Digital Dozen · Nail Art

The Digit-al Dozen does Mythical Creatures: Nessie Lochness Monster

It’s the final day of The Digit-al Dozen for February. The theme for February is ‘Mythical Creatures’ and for today’s mani I went with Nessie the Lochness Monster. If you’ve been following me for long you probably know I don’t do freehand. So when a friend suggested a Nessie mani I was skeptical if I could pull it off.

The Digit-al Dozen does Mythical Creatures: Nessie Lochness Monster

Have I mentioned I don’t do freehand? Like it usually results with four letter words and polish being thrown. I have bad hand tremors from medication and very little patience, both of which are really important for freehand. But I *really* wanted a Nessie mani, and I just got a new set of acrylic paints so I went for it! 

The Digit-al Dozen does Mythical Creatures: Nessie Lochness Monster The Digit-al Dozen does Mythical Creatures: Nessie Lochness Monster

I am so pleased with how this turned out! I would have done a happy dance if I could have. For real. 😊


Items used:

  • Painted Polish Stamped in Seafoam
  • Zoya Lillian
  • Zoya Neely
  • Color Club One Coat White
  • Painted Polish Boating in Bluejeans 
  • Glam Polish Matte Top Coat 
  • Silicone Brushes


The Digit-al Dozen does Mythical Creatures: Nessie Lochness Monster

For my base color I did a gradient using Zoya Lillian, Zoya Neely, and Painted Polish Stamped in Seafoam. For the color of Nessie I mixed brown and green acrylic paints to get the olive shade. Using my new silicone brushes I painted on my sea monster, and I found them much easier to use as they gave me the extra control I needed. I dabbed on the clouds with Q tips and Color Club White, and I painted on some wavy water with Painted Polish Boating in Bluejeans. I placed a few fins/scales with brown acrylic paint and a dotting tool and my Nessie was all done! Except my matte top coat and Nessie didn’t get along and her scales unfortunately streaked. Poor Nessie. Regardless though a full freehand mani is a real win for me and I could not be happier with her! 

The Digit-al Dozen does Mythical Creatures: Nessie Lochness Monster The Digit-al Dozen does Mythical Creatures: Nessie Lochness Monster
What do you think of my Nessie? Do you ever struggle with freehand too? 

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Until next time, stay polished!


  • You did an awesome job! I can’t free hand to save my life.

  • Tracey

    This is fantastic and great freehand. I struggle to and try to practise to get better. The one I’d love to do us one stroke x

  • This is seriously the cutest Nessie!

  • Michelle Chouinard

    See, if you hadn’t told me, I would have thought you streaked it on purpose–it looks like some sort of seaweed or lake plant on her! This is really, really adorable. One of my favorites of the week. 🙂

  • BeautyJudy

    I didn’t notice the streak right away – it’s a fab mani!!! I love Nessie <3

  • its adorable!

  • Kristi Vasquez

    Great idea! Love love love Nessie! So cute Tiffany!

  • I love how the sky transitions so smoothly!!!

  • I think it turned out great. I can’t even “freehand” a straight line on my nails so this is amazing!

  • Ehmkay Nails

    Love how this came out. I knew what it was before you said it

  • Your nessie has such a cute little face!

  • Phyrra Nyx

    Nessie is adorbs!

  • OMG!!! You did such an amazing job with creating Nessie!!!!

  • Yvette Price

    This is sooo freaking cute!!! I love it!!!

  • polarbelle

    You did an excellent job!! I think you DO freehand after all!!

  • This is so cute! You kicked butt with this theme…so fun!

  • OMG the cuteness!!

  • Such a cute idea for this theme!

  • Lothwen Akira

    I have the same things, tremors and no patience, which is why despite loving freehand, I hardly ever have time (or indeed, patience) to do it. This is why I am so very impressed with your Nessie mani, it came out GREAT and it is so super duper cute!!!