We were lucky to catch up with ISABELLA YOUNG recently and have shared our conversation below.

ISABELLA, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I have worked on is one I started recently. My Youtube where I mainly interview creatives that I work with and who inspire me. In the videos, I include visuals in connection with the subject and ask questions pertaining to their artistic process, networking, and mental health.

Last year, I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, basically studying psychology in the Workplace. I learned a lot about the importance of teamwork in any organization/business and the importance of tending to the mental well-being of individuals at work. After graduation, I decided to take a gap year for many reasons, one being to travel and have time to focus on the hobbies I had neglected during the chaos of balancing life, school, extracurriculars, and work. During this gap year, I traveled to ten states and two different countries (keep in mind I only went out of Florida three times in my life before this) in each place I visited a museum and explored a variety of art galleries and musical performances. As my gap year came to an end It was time to make a very important decision; decide whether I would further my education or pursue a different course in life. Deciding on the latter, I made a vow to myself to embrace my creativity in everything I do from there on out. Because to me, if I don’t feel passionate about the life I am living, then what is the point?

Throughout my whole life, but in this year particularly I collaborated with so many amazing creatives with such unique and interesting backgrounds and artistic styles. They truly inspired me to create more and meet more creatives (i.e. artists, designers, authors, musicians, dancers, etc.) So, one day I woke up, literally woke up, and said “I’m going to start a Youtube.” I had been told to start a channel by many people, but I always had an excuse. But, this realization came over me one day that all I ever wanted to do in life was to meet extraordinary people and experience as many things as possible. Why not do that and document the process? Why not put a spotlight on the people in my life I am inspired by? All while incorporating what I learned at my University, because, at the end of the day these interviews are data. The questions I ask during the interview will potentially aid me in conducting research amongst the creative collective in regard to I/O psychology theories and principles.

Ultimately, this project is meaningful in many ways. However, the responses I received from the interviewees are what is most meaningful, encouraging, and priceless. I am so glad to provide a platform for people to be heard, seen, and documented. They are able to look back and see how far they have come themselves. I believe platforms such as mine and yours (canvas) are so important to not only the interviewees but the people who tune in and get inspired to also create.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Isabella Young, but most if not all call me Bella. I am creative, limited to no particular media. I express myself through drawing, painting, photography, videography, modeling, poetry, digital art, and a whole lot of mixed media. But, this does not mean I do not dabble in music by learning some chords on my guitar, notes on my keyboard, or even performance arts when I audition for films and partake in improv classes. I love to learn as much as I love to create. I would probably describe myself as an ‘organized chaos’. I have so many layers, most I will probably never be able to discover or even express.

Considering, I create based on my feelings, the majority of my art is full of my emotions even if not obvious. Which is why it took me so long to finally start sharing my art and even longer to actually sell it. And even then, the only art I am currently selling at the moment is my painted pottery. The designs range from random ideas I come up with to characters from your favorite movies and Anime. You can catch me on Instagram or at a local event where I may vendor at.

Other than the pots, I do not create for profit but rather for an outlet because it comes second nature for me. I do not realize I am creating most of the time, it just happens. It may not make sense, but sometimes I will randomly start drawing swirls in the sand, and before I know it a whole mandala comes to life. Growing up I was really quiet, which comes as a surprise to a lot of you. But most of my time spent was reading and drawing, my parents were not a fan of me playing video games. My early life was full of creativity, which was a huge source of my entertainment. So, art is a comfort for me, there have been countless times when I am out at a restaurant or event and ask the staff for crayons to doodle. I am 22 years only and best believe I will ask for crayons with no shame.

My art is for no one other than myself. If people like it, then they like it. If not, oh well. I went to school for something not associated directly with the arts for a reason. I never wanted art to be something ‘i had to do’ but something ‘i wanted to do.’ I never wanted to put pressure on my creations because I fear that my passion will lessen. Plus, it would be harder for me to make a living as an artist because I don’t have a specific style . . . at all . . . for any one of my art mediums. Nor, am I consistent in my creations. For instance, I will have a photoshoot every couple of days for about four months straight, and then BOOM I can NOT pick up my camera. It’s not burnout but rather just a change of season.

Modeling has been the most consistent craft I partake in just because I love collaborating with others, especially for experimental shoots and concept photoshoots. I love dressing up and portraying a certain idea. I thoroughly enjoy being part of someone’s creative process and bringing their ideas to life. There was a time, I wanted to pursue it professionally but it can get really tiresome. It is not something I would like to do as a career but, I do enjoy it very much. It is really fun because I feel like I am playing a role in a movie.

As for my objective with Youtube, I am not just doing it for myself but for the people, I interview as well. It helps me stay motivated and disciplined. I find it extremely challenging, from taking the actual footage to editing, which is why I enjoy it so much. I come across obstacles constantly, and at the same time, I am learning constantly. It has brought a sense of purpose to my life and encourages me to reach outside of my comfort zone. Try new things and go to events, it has even made me more comfortable with going to events alone. I am so proud of the progress I had made, so happy with the people I have met, and so excited for what the future holds.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The process. No matter how much I try to imagine a concept regardless of the art media, the outcome will never be exact, it is usually better. I love seeing projects from beginning to end, it is so satisfying to know what something looked like prior to being manipulated. When I am in an art gallery I like to look at a painting and guess where the artists first started painting, what color they first used on the canvas, and what did they add at a last-minute thought. Likewise, seeing the raw image of a photograph and then seeing the final edit, or seeing the behind the scenes and raw footage of a film is so euphoric to me.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I can not specifically name anything, my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy, come from so many places. I studied anthropology and philosophy in school which heavily evolved my way of thinking, But I learned the most from just going outside. So, just go outside and see for yourself. Go outside and talk to people, listen and learn. Take what you want and throw out what you don’t. Explore, travel, and seek new adventures, and new experiences, and find inspiration wherever you can. Whatever book looks interesting pick it up and at least read the first chapter. If you’re concerned about wasting time listening to a podcast listen to them at 2x speed. Make sure your Instagram is filled with creative content rather than drama and tasteless content. But surround yourself with people and things that fuel you for the things you want.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/bellayoung31/3003627826435940211/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-young-552b16196/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb3VRYc4PYvYxCnDukvQUsQ
• Other: Art Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imy.studios/

Image Credits
providing instagrams . . . FIRST PHOTO (portrait): @sepi_studios Blue beach photo with black bathing suit @shotinartland blue colorful photo @biancamstudiosllc girl with red pants – my photography