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

Hi Vera, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always embraced risk — it keeps me sharp and on track. I move a lot, I dive into new environments, and I consistently take on projects outside of my comfort zone or without prior experience. That’s where I grow the most. Risk has played a huge role in shaping my career — it’s pushed me to learn fast, adapt, and trust my instincts. Honestly, without risk, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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.
My work lives at the intersection of production design, special fabrications, and creative direction — I love creating worlds that feel real, layered, and emotionally honest. What sets me apart is that I don’t approach design just as aesthetics; I go deep into the why. I think about how a space breathes, how it reacts to light, how it supports the story, and how it serves the people inside it — from actors to crew.

I got here by doing — not by following a traditional path. I started out in graphic design, and one day found myself thrown into a music video shoot as the production designer, with no clue what that really meant. But I made it work. That “learn by doing” approach has defined my journey ever since. I always say yes to projects that scare me a little — ones I don’t have experience in — because that’s how I stay in motion and keep evolving.

It hasn’t been easy, but the challenges taught me everything: how to be resourceful, how to stay calm in chaos, how to lead with empathy. I’ve worked with tight budgets, wild deadlines, unpredictable weather — you name it. But I’ve also built things I never imagined I could, and I’ve earned trust by always showing up, listening, and giving it my all.

What I want the world to know is that my work isn’t about surface — it’s about story. Every piece of set, prop, texture, or design choice is intentional. My brand is about storytelling with heart, about making things that feel alive — even if they only exist on screen for a moment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was in town for a week, we’d go full magic-mode — the kind of trip that hits soul and scenery.

We’d kick things off at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena — it’s peaceful, full of beautiful light and unexpected gems. Perfect way to ease into the week. Then we’d wander nearby for coffee and some antique or bookstore digging — the kind of lazy afternoon that feels like a soft reset.

Next up: desert escape. We’d head to Palm Springs, but the highlight would definitely be a visit to Frey House II — that surreal intersection of architecture and nature, where glass meets rock and it all feels like a dream. It’s one of those places that shifts your perspective. Then, we’d scout for some secret Blue Lagoon-style spots, where we can swim, maybe get naked, and just exist completely off-grid under the sun.

Midweek, we’d glide through Topanga Canyon — windows down, music loud, stopping wherever the mood takes us. There’s always magic tucked into those hills. Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, we’d find a weird little roadside bar, order something strong, and talk to whoever’s there — those spontaneous moments are gold.

To close it all out, we’d head back to LA for a cozy dinner in Highland Park or Eagle Rock — maybe Dunsmoor, Little Beast, or some under-the-radar local gem. Candles, wine, real conversation. The kind of night that wraps the whole trip in warmth.

That’s my idea of a perfect week — intentional, a little wild, full of beauty and space to breathe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s no one name, I can point to, but my shoutout goes to all the not by-the-book people I’ve met along the way — the ones who broke rules, trusted instincts, and made magic happen with very little. I’ve learned the most from watching those types — the self-taught creatives, the resourceful problem-solvers, the ones who didn’t wait for permission. Their energy shaped the way I work and how I show up in this industry. Also, a quiet nod to every friend who said, “Just go for it” when I was hesitating — those words stick.

Website: vera jigalova.com

Instagram: @vera.jigalova

Image Credits
photos by Andrey Nikolaev

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