Amanda Visell

Amanda Visell

Amanda Visell and her wonderfully whimsical cartoony creations

By Mr. Switchblade

Photos courtesy of Amanda Visell

Posted Aug 26, 2008

Amanda Visell is a Los Angeles, Calif. based artist whose cartoony creations have been seen in galleries and museums nationwide. Visell creates wonderfully whimsical prints, toys, books, and apparel. Her work has a certain sense of blissfulness to it that is combined with iconographic images and a tinge of eccentricity. Visell has formed an artistic alliance with her friend Michelle Valigura to release products through Switcheroo, their upstart company. Although Visell has a well-grounded personality (yet slightly quirky in the good way), she has an apparent aversion to putting herself on wheels. Even so, we asked this self-described geek a few questions about her life, art, and feelings towards roller derby.

How long have you been creating art?

Oh, forever. It’s always been a thing, but I just recently realized I need glasses. I don’t know if I always have, or if I’m like the forger in the Great Escape and I’m going to go blind from working too much.

Amanda Visell

What are your sources of inspiration?

Oh, I like things with faces. Slap a face on anything and its funny. I like ‘50s and ‘60s animation. Mary Blair, Lou Romano. Simple, smart story telling.

Ever been to a roller derby bout?

No I haven’t, but I've felt fear in my chest when I've seen it on TV. I saw that movie Solar Babies. Is that a realistic future for roller derby?

I hope not. Can you skate?

I’m the only person I know that really can’t skate. Growing up, every birthday party I went to was at Skate Country. It was horrifying. It’s all carpeted around the rink, so I could sort of shuffle. But at the concession stand, right where the rail ended, it was cement so I'd have to try to throw myself to the counter. You have to be careful what you buy though, you need use of your hands to grab on to objects or people.

Amanda Visell

Can you tell us a little about Switcheroo?

Well, I work with Michelle Valigura. We make stuff. So this is our company we use to put out products we design. Or we team up with other artists; some of our friends like Buff Monster, Anna Chambers, Bwana Spoons. We're really excited about what these guys are coming up with and how we can work with them.

Do you have any new products coming out?

Yes, I’m making a wood toy, Michelle is making some concealed weapons plush, and poop by Anna Chambers. These are all coming out pretty soon.

What do you like to do outside of the art world?

Such a hard question because my answer exposes me as a weirdo. I think I just sit at my computer a lot. I like gadgets. I just got the Netflix box yesterday, so I can instantly download movies. I kick ass at Dr. Mario on the Wii. Walk my dog. Eat.

Any future plans or goals?

Future goals: Work with Joss Whedon, get an athletic sponsorship, design an amusement park ride, and learn how to dive.

Any final words?

My feet belong on the ground, not wheels.

Amanda Visell