Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ana Milena Rojas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ana Milena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I recall when someone approached me to create a book cover for her. We met up at a cozy coffee shop where she shared her vision with me. Excited, I returned home and embarked on a creative spree, blending various photos and concepts, crossing my fingers for success! After sending her the final version, she was thrilled with it—talk about a relief!

I couldn’t help but feel a mix of astonishment and gratitude; seeing her appreciation for my work was one thing, but the idea of being compensated for my art was surreal. I remember nervously discussing my fee with her. Settling on $200 felt like a significant sum at the time, marking a milestone in my career. It was a moment that truly kick-started my journey in the creative realm.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a New York City based artist and I don’t think I have an easily defined style of art because I’m always trying something new. Right now I’m working on conceptual digital art by creating fantastical worlds through the use of video and still photography. I try to make these pieces so that they are never what they seem. I like them to be intuitive. One thing’s for sure, they’re never premeditated as it’s a bit of a creative journey. Currently I’m using myself as a subject, telling stories that are implied rather than explicitly stated. And that story can change depending on where attention is drawn. The subject, the background, the sounds…they all are from different points of view to elicit different responses. I’ve also recently started working with other models and talent to be included in these works as a subject and it’s a whole new, inspiring journey.
When I’m not working on this art, I’m also art directing short, independent films and am a full-time designer creating high-profile promotional campaigns for Warner Bros. Discovery.
For most of my work across my portfolio, I would say that my style is reflected by a range of inspirations including Warhol, Basquiat, Van Gogh and Davinci.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, one of the key lessons I wish I’d grasped sooner is the immense value of networking and attending the right art gatherings. Simply engaging in conversations with fellow artists, forging connections, and eventually collaborating can be incredibly enriching. Many of my closest friends today are artists whose work I deeply admire across various mediums. Being in their presence feels like immersing myself in an intensive crash course specific to their craft.

I believe my growth as an artist stems not only from honing my skills or consistent practice but largely from the time I’ve invested in observing and learning from fellow creatives. It’s about absorbing their techniques, perspectives, and approaches, then integrating these insights into my own artistic endeavors.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

For me, the ultimate aim is to venture into every possible medium. Constantly embarking on projects that demand a fresh set of skills ignites my curiosity and sparks that familiar sense of intrigue: How will I tackle this challenge? That sensation is pure gold because it signifies yet another opportunity to stretch my boundaries, uncover novel methods of artistic expression, and, perhaps most crucially, embrace the prospect of failure along the way.

I firmly believe that if what you’re pursuing doesn’t evoke a hint of trepidation, you’re likely not pushing yourself far enough.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amilena.com
• Instagram: @anamilena__rojas
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamilenarojas/

Image Credits

Photo Direct/Produced: @ashlee.e_creative
Photographer: @stephaniedianiphoto
Hair/Makeup: @pro.marylee
Stylist: @aisyawashington_
Fashion Designers: @milanabartolotta @sin.regeneration