level. The shimmering metallic ikat nails wraps are expertly paired with a crescent of bold blue polish and a single gold stud. Perfection. (via So Nailicious)
6. Pastel Pattern Nails: Who would have thought that Aztec-inspired nail art could look so insanely pretty? Silver tips make the soft pastel palette totally modern, too. (via Pshiiit)
7. Aztec Steps Nails: Over triangles? Try adding this graduated geo pattern over a fabulous yolk yellow base to get a tribal-inspired look that’s a step above the rest (oh we had to!). (via Pshiiit)
8. Teal Tribal Tips: Are tribal tips the new French mani? We sure hope so: this asymmetrical herringbone design is simply stunning on a nude nail. (via Minted Strawberry)
9. Copper Leaves: Dots and dashes of copper polish give tribal nail art a totally feminine vibe. It would look even chicer over a base coat of white or duck egg blue. (via Refinery29)
10. Light Tribal Nails: This nail art is all about organized chaos. There’s something so graceful about the flow of the linear pattern, especially when it’s paired with a fierce contrast nail. (via Pshiiit)
11. Textured Tribal Nails: Outline your tribal-inspired shapes in a color other than black or white, and more specifically in this hot pink polish—it’s a genius move. Swoon with us, won’t you? (via So Nailicious)
12. Tribal Stripe Nail Art: Swirls, stripes, squiggles—this Aztec-inspired nail art has it all! Multicolored stripes create a paint-by-numbers like canvas that make this design much easier to achieve than it may seem. (via Lulu*s)
13. Nude Ikat Nails: Yes, there is such a thing as everyday tribal-inspired nail art—this nude ikat design proves it. It’s definitely on our list of looks to copy this spring. (via Pshiiit)
14. Black Marker Pattern Nails: The secret’s out: the easiest way to nail these intricate tribal-inspired looks is with a thin tipped Sharpie. You’re welcome. (via Isla Everywhere)
15. Neon Tribal Nails: There might not be a more appropriate way to use up your neon nail polish. Stripes of warm colors make a perfect base for zips of electric yellow and white. (via Oh So Pretty)
16. Pattern Play Nails: We do support a neutral nail when it comes to tribal manis: just take a look at this design to see why. The intricate details really pop against that nude polish. (via Uncovet)
17. Dark Tribal Nails: We’re digging the cozy vibe of this eclectic mani that mixes dreamy grey blue with girly pink and teal. This is the way to wear tribal nail art off-season. (via Pshiiit)
18. Arrow Pattern Nails: Arrowheads add edgy detail to this all-white mani. Plus, those random strokes of yellow polish make this Aztec-inspired nail art all the more eye-catching. (via Globe & Nail)
Are you nuts about tribal nail art? Is it the colors or the shapes that get you goin’? What will your festival mani look like? Tell us in the comments below.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.