Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Milena Rojas.

Hi Ana Milena , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

Origin
Ana Milena Rojas is a dynamic and multifaceted creative, seamlessly integrating her roles as an art director, production designer, and artist. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, she moved to the United States at the age of 13, carrying with her a deep-rooted artistic sensibility cultivated in her formative years.

Despite financial hardships, Ana worked as a house cleaner to support her education, demonstrating unwavering determination as she spent seven years earning her associate’s degree. A pivotal moment in her artistic journey occurred during a psychology class when she watched Kanye West’s Voyr video, inspiring her to launch 2VIDA Magazine, a platform dedicated to showcasing emerging artists worldwide. Although the magazine gained recognition, Ana realized her true passion lay in design and art. Encouraged by her brother-in-law, she made the bold decision to close the magazine and return to school to pursue a career in graphic design.

Early Career
Determined to refine her craft, Ana enrolled at Kean University while navigating financial constraints. She meticulously built an impressive portfolio, which led to her first graphic design role at F. Schumacher. Juggling part-time work and studies, she honed her skills, preparing for her next professional leap. Her dedication paid off when she secured a position at Sotheby’s, pausing her studies to work full-time.

The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly provided Ana with the opportunity to explore new artistic mediums, including painting and digital design. As the world reopened, she transitioned into a role at Warner Bros. Discovery, excelling as a graphic designer and creating standout key art for Food Network and HGTV shows.

Eager to expand her creative horizons, Ana delved into film production design and returned to school to complete her degree. A surrealism-focused art class and a transformative visit to Fotografiska NYC, where she immersed herself in the work of David LaChapelle, ignited her evolution as an artist and production designer. Her first collaborative photoshoot—alongside her brother-in-law and a friend—marked the beginning of her journey into digital art, where she challenged herself to create a piece daily, inspired by iconic artistic figures.

The Latest
Currently, Ana is fully immersed in the production of her directorial debut short film, A Matter of Time, set for release early this year. She is working alongside a talented team to bring this vision to life. Over the past year, she has contributed to remarkable projects, including a feature with Harper’s Bazaar and L’Officiel Magazine, highlighting actress Priscila Buiar, as well as an ongoing collaboration with photographer Stephanie Diani.

Ana continues to push creative boundaries, blending her expertise in design, art, and film, making her a powerful force in the world of visual storytelling.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It has never been a smooth road, especially in the past few months. However, I believe that many of the struggles I’ve faced in life have fueled some of my most significant projects—both completed and in progress.

One of the most personal and meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my film, A Matter of Time, which I co-wrote with Brian Hoffman. The story was born from my experiences as an immigrant in the U.S., and those challenges not only inspired us to create a powerful script but also brought together an incredible team eager to help bring this story to life.

Looking back, I find myself grateful for the struggles, as they have shaped my journey and given rise to the career I have today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m not sure if “proud” is the right word—I think I’m more grateful. Grateful that I never gave up, that even in the hardest moments, I kept moving forward, creating, and pushing through.

My journey started in my mom’s living room with a single small camera, and now, I have an incredible team of talented people who believe in my vision, coming together to execute projects on a much larger scale. They trust me with their skills, and together, we’re creating something truly meaningful—and this is only the beginning.

As an artist, there is nothing more fulfilling than bringing stories to life that others can connect with. This year, we’re doing exactly that—creating a story that not only we are proud to tell, but one that I know will resonate deeply with many.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

I was a very observant and creative child, always on the move, watching life unfold as if it were a movie—memorizing every scene as if I would need the details later. I was hands-on, constantly crafting and creating.

Growing up in Colombia in the ‘90s was an interesting experience. It gave me a sense of freedom to explore and move around in a way that might not have been possible had I grown up in the U.S. When I moved here in 2001, being a teenager in a completely different culture was a whole new challenge—a different world with its own struggles.

But no matter where I was, my creativity remained just as strong. I found myself writing more, drawing more—expressing myself in new ways. Those early skills became the foundation of my journey as a designer and artist, shaping the path I walk today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amilena.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anamilena__rojas/

Image Credits

Photography by Ashlee Espinal