Spifster Sutton

Tacarra "Spifster" Sutton Nail Artist & Visual Designer Tacarra “Spifster” Sutton started her journey into the art world on the smallest of canvases—her own nails. What began as a creative way to stop herself from biting her nails has transformed into a flourishing career as a trendsetting nail artist and visual designer. Known for her bold, intricate nail art crafted uniquely for each client, Spifster has become a force in both the beauty and design industries. “Coming to Spif is about trusting the process,” Sutton says of her signature approach. “At the end of the day, you’re here for the Spifster experience.” Her journey from using Sharpie markers and a single bottle of slate-blue polish from Walgreens to creating show-stopping nail designs is nothing short of inspiring. As her designs gained attention among friends and peers, Sutton realized her nail art could serve as a powerful calling card—placing her work in creative spaces even before she officially stepped into them. Fifteen years later, Spifster's influence extends beyond nail art. Her vibrant, unapologetic designs now appear on everything from apparel to home décor, pushing the boundaries of traditional beauty artistry into the larger design world. She also credits the rise of nail art as a respected art form to the undeniable influence of Black culture. “Black girl magic has a huge role in where nail art is today,” she says. “What was once seen as ‘ghetto’—nail jewels, stones, bold designs—is now a symbol of power and individuality. You’ve got women leading companies with stoned-out nails, and that’s beautiful.” Today, Sutton continues to expand her visual design practice through creative collaborations, all while staying true to the Spifster experience that put her on the map.