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

Vera, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned production design mostly through hands-on experience and taking on as many projects as I could. I’ve always been someone who learns by doing, so each project taught me something new—whether it was managing a tight budget, creating functional yet beautiful sets, or juggling multiple deadlines. Observing and working alongside skilled professionals in the field also helped me sharpen my craft.

The most essential skills for me have been creativity, problem-solving, and resourcefulness. It’s one thing to design something beautiful, but making it practical and achievable on a tight schedule is another. Being detail-oriented and having strong communication skills are also crucial—especially when coordinating with clients and teams.

The biggest obstacles? Time and resources. As a single mom, balancing everything hasn’t always been easy, and there were times when I felt stretched thin. But those challenges pushed me to get more efficient and creative with my time and tools, so in a way, they helped shape who I am today.

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 Vera Jigalova, a production designer with a passion for turning creative chaos into captivating designs and visa versa hah. One day, I was unexpectedly asked to step in as a production designer for a shoot with a well-known Russian musician. Did I know what I was doing? Absolutely not. But somehow, I made it work—and looking back, I’m incredibly proud of those early projects because, for someone with zero experience, I pulled off some pretty results.

Today, I specialize in designing sets, props, and environments for film, music videos, commercials, and creative projects. Beyond traditional production design, I also handle special fabrications, creative direction, and still graphic design for movies. I’m known for taking on complex projects, whether it’s crafting custom pieces, offering unique creative direction, or designing visuals that enhance the storytelling of a film.

I believe the key to success in production is working closely with the entire team and being as empathetic as possible. That’s why I make it a point to dive into the details of other departments, understanding their needs and integrating their perspectives into my work. My sets are always built with multiple factors in mind—ensuring that everything flows together seamlessly and that the whole team’s interests are considered.

In the dance of collaboration, every step counts.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My main goal is to be truly heard as a creative. I want to grow through the trust and connection I build with others when they come to me for my ideas. Knowing that my vision resonates and helps shape something meaningful drives my passion for production design and pushes me to continuously evolve.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One thing that has significantly shaped my creative and entrepreneurial approach is my habit of documenting everything. I always screenshot and save references—whether it’s videos, artworks, set designs, or even a musician’s aesthetic. Over time, I’ve built a massive library of inspiration that serves as a personal resource, helping me stay fresh, innovative, connected and timeless ideas alike. It’s like carrying a pocket-sized archive of creativity wherever I go!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://verajigalova.com
• Instagram: @vera.jigalova

Image Credits

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