Meet Amanda/Mandy Tannen | Musician, Graphic Designer, Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda/Mandy Tannen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda/Mandy, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I don’t consider myself a huge risk taker… unless it has to do with pursing creative fulfillment. I am an over-thinker and love to weigh all sides of a decision. But, when I do take risks, it is mostly because when it comes to following my talents and passions, it’s a no brainer. I know that if I don’t follow a creative opportunity I’m excited about that I will regret it. For me, they don’t come very frequently. The biggest risk is that I try not to think about money when it comes to these decisions, but ask myself if I will regret not doing it. The money will figure itself out.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always had passion for multiple forms of creativity. I get confused by creative labels, since I don’t consider myself fully one thing. Growing up I loved anything creative, and my parents were supportive. But when I told them I wanted that as my career, they tried their hardest to convince me otherwise. I had to fight for it. It made me want to prove them wrong, and I worked extra hard to do so. I still feel a lot of people don’t take creative people seriously, but I’ve learned in time that I don’t need to prove my creative worth to my parents or others. I’ve learned that the best creative motivation is to be proud of myself for myself, not for others.

I love writing and playing music but also love painting and drawing. I’m a creative problem solver and love making sense out of visual chaos. At the moment I’m able to use all these passions at once for my band Cheekface. I write the songs with my songwriting partner, Greg Katz. But I also illustrate all the album art, and design all the merchandise for the band. I have created a look to go along with the sound and message of the band. I’m incredibly grateful to have found an outlet where I can use all my talents, and help create a brand that hopefully brings a sense of joy and community to our fans.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d first want to catch up over good cup of coffee. I love Little Ripper in Glassell Park. It’s a small place with a great front patio where it’s quiet and pretty. A great place to catch up! Then I’d bring them on a short hike in Elysian park. In the eve I’d bring them to L&E Oyster Bar’s, upstairs bar for some happy hour wine out on their patio. The next day we’d get up and get eggs and coffee at Cindy’s in Eagle Rock then head to the beach! One day of the week would need to be a museum day. I’d probably bring them to The Broad and MOCA. Also we’d need a late night of dancing; Chinatown, Akbar or Zebulon.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to call out my cello and orchestra teacher, Karen Conrad. She introduced me to music and was my cello teacher from 3rd grade through high school. I remember choosing to play the cello in 3rd grade because the line was short to try it. I didn’t choose it because of convenience but because I felt bad for the teacher and the cello for not being as popular as the flute or violin. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. Karen Conrad led me down a path that made me realize music was something to be passionate about. Not just to be good at technically, but a place to emote. I was an incredibly shy child, and she made me feel safe and seen. I had no idea that music would shape my life the way it did.

Website: https://cheekface.merchtable.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandatan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-tannen-9a0ba52a/

Twitter: https://x.com/cheekfacereal

Other: https://www.instagram.com/therealcheekface

Image Credits
Live Photographs by G Leonardo, Locker Group Photo by Kalynn Barnum, Illustrations by Amanda Tannen