In the Classroom: Louis D’Amato

Louis D’Amato is a self-taught photographer and formally trained graphic designer, whose creative journey is a perfect blend of technical expertise and artistic expression. Louis, who works as a freelancer, has made a significant mark in both photography and graphic design, bringing his diverse skill set to various exciting projects.

One of Louis’s career achievements stands out—his photograph gracing a billboard in Times Square! Not only did it light up the big city, but the image also made its way onto MTA buses and even appeared on live television. That’s the kind of exposure that many artists dream of! On the design front, Louis’s graphic work includes creating a logo for a nonprofit organization that uses basketball to unite communities across the U.S. He’s no stranger to high-impact projects, and his journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Louis’s approach to art is shaped by his own experiences and the education he received at the New York Institute of Technology. As a photographer, he’s always had a knack for capturing moments, but it was his graphic design studies that honed his visual communication skills, preparing him for projects of all scales.

Louis has been imparting his graphic design knowledge to LIHSA’s art students, guiding them through creative challenges. One of his favorite assignments involved designing a cereal box for Magic Spoon, where students learned to balance creativity with brand consistency—an essential skill in graphic design.

For Louis, arts education is about more than just learning technical skills; it’s about understanding the real-world application of those skills. He believes in the importance of hands-on experience, and his advice to LIHSA students is simple: “Take advantage of summer internships.” Internships provide invaluable experience that can set students up for long-term success in the competitive arts world.

Whether it’s a moment of appreciation from students or an inspiring podcast by David Goggins, Louis’s passion for his craft continues to evolve. His journey is a reminder to his students that with persistence, anything is possible.

You can see his incredible work on Instagram: @louisdamato