Meet Heidi - AFTACON 2026

The visual identity of AFTACON 2026 is brought to life through the work of Heidi K. Brandow (Diné, Kanaka Maoli), a multidisciplinary artist based in New Mexico whose art celebrates Indigenous heritage, cultural resilience, and the interconnectedness between land, identity, and storytelling.

Heidi K. Brandow is a Diné (Navajo) and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) multidisciplinary artist, writer, and communications professional. Originally from Hilo, Hawai’i, and now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Heidi’s work prioritizes Indigenous perspectives, cultural resilience, and the deep connections between land, identity, and storytelling.

Through bold patterns, colors, and characters, her art celebrates a blend of Indigenous heritage and modernity, the velocity of life, and her iconic sense of humor.

Her work has been featured in exhibitions, public art projects, and editorial publications. She is also deeply invested in mentorship and education, guiding emerging Indigenous artists in understanding the intersections of art, entrepreneurship, and cultural sustainability.

Heidi earned a BFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts, studied industrial design at Istanbul Technical University, and received a Master of Design Studies (MDes) from Harvard University, Graduate School of Design.

My artwork is a reflection of my life as a Diné (Navajo) and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) woman. It mirrors my communities—the places I grew up, the oceans I swam in, the playgrounds where we laughed, the land that nurtured us, and the places filled with collective memories. My ancestors were resourceful and innovative; I strive to embody these qualities. While honoring our history, I am also rooted in the present, navigating a fast-paced world with creativity and adaptability.

This blend of heritage and modernity shines through in my art, expressed with diverse materials, patterns, colors, and characters. My artwork captures the velocity of life, our need for agility, and the importance of a sense of humor. It is a celebration of the past and present, inviting others to explore and connect with their own journeys.

Heidi’s art mirrors what AFTACON is all about: community, creativity, cultural resilience, and the power of storytelling to shape our collective future.

Her visual language—including that playful horned creature you’ll spot throughout the conference—draws inspiration from the oceans she swam in, the playgrounds where she laughed, and the land that nurtured her community. It’s a celebration of past and present, inviting all of us to explore and connect with our own journeys.

Throughout AFTACON 2026, Heidi’s artwork will be woven into the conference experience as a reminder of the cultural roots, creativity, and resilience that fuel the work we do together.