Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Milena Rojas
Hi Ana Milena , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a passion for art. From a young age, I was drawn to various forms of artistic expression—dancing, painting, designing. Now, I focus on creating conceptual art pieces that weave stories through digital mediums. This shift in my artistic journey in 2022 was transformative. It not only introduced me to new realms of creativity but also expanded my skills as a designer and challenged my approach to projects.
Over the past year and beyond, working on these digital artworks has not only been fulfilling but has also opened doors to collaborate with incredible artists, both within the art community and the design industry. This experience has profoundly shaped my artistic path and broadened my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Certainly not. The journey has never been easy. It’s been a path paved with sacrifices and patience to reach where I stand today. When I first started my career, I couldn’t afford a formal education. I had to dive headfirst into the industry, selling myself as a designer before I could even swim. I was fortunate to find jobs and work alongside patient art directors who mentored me. However, it came at the cost of sacrificing my social life to learn everything I could at home, especially to survive in the competitive environment of NYC. I spent countless hours watching “how to” videos to master various software tools—quite the crash course!
Similarly, my journey as an artist has been marked by closed doors and doubters questioning my art and abilities. People have approached me, criticizing my work and suggesting I should stop. Yet, being in the public eye invites such challenges. Instead of discouraging me, these experiences fueled my determination to push boundaries and trust my instincts. Now, I’m fortunate to have an incredible community supporting my work, with fans from around the globe who reach out to share how my art has inspired them to pursue their own dreams.
This year has been particularly challenging but immensely rewarding in terms of personal growth. Recently, a dear friend gifted me “The Alchemist,”. That book came at a time that felt like magic. It served as a constant reminder of why I pursue everything I do and the importance of discovering my “personal legend.” Smooth roads in life may indicate complacency; my journey has been filled with twists and turns, like navigating curves and climbing mountains. It’s these challenges that make life truly fascinating.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My art stands apart because it revolves around me as the central subject. It incorporates conflicting elements—sounds, backgrounds—that together weave a narrative. Yet, for the piece to fully come alive, it requires the viewer to imbue it with meaning, transforming it into a complete story. While viewers may speculate on my intentions, it is their interpretations that ultimately give the piece its significance, not mine. I eagerly anticipate their feedback and interpretations, as it is this interaction that distinguishes my approach.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice is not to pursue something solely for money. The journey is incredibly challenging and can take a considerable amount of time before seeing results. When you’re passionate about what you do, even during tough times when financial rewards may not be immediate, your commitment to your project keeps you motivated and prevents you from giving up on your dreams.
I also see myself as an observer. I spend a lot of time viewing life from an outsider’s perspective, almost like watching a movie. I even put a soundtrack to it. This allows me to draw inspiration from my surroundings and understand that each of us is experiencing life for the first time, with no prior knowledge or experience. Realizing this breaks down limitations and shows that anything is possible once you set aside your own perceived barriers. Because “Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they’re yours.” –Richard Bach.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amilena.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anamilena__rojas