Daily Inspiration: Meet Elena Folomeeva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Folomeeva

Hi Elena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began in the world of restaurant and hospitality management, where I built my career in fine dining, perfecting every detail. But over time, life called for a shift: I became a mother of four, and balancing my career with family responsibilities became impossible. Once my youngest daughter turned one, I realized I wanted to pursue fulfillment not only within my family but also professionally.

The pandemic period offered an opportunity to pursue online education at top universities worldwide. I returned to my lifelong passion for drawing and discovered the world of digital collage and illustration. Studying at the British School of Design and taking private lessons quickly brought results. Today, I run my own creative atelier, Atelier M.H.B., where I create original collages for businesses and private collections. This new chapter feels like a second life, where each piece I create has its own unique character and story.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey was anything but smooth. Before diving into the world of digital art, I was very successful in my previous profession, and I wanted to achieve the same level of excellence in this new field. However, I faced imposter syndrome along the way. Unlike others who studied for years, I entered the profession and business through a “window of opportunity.”

Balancing studies and family life was tough— for several years, I was both learning and being a mother to four children. This often meant sleepless nights and countless compromises to get everything done. But that period of growth strengthened me and gave me the confidence to pursue my path.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create collages rich in metaphors and layered meanings. My clients and buyers are people of refined taste and intellect, and they often request that I “weave” deeper meanings into the works. With the rise of new technologies, we’ve begun creating original vintage-style assets for our collages, which allows us to elevate the uniqueness of each piece. This direction, which we call “neurovintage,” is one of the studio’s specialties. Some of the works combine museum archives with custom elements designed exclusively for clients in the same vintage style.

My style is quite recognizable, though due to contractual obligations, I can’t reveal all the projects I’m most proud of. What I can say is that collage art is not limited to therapeutic techniques or traditional analog art for exhibitions. We’ve created watch dials, scarves, kimonos, shawls, and large series of custom-designed pillows for home decor. The possibilities of collage are truly vast.

What sets me apart? While I don’t closely follow the broader creative landscape, I’m confident that my style stands out.

What matters most to you? Why?
For me, the most important thing is finding a balance between work and family. Not missing out on life and moments with loved ones, while still striving to bring all my creative ideas to life. It’s a challenging task, but it’s what brings harmony and a sense of fulfillment. I believe this answer is obvious to anyone trying to balance personal happiness with professional ambitions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mhelen.art
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atelier_m.h.b?igsh=MXZmYXhqcndxcWVj&utm_source=qr