Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Kihl.
Hi Brandon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Through my experience as a sculptor and design artist I began working in the entertainment industry in Arizona around 2003, having started as a sculptor on feature films and television. My very first movie project was a crash course in set life working as the lead sculptor on the Stephen King film Desperation. It was a great experience overall and I decided to pursue more work in the film industry. By 2007 I had moved to Los Angeles full time since most of my work offers were here anyway. I spent the next ten years working primarily as a production designer and art director while also continuing to take on side projects designing and sculpting custom art for commercial or private clients.
During my time between movie projects I would take on assorted work as a technical designer, builder, and project manager for various fabrication and scenic shops in LA. This included everything from theatrical set design to prop building and engineering on military contracts. I would jump from one project to another depending on whatever held my interest or seemed like an exciting opportunity. I often traveled for film work all over the country and even ended up as a technical engineering consultant on a game show in China.
Around 2014 I decided to focus on custom artwork once again and stepped away from working for other companies, and also turned down a two-year offer to continue work on an ongoing military project. Shortly after completing production design work on a sci-fi movie I felt that I really needed a change of pace. At the same time, I had begun design work for some commercial clients centralized around interior design and sculptural decor for restaurants and themed bars in LA and San Diego. This new shift in focus allowed me to further expand the art and fabrication studio here in LA. Eventually I consolidated everything from my personal studio in Arizona into one location here in Los Angeles.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s definitely been a learning experience! As with any major undertaking, you have to always think on your feet and make decisions that can affect things further down the line. When I began my private art studio in Arizona in August of 2000 I really had no plans. It wasn’t my goal to end up in LA working in the entertainment industry. I was just having fun creating art and the opportunities continued to develop as I moved in one direction which then led to something else interesting, and so on. Things constantly evolve in this type of work environment so you need to be open to learning new skills and recognize that there will always be something you don’t know. Recognizing opportunities to further educate yourself and learn from those experiences will only help to expand your potential.
One of the biggest hurdles has been in managing expectations, both on the client-side and within myself. It’s difficult to be a perfectionist and know that you need to make certain compromises to meet deadlines or budgetary restrictions. As an artist and designer, I’d like to just keep working on certain projects indefinitely to fine-tune every little detail of an aspect that nobody else will ever notice. However, from a business standpoint that is simply not practical, so I constantly need to weigh the options of where to put the focus to remain on schedule while keeping budget in mind. You need to be able to step back and look at the big picture.
Over twenty years ago I essentially invested all of my savings and income to start my own business, and so much has changed in that time. Managing and maintaining a self-funded business has countless struggles that I’m sure many business owners can relate to, especially after the significant obstacles which 2020 presented. I’m glad that my team has been able to adjust our focus and efforts in a healthy and productive way to support each other and to ensure the growth and expansion of this company as we now navigate conducting business in a post-COVID world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Kihl Studios began as a private art studio and outlet for my personal artwork including handmade ceramic masks and metal skeleton sculptures (which are now available on Etsy). In recent years our focus has been on business development and client outreach centered on commercial and experiential artwork and art installations. Kihl Studios has now become a full-service creative design and custom fabrication shop with a skilled team of artisans and builders. We create decorative sculpture, commercial art installations, film & television props, metal art, retail product presentation, window displays, and immersive experiential and interactive environments.
Over the last 20+ years, Kihl Studios has provided custom art design & fabrication services to the entertainment, marketing, and retail industries. Our extensive design and build experience covers a broad spectrum of materials, specialized methodology, and innovative applications.
We work with top brands and agencies to deliver striking brand experiences showcasing featured products in customized displays built for retail locations, window displays, trade shows and interactive live events. Our clients include Redbull, Louis XIII, The Macallan, Salesforce, Adidas, Belvedere, Twitch, Hennessy, Nike, Stitch Fix, Glenfiddich, DAOU Vineyards, and many other name brands. We work both brand direct and partner with reputable agencies to bring client concepts to reality.
We also fabricate custom scenery and props for the film and television industry and provide art department services for numerous types of productions. You can see many of our sculptural art installations and interior art design on display in various restaurants and themed bars including Bar Kindred (SD), The Gold Bar (NY), Diego Tattoo (SD), and Noble Experiment (SD). We also offer custom sculpture and experiential art installation services to clients throughout North America and occasionally fabrication and logistics for international clients and events as well.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I wouldn’t say surprising but here are a few simple facts; my favorite drink is a Moscow Mule, I used to be a volunteer firefighter, I’m a parent to two rescue pit bulls, I regret selling my DeLorean, and I currently HODL Dogecoin!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.kihlstudios.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kihlstudios
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kihlstudios
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/KihlStudios
- Other: https://www.imdb.com (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2640892/?ref_=nm_mv_close)
Image Credits:
Kihl Studios, Inc.
