Meet Helena Alfajora | Designer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Helena Alfajora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helena, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I get a lot of anxiety that’s fueled when my fear of the unknown collides with my strong urge to seek more for myself and my art. More experiences, more opportunities, locations, connections, and creativity. I keep a screenshot of stills on my laptop desktop. One that specifically pertains to this question is from Into the Spider-Verse when Miles asks Peter, “When will I know when I’m ready?” To which, Peter responds, “You won’t. It’s a leap of faith.” Risk is this combination of the unknown, passion, and faith. Without it, I wouldn’t be in Georgia, wouldn’t be pursuing an artistic career or be having conversations with other creatives. Risk alleviates the anxiety. For me, it responds to the question of what if.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a set designer for film and live events with roots in mixed-media art and creative writing. These early art forms deepened my practice of my voice, my art, and creative communication. One of my favorite projects is Dancing Fire, a short story that I wrote and created an accompanying mixed-media art series for. I completed the project as a Canterbury Fellow during my time in undergrad at Santa Clara University (SCU). This process of unearthing what I want to say, how I can communicate it, and how I want an audience to experience this—lead way to what I do now with set design. I pursued my Master’s in Production Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with this drive to create environments and activations on a grander scale.

Of course, this trims all the qualms and fears in the journey. I often found my inner voice to be a saboteur. Often, my dream concept of something never matched my current skills. All we have though, to unlock those skills and dreams, is to start where we are at now. To meet myself where I’m at and cheer myself on is an ongoing practice of love, confidence, and alignment with my creative pursuits.

My ethos from the start has been to inspire and be inspired. Be a chain link between what once was and what will be. I carry those who’ve inspired and taught me, and uplift who all I can, and hoping along the way I can inspire others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Assuming my guest is coming from my hometown in the Bay Area, California, we have much to explore in & around Atlanta. Not in any particular order, I’d take my guests to taste test all the local fast-food spots that we don’t have on the west coast. I’d also plan a biscuit taste test. I love Buttermilk Kitchen biscuits, but I’m sure I’d be amazed by others around town. We’re also going to browse all the antique shops in Chamblee & thrift stores around Little Five Points. We’ll bask in sunsets on rooftops. Catch nightlife events be it a comedy show or museum. And stock up on kitschy, yet wholesome tourist goodies near Centennial Park. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
S/o to DJ Lillie Smalls for reaching out with an amazing opportunity to work on some design for Kamay Arts & Music, an upcoming art show bringing together contemporary SE Asian American artists in the South. Lillie’s presence as a Filipina-creative in Atlanta and beyond is inspiring. I’m super fortunate to have met her in Atlanta & have her in my corner.

Website: www.helenaalfajora.me

Instagram: @a._helena

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/helena-alfajora/