Leave or paint and design?

My new set. I’m practicing so hard on all different applications. It’s not as easy as as it looks online, lol. I REALLY want to figure out how to get builder gel application down, so any tips and/or beginners advice for nail application as well as simple nail art is greatly appreciated 🩷💅

ALSO: should I paint/design or leave them like this?

AND: can you guess which application method I used today?