Aidana Kuanova (Aia)

About

Aidana (Aia) Kuanova is an illustrator and animation artist from Kazakhstan, currently based in London (UK) and Almaty (Kazakhstan). She graduated with her BSc in International Management (Japan and Korea) at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London and her first MA in Digital Asset and Media Management at King’s College London, University of London. Aia’s career experience includes international marketing, PR, promotion and creative direction in art consultancy firms (Scott & Co, London), international financial centres (AIFC, Kazakhstan), non-profit organisations (EFCA, Kazakhstan), youth development projects (CAYLA) financed by USAID. She further expanded her work experience as an independent illustrator, graphic and motion designer.

Aia created brand identities for international and local startups Strelka/Fluffy (London, United Kingdom), motion design for interior design curated stores such as ELEMENTS (Almaty, Kazakhstan), HoReCa industry, Baguette café (Astana, Kazakhstan).

In 2023, she decided to pursue her animation path becoming animation director at the Royal College of Art. Her works are focused on blurring boundaries between reality and imagination through evocative storytelling, dance of colour and form. She invites viewers into a world where they can be lost and found.

In 2024, Aia produced her first short animation film called “Tea for Two” as her graduate film at the RCA.

“Tea for Two” is a celebration of the human spirit, exploring themes of the porousness of memories, reality, and identity construction shaped by society, family, language, and culture. It is a reminder that our pasts are not just chapters in a book but threads in the intricate tapestry of our identity. Through the riso animation method, evocative music, and a heartfelt narrative, this short film invites audiences to be lost and found, reflect on their journeys, and appreciate the beauty that lies in the tales of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Her practice focus on unique and soulful storytelling, 2D and 3D animation using various methods, such as riso printing, commercial and picture book illustration.