Meet Pasadena Art Director: Amanda Lane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Lane.

Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After High School, I went to F.I.D.M and studied Graphic Design. I knew I wanted to do more than graphic design. So I decided to transfer to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and majored in Advertising. In ACCD Advertising program, students are required to study and perfect various art forms. I focused my attention on Art direction within fashion photography and film.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to work in film and with many talented fashion photographers and companies. I feel most alive when I’m on set!

Currently, I’m freelancing back and forth between Tokyo and Los Angeles.

Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been nothing close to smooth sailing. Freelancing and finding clients is always a struggle at first. You’re constantly competing with other talented creatives who most of the time have a stronger background than yours. But it’s important to not lose sight of a goal that is worth struggling for. The end result is what we dream of.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I consider both Los Angeles and now Tokyo my home. So, I hope to continue to expand my clientele and business relationships between Tokyo and Los Angeles which would enable me to go between the two cities.

Let’s go backward a bit – can you tell us about the most trying time in your career?
The most difficult time in my career was when I was a new designer and was trying to build my clients and searching for new business. I had some solid business relationships but not enough to sustain myself. I was beginning to feel discouraged and questioned my career path. That’s when I was offered an opportunity to design in Japan.

I always loved Japan and to live there had been a long-time dream of mine. I decided to take a leap and move to a foreign country to do what I loved doing. I was scared but I knew it was now or never. I still maintained my relationships in Los Angeles which now gives me more opportunities and freedom to design where I want to.

Do you ever feel like “Wow, I’ve arrived” or “I’ve made it” or do you feel like the bulk of the story is still unwritten?
After moving to Japan I felt my life fall more into place. At first, it was hard adjusting. There were plenty of obstacles that are associated with moving to a new country. After the first few months, I had felt more adjusted and I knew I had made the right choice. This was my “wow moment”. Opportunities came more naturally

Contact Info:

• Website: www.msamandalane.me
• Phone: 3105000508
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: tokeeyo
• Other: Japan phone number: +815058060807