Basildon Artist Designs Stunning Nail Art for Cynthia Erivo in ‘Wicked

Nail Artist Overwhelmed with Emotion After Seeing Her Work in Wicked

A Dream Realized on the Big Screen

A nail artist recently expressed her heartfelt emotions after witnessing the stunning nails she designed for Cynthia Erivo in the film adaptation of Wicked. Shea Osei, a 33-year-old from Basildon, Essex, collaborated closely with Erivo to craft unique nail designs that complemented her character, Elphaba. Their friendship spans over 15 years, making this project particularly special.

Osei was also invited to style Erivo’s nails for the green carpet event when London’s Southbank transformed into an enchanting Emerald City for the film’s premiere. “Watching it alongside everyone else was surreal… I couldn’t help but cry. There were so many moments that moved me,” she shared.

The Journey of a Nail Artist

Shea Osei began her journey into nail artistry at just 14 years old and turned it into a full-fledged career by age 18. Over the years, she has cultivated a diverse clientele that includes notable figures like Candice Brathwaite and Maya Jama. Previously, she had worked on Erivo’s nails for Netflix’s Luther: The Fallen Sun, showcasing their established rapport.

Crafting Unique Designs

For Wicked, Osei created more than 35 sets of press-on nails tailored specifically for Elphaba’s character arc. Each set took up to an hour and a half to perfect, ensuring consistency in style and design while incorporating various shades of green along with ombré effects and foil accents.

“When we first meet Elphaba, she’s portrayed as shy and reserved; however, even then her subtle green ombré nails reflect her daring spirit,” Osei explained. “As Elphaba grows more confident upon arriving at Emerald City—her transformation is mirrored through bolder nail designs that declare ‘this is who I am.'”

Emphasizing Authenticity

Osei emphasized how important it was for Cynthia Erivo to feel authentic throughout filming despite portraying such an iconic character. “Cynthia loves getting her nails done outside of playing Elphaba… We wanted those details to shine through in every scene,” she noted.

The meticulous attention given to these details ensured that every time Erivo interacted with props like brooms or hats on screen, her beautifully manicured nails would be visible—a testament to both characters’ strength and individuality.

Recognition Beyond Expectations

Since contributing to this high-profile project, Shea has experienced an overwhelming wave of support from fans worldwide. “People often overlook nail art,” she remarked; “but in Wicked, they truly noticed it.” She hopes this newfound recognition will inspire other aspiring nail technicians and beauty professionals: “Success doesn’t happen overnight; persistence pays off.”

Shea Osei’s emotional journey reflects not only personal achievement but also highlights how intricate details can elevate storytelling within cinema—reminding us all about the power of creativity in bringing characters vividly alive on screen.