Nail art: 'For people who want to make a statement'

Charlotte Bartrop, 22, Artist The half moon manicure is very in right now. These cost £30. I would say that these are art, but I don't get them done frequently. I think it's more appealing for young professionals who can afford it as a treat, and who want to make a statement (Nails by Sophie Harris-Greenslade/ The Illustrated Nail) Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Chloe Lawrence, 23, Gallery Assistant These took about 40 minutes to do. Out of all the fruity designs I wanted this the most. I've had them for 3 days and they're still going which is a record for me. They cost £35 (Nails by Sophie Harris-Greenslade/ The Illustrated Nail) Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Elinor Olisa, 30, Gallery director These are Minx nails. They only took about 15 minutes to put on which is why I prefer it to nail polish. They come off quite easily if I get sick of them too. These cost about £45 to get done. I definitely think nails are an art form. They're no longer an afterthought Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Isobel Beauchamp, 29 My toes took about an hour to do myself and my Minx hand nails took about 10 minutes. I would definitely consider nails to be art - they are the new handbags when it comes to subtle but bold statements, and cheaper too Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Isobel Beauchamp, 29 Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Marta Petursdottir, 28, Meat slicer at Borough Market These took half an hour to do. I've had such an amazing response from customers to these nails. I'm definitely going to get nail art more often - it's the new way to express yourself. Nails are the new hair. (Nails by Sophie Harris-Greenslade/ The Illustrated Nail) Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian

Ryan Lanji, 24, Fashion Curator My statement nails are Mike Pocock for Illamasqua, and my Minx nails are Thierry Mugler for Minx. Nails are really being appreciated as a canvas now and I think it's an intimate expression of art and culture Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian