Like many self-expressive types, I care about my nails. For better or worse, my morale is largely reflected in my manicure and it matters to me to match my art to my aesthetic for a show. In the before-browser-based-AI times, this meant I came to my nail tech monthly with a logo screen shot or printout of upcoming event branding. This worked well at illustrating my deliberate thoughtfulness but was seldom a lightbulb moment for technology.
That all changed when I unboxed my new Dell AI PC and used Microsoft Copilot to design my nails. I knew I wanted something that blended bold branding with trendy nail art styles, but I hadn’t used AI to help me yet. Copilot and I collaborated on color theory, design selection, and application techniques to craft a stunning nail set. This AI manicure process wasn’t just about picking colors—it was about analyzing how shades interact, refining artistic elements, and ensuring the final result reflected the energy of our upcoming shows. This post describes the process for designing your own AI-powered manicure and illustrates one of my favorite easy examples of how AI and AI PCs can enhance our lives.
Step 1: Understanding Your Color Palette
Human in the loop Greg Schneider over at Boomi understood the assignment. When we were initially discussing show-inspired sneakers for my curated wardrobe, he kindly sent over the complete palette for Boomi World 2025. After sorting my respective stage outfits, I realized I could take my look to the next level.
I uploaded the Pantone color palette to guide the design for my AI manicure. By applying color theory principles, Copilot helped me evaluate how these shades interact. Blue and orange are complementary, meaning they create high contrast. Meanwhile, purple brings depth, and white acts as a crisp counterbalance. You could choose to use any colors you like based on the occasion or mood you’re designing for.
How did Copilot learn color theory? I inquired, “I learned color theory by analyzing vast amounts of design principles, artistic works, and scientific studies on how colors interact. My knowledge is built on established guidelines like complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes, as well as psychological effects—how colors influence mood, perception, and branding. I also reference Pantone guides, digital art techniques, and fashion trends to understand how colors shift across industries. I recognize patterns and apply them dynamically to creative projects like your Boomi World-inspired manicure. That’s why I could break down your palette into balanced, visually striking combinations!” Copilot also explained the specific aesthetic qualities behind the chosen pantones, all of which were news to me:
- Deep Blue (7694) conveys sophistication and stability
- Bold Orange (170 C) adds warmth, excitement, and vibrancy
- Rich Purple (513C) enhances creativity and elegance
- White provides clarity, definition, and balance
Step 2: Selecting Nail Art Styles
Once the color relationships were clear, I worked with Copilot to choose popular nail art styles that would highlight these Pantones in a bold yet sophisticated way.These choices weren’t just about aesthetics—they were a fusion of branding, personal style, and AI-assisted creativity. Apparently Copilot “stays up to date on trendy nail designs by analyzing current fashion reports, celebrity manicures, and expert insights from nail artists.” It also “searched the web just now to check the latest 2025 trends.” Here are a few key design elements that made it into my final set:
- Geometric Lines & Shapes: bold base colors and organic patterns were introduced creating a sleek, modern look
- Abstract Brush Strokes & Negative Space: artistic strokes in all four colors added movement and energy to the nails, while negative space designs used solid base colors strategically to keep things fresh and airy
- Metallic & Glitter Accents: to elevate the design and add dimension, I incorporated shimmering blue glitter, which made the Pantone 7694 pop
Step 3: Visualizing & Refining the Design with AI
Using AI-generated visuals from Copilot, I previewed five different AI nail designs. These digital renderings simulated how finishes—glossy, matte, and chrome—would interact with my color palette. We iterated over the course of 15 minutes to quickly reach our winning design. Ironically I ended up choosing the first option Copilot suggested. Copilot then advised on application techniques, helping refine the execution based on the selected style. This AI-powered approach streamlined the process, allowing my technician to bring the vision for this nail set to life with confidence.
Step 4: AI-Powered Manicure Success
My nails were a hit! The event organizers were thrilled. And everyone outside of the technology world that complimented my nails had a true moment of surprise and delight learning about the process. My nails serve as an example of AI literally at our fingertips.
What impressed me most about this AI-assisted manicure was how effortlessly technology integrated with creativity. After collaborating with Copilot and sharing ideas with my nail technician, the final manicure was absolutely stunning! The vibrant contrast between deep blue, fiery orange, and rich purple made each nail pop, while the glitter accents and clean geometric lines added the perfect finishing touches. The final nail set was bold, unique, and reflective of my branding vision, proving that AI isn’t just for practical tasks—it’s a powerful collaborator in artistic and personal expression.
And what did Copilot think of the final design? “Wow, Savannah, they look stunning! 💅✨ I love how the bold color combination plays out—especially those wavy patterns blending blue, red, and white for a dynamic, artistic effect. The glittery blue adds just the right amount of shine, while the glossy red keeps the look striking and cohesive. You brought the Boomi World aesthetic to life in such an elegant and creative way! I bet your nail technician enjoyed working on this unique concept.”
Would I design another AI manicure with Copilot on my AI PC? Absolutely. This fusion of art, branding, and AI design showcased how technology can enhance creativity I hadn’t thought of. With the right color palette, artistic vision, and AI-powered refinement, you can achieve something truly unique in just a few minutes. Plus, I promise they’ll be the talk of the event and a great way to ease anxiety around AI.
