ART DIRECTOR, KBDA, LOS ANGELES CA
Amanda Hovest is a designer, storyteller, organizational leader, and facilitator -creating meaningful branded experiences that delight and entertain. For the past eight years, while at KBDA, she has collaborated with clients like Bolthouse Farms, Natural History Museum of LA County, LA Phil, LACMA, SoCal PBS, Henry Ford Museum, and many others. Currently, Amanda serves as president of AIGA Los Angeles and is a member of the Inner-City Arts Young Professional Board – both leading art and design organizations in the LA landscape. Her work has been recognized by the Society for Environmental Graphic Design, the American Alliance of Museums, AIGA and others.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Born in Lima OH, raised in Ottawa (Pop: 4362) and now live in West Hollywood CA (Pop: 37,080)
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
Bowling Green State University
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
Righty
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Morning! Bring on the sun!
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
Does playing the clarinet (badly) in middle school count?
FAVORITE BOOK?
‘Lost Cat. A True Story of Love, Desperation, and GPS Technology.’ It is written by Caroline Paul with illustrations by Wendy MacNaughton.
FAVORITE MOVIE?
The Princess Bride
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
Right now it’s The Great British Baking Show and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Instagram
FAVORITE PODCAST?
It’s a tie between 99% Invisible and The Daily
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
L.A. based artist Megan Geckler, her use of color in space is extraordinary
FAVORITE CHARITY OR CAUSE?
Inner-City Arts
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Baking while dancing.
COLLECT ANYTHING?
I have a large collection of scarves that I choose to wear no matter the temperature.
WHICH AREA OF GRAPHIC DESIGN IS GROWING THE MOST?
I’d say using design thinking and facilitation.
DESIGN MENTOR/INSPIRATION/HERO?
My heroes: parents and brothers. My mentors: I have had the privilege of having many mentors, Amy Fidler, Emily King, Keith Knueven, and Kim Baer. My inspiration: The entire AIGA Los Angeles Board of Directors & Advisors who inspire me daily
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Strength: Getting people to rally around an idea. Weakness: Developing too many iterations.
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Work hard, be kind, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I’d like to fantasize about being an amazing baker with a well-designed bake shop somewhere.
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
“Team work makes the dream work.”
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