What's the trick to making cuticles look good?

I've been doing my own nails for YEARS but I still really struggle with making my cuticles look nice. It's like I can't get the application or filing right. The picture is acrylic but I still have the same issue with polygel, and it's a new set.

I've been doing my own nails for YEARS but I still really struggle with making my cuticles look nice. It's like I can't get the application or filing right. The picture is acrylic but I still have the same issue with polygel, and it's a new set.