The Swedish artist Cecilia Carlstedt illustrated the slipcases of the first two palettes for LONI BAUR. Cecilia has already worked for Harpers Bazar, ELLE, Gucci and Stella McCartney, among others.
Photo: Klas Sjöberg
LONI BAUR: Where did you learn to paint? Have you always wanted to be an artist? Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work.
Cecilia Carlstedt: I have always loved to paint and have been very interested in art since my early childhood. I don't think I've really considered any other career path. After studying art history in Stockholm, a bachelor's degree in graphic design and a phase of experimental image design in London, I ended up doing what feels most natural to me: illustration. Since then I have had the opportunity to implement many different projects with customers from different countries. That's one of the biggest perks of being an illustrator -- that it's limitless.
LONI BAUR: As an artist and illustrator, you are best known for your work for well-known brands such as Vogue, ELLE, Swarovski, L'Oréal, Estée Lauder, Victoria Beckham and Tiffany's. What exactly do you like about working with these fashion and lifestyle brands?
Cecilia Carlstedt: I prefer projects that are more about conveying a certain feeling or atmosphere than about artistically retelling a situation. I really like openness and a more abstract approach, and I find that the fashion and beauty industry often gives me this freedom.
LONI BAUR: What are the ideas behind your work for LONI BAUR / THE FACE EDITION? What inspired you for the illustrations?
Cecilia Carlstedt: I especially love painting faces, and that was exactly my briefing from Loni. This combined with a beautiful color palette made for a great starting point for these two artistic interpretations of the two looks.
LONI BAUR: What is your own attitude towards make-up? Do you wear make-up yourself and if so, what is your favorite look?
Cecilia Carlstedt: I actually use make-up every day – not much, but just to make my skin appear more even. I also like a bit of color on the cheeks and eyebrows. I especially love makeup with red lips!
LONI BAUR: Loni and you have one important thing in common: you both dared to dream big and pursue a career as a (make-up) artist - which many see as a difficult path. What helped you set big goals and then achieve them?
Cecilia Carlstedt: I think like all career paths in the creative sector, it's the love for what you do that drives you the most. I never had any master plan for exactly what my career should look like. For me, the focus is always on my current work, and the magic of any assignment is getting the best out of the framework you've been given.
