Finnish Vivianne Raudsepp does makeup and hair for world stars for galas. He tells how, as a “Finnish licka”, he got to Los Angeles to do jobs that many compete for.
Make-up and hair artist Vivianne Raudsepp made a bold leap in 2018. At the age of 28, he moved to Los Angeles, where he wanted to create a career in his dream field.
– It was a bit scary. When the plane landed, I didn’t have an apartment, a job or even a bank account, Raudsepp, 32, says.
The first months were spent in temporary accommodation. And he didn’t miss a beat when it came to work either.
– They also started to come little by little, says Raudsepp.
– I was excited how such a Finnish likka gets the opportunity to make a dune, which many compete for, he says.
Contacts
Raudsepp had previously worked in London and made many contacts. Even though he didn’t have to start from scratch in his new home country, the job gap was enough.
– I probably sent a hundred e-mails a day and made phone calls, Raudsepp says.
– I even remember begging for opportunities to show my skills. There were my first bigger shoots Open Max So Am I -song’s music video, Raudsepp says.
Soon Raudsepp also worked in the team of Taylor Swift’s music video.
Raudsepp says that he also received a lot of help and support from his Finnish colleague From Karo Kankaawho had already established a successful career in Los Angeles.
At first, Raudsepp was surprised by how long the working days are and how many hours a day are spent sitting in a car in traffic jams. Raudsepp describes that he was exhausted and wondered how he would even have time to go to the store.
Raudsepp’s career took off when he got an agent. There started to be more and more work assignments.
Raudsepp also understood the importance of social media.
– Always better, the more people see that you are working. Even in Los, the circles are small. Reputation grows if you’ve done your job well and you’re a good guy, Raudsepp sums up.
Raudsepp as a make-up artist in the filming of a jewelry brand. Vivianne’s home album
12 hour days
Now Raudsepp is used to long days and also traffic jams. Raudsepp’s normal working day lasts 12 hours. Studio days are shorter, then the day is completed in ten hours.
He describes that there is not much talk about exhaustion, instead it is encouraged.
– We are treated really well on the set. We have great big breakfasts and lunches. Sometimes we jog and stretch. If filming drags on, we have dinner together, Raudsepp describes the work culture.
– We don’t waste, we are well taken care of, he says.
Raudsepp is living his dream.
– I have always dreamed of living in the sun near palm trees and the sea. This felt like home from the beginning, says Raudsepp.
According to Raudsepp, thanking people is for that.
– There is inspiring and positive energy here. I get to work here in the heart of the entertainment world, he reasons.
World stars as a customer
Spring is a busy time for a makeup artist. Among other things, the Emmys, Critics Choise, SAG Awards and the Oscar gala have kept Raudsepp busy.
– The last mind-blowing shoot was recently at Jeremy Renner’s place. Her whole family was there to have their make-up done. We filmed a documentary about his accident last winter, Raudsepp says.
Raudsepp also does a lot of shoots for fashion and cosmetics brands.
Among others, Victoria’s Secret models, Actors Seth Rogen, Lauren MillerTaron Egerton, Cara Gee, Tatum O’Neal, fashion influencer Aimee Song and swimming star Katie Ledecky. Raudsepp’s attitude towards a world star becoming his client has completely changed.
– At first, working was very stressful, but they are wonderful basic types. It’s always exciting to meet new people, but it’s rewarding to hear stories. As with a hairdresser, people talk quite a lot, says Raudsepp.
Singer Mitski was made up by Raudsepp The Jimmy Kimmel Live Show to descriptions.
– It was a nice experience to get to a well-known studio and see how the program is filmed.
Vivianne Raudsepp’s handprint has been seen in fashion magazines, on the red carpet and, for example, in advertising shoots. Image from the North Face shoot. Vivianne’s home album
As a model in the world
Raudsepp always seems to have had enough courage. On the threshold of adulthood, Raudsepp headed to the Asian model market. Raudsepp visited Japan and South Korea several times and spent a few months there at a time.
– That’s when I became interested in the work of a make-up artist, Raudsepp says.
Raudsepp first studied as a make-up artist, then as a barber-hairdresser in Finland.
– In modeling, I learned what it’s like to be involved in productions.
Raudsepp worked in London for a couple of years before moving to Los Angeles.
“Hopefully always a perfectionist”
Raudsepp doesn’t have to think when he is asked what is the best part of his job.
– People and human contacts are my favorite thing. You also have to know how to read people and their style. They need to feel good about themselves and be themselves, Raudsepp describes.
The make-up artist says that she is also an eternal perfectionist.
– It will certainly never be completely easy, but it is not a disadvantage either. I hope that excitement and perfectionism will never disappear completely, because they also push me forward. I don’t think I’d be here without it, says Raudsepp.
Although Raudsepp is busy, he already knows that calmer weeks will come.
Then Raudsepp takes the car under. He goes on a road trip and heads to the mountains or beautiful sea or lake scenery.
Many of Raudsepp’s dreams have already come true. The most important of them is also related to people.
– My dream has been to build my life here. At an older age, it is difficult to create new friendships. However, I have made new dear friends, Raudsepp is happy.
Vivianne Raudsepp describes herself as an eternal perfectionist. Glen Dandridge Jr