We recently connected with Isabella Baker and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Isabella with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I moved to the United States when I was 19 years old to study at Christ for the Nations Institute. I started my very first job with a work scholarship. To be honest, I was a lazy worker, content with doing the bare minimum. Towards the end of my scholarship, I desired to extend my studies. My only opportunity would be to apply to renew my scholarship; however, I didn’t get a chance if the opportunity was measured by the way I worked. I had the transforming realization that I am responsible for building my own future. I asked myself “Where will I be in a couple years if I keep giving my minimum?”. My character was challenged, and new dreams were born. My perspective also embraced the virtue of honor as a propeller for hard work. I was grateful to God and my parents for the opportunity to study, I realized that being excellent in what I do, whether studying or working, was a way of showing honor to God and everyone who has believed in me. Throughout time I learned that excellence isn’t perfection. I found the balance between being ambitious and content, embracing growth, and having grace with myself.
Take ownership of your progress.
Don’t depend on other people for your progress. It is beneficial to have mentors and talented friends around you who provoke you to improve but this should be meant to leverage your learning journey; to be the foundation of growth, not the limit. I enrolled at Texas Christian University in 2020 after learning of its excellent graphic design program and culture. I set a goal to maximize the opportunities in this new season. When I was a sophomore, I decided to never blame teachers or classmates for my results in class projects. I wanted to develop the mentality of taking responsibility for my creative and professional decisions. TCU’s amazing graphic design program taught me to excel as a designer and creative problem solver, but being a great designer will only take you so far without a responsible character.
Be ambitious.
I’ve learned that being a risk taker and embracing the unknown is one of the best ways to grow as a creative. Doing what is comfortable only takes you so far, but daring to try something new is what redefines what you are capable of. I believe everyone can achieve what they set their minds on which is why I always challenge myself to dream bigger, shoot higher, and be daring. I see challenges and hardships as something good because it is an opportunity for growth. For example, I took the challenge to direct the TCU Senior Show Graphic Design Exhibit. Organizing and filling up a whole gallery with my work was a scary challenge in the eyes of many, but I saw this as an opportunity to leave a mark on my journey and culminate my senior year with one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced.
Dedication is the heartbeat of achievement.
Dedication is not merely a word; it’s a force that propels individuals beyond their limits, turning aspirations into reality. For me, it was early mornings, late nights, tears, and sweat spent during my studies and work. It is about the consistent effort when faced with challenges, and the refusal to settle for less than your potential.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a recent graduate from Texas Christian University with a degree in Graphic Design. I describe myself not only as a graphic designer but also as a creative problem solver. Some of my favorite projects are branding, packaging, editorial design, and illustrations, I am passionate about design, exploring solutions creatively in different mediums, and trying new approaches. My love for creative expression started with studio art at an early age. I enjoyed painting and experimenting with color theory, visual composition, and illustrations. These principles have been valuable as I challenged myself to explore different styles. I took up carpentry after moving to the United States. Carpentry involves custom and unique solutions, high levels of detail, proportion, and precision. I enjoy being hands-on and designing projects where I can explore structural design and three-dimensional approaches. The Packaging class has been one of my favorite courses.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three important qualities that significantly impacted my journey were adaptability, humility, and self-motivation.
Adaptability:
A change of perspective produces a different outcome. My mantra is “Perspective changes all.” We can’t control outcomes, people, or situations, but we can control how we perceive a situation. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth makes us more willing to adapt and find solutions. The principle applies not only to the workspace but also to the work itself. I challenged myself to try new things, adapt to different design styles, and create diverse outcomes.
Humility:
Humility proves to be a valuable trait, both professionally and personally. It takes humility to recognize the talent in others and always be open to learning from those around you. Success and high achievement can be misleading, fostering ego. I am intentional about grounding myself and finding reasons to appreciate the strengths of others.
Self-motivation:
Self-motivation propels you forward, even in the face of challenges, transforming obstacles into stepping stones towards success. At times when I felt distracted, self-motivation was a guiding light that helped me stay focused on my objectives. Being self-motivated isn’t always easy, but one effective routine I follow is monthly evaluations of how I’ve utilized my time. I remind myself of my long-term goals, write them down, and put them on my wall, making them visible to both myself and those around me. This practice helps reinforce my commitment to where I aim to be one day.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My husband and parents have been invaluable in helping me overcome challenges and develop my skills. I feel blessed to be surrounded by individuals with high morals, integrity, and love. My husband is the kindest and most cherishing person I’ve ever known. He consistently encourages me to strive for the best version of myself, often by pointing out things that may go unnoticed or provoking me to delve deeper into self-reflection. When done out of love, these actions result in personal growth and unity.
My parents have instilled in me the belief that I am destined to be a leader, meant to face hardships and challenges with victory, not defeat. Their words of affirmation and encouragement have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today because, at times, we all need someone to give us a small push to stand back up.
Lastly, I wouldn’t be where I am professionally if it weren’t for Texas Christian University’s graphic design program. My professors’ genuine care, teaching, and intentionality pointed me to success. TCU was life-changing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bellacbaker.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakerbela/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/belacbaker
Image Credits
Edge Digital Agency- Mathew Oakes
