The Limelight | Isobel Bianca Quiñones
Background
“I work in MMCL as faculty member, and some of my works is—sa around graphic design, video editing, and 3D design lang kasi, ‘yun lang yung fino-focus ko as of now, since Graphic Design major yung tinake ko nung college” says Ms. Isobel Bianca Quiñones, a faculty member at Mapua MCL.
Ms. Isobel specializes primarily in graphic design but also works in 3D design and video editing. She describes her creative process as beginning with finding inspiration and understanding the target audience, ensuring her work communicates effectively to those who will view it.
An Unexpected Path to Multimedia Arts
Ms. Isobel did not initially plan to study multimedia arts. Her first choice was architecture, but financial constraints led her to choose a more affordable alternative: multimedia arts.
“Noon, hindi talaga first choice ang pagiging MMA as a student nung first year… kaya mas nagkaroon ng alternative—which is multimedia arts, kasi mas mura ang tuition… compare sa pagnag-arki ka, parang multiple times mo kailangan bumili.”
Even after graduating, she notes that her current position as a faculty member in MMA still was surprising to her especially after the pandemic, the times when connecting to people outside her circle was difficult.
What makes her reflection especially poignant is the contrast between her past shyness and current confidence. Coming from Bicol and adjusting to a new environment in Laguna, she had to navigate cultural differences and personal insecurities. That she now teaches and mentors others in her field demonstrates not only professional growth but also personal transformation, reflecting her long-standing passion for teaching.
“Noon if the younger me, siguro tuwang-tuwa siya kasi… yung dream niya talaga noon… Ang lagi kong sinasabi no’n is teacher talaga…”
Takeaways from Industry Challenges
While her specialization is in graphic design, she frequently needs to perform tasks across multiple areas, including video editing, motion graphics, illustration and many more, she points out the importance of adapting especially for fresh graduates who are new to the industry, that basic familiarity with certain tools or techniques, learning to navigate different tasks is crucial for success.
When it comes to AI, Ms. Isobel views it as both a challenge but also a great tool to use. In her perspective, companies often adopt AI for efficiency, but creatives must learn to integrate it into their workflow rather than see it as a threat.
“…kailangan natin siya i-adapt, and learn how to use it… kahit na sabihin nating negative siya for us ngayon, innovation pa rin siya na hindi natin siya matatanggal, kung baga, nage-exist na kasi siya.”
By learning to incorporate AI into their work, she believes students and professionals can stay ahead in the industry rather than being left behind.
Advice to Readers
”Learn to socialize, to communicate, yung hindi ka nakikipag-away, or kailangan mo magtake ng criticism to others, kahit na hindi mo kilala, parang take it as positive- parang positive comment sa’yo.”
Ms. Isobel believes that a positive mindset and learning to socialize is important in the industry. Don’t take criticism negatively but put it in a positive perspective like it means that they are rooting for your work to be good. Also, isolating ourselves as an artist is not a good practice. Join workshops, trainings, and collaborate with other artists so you can meet with new people and your circle will be much wider because maybe someday they would be the ones who would help you in the future.
Additionally, hobbies are as important as work. In work, it is normal to have a love-hate relationship with it because of deadlines and stuff but Ms. Isobel reminds us that we shouldn’t always make art for work. Make time for hobbies and do things that you really would like to do since this would be your fuel to get things together.
”Kailangan ihiwalay din yung passion, like, kung mahilig ka mag-drawing, mag-drawing ka in your vacant time, yung gusto mo talaga i-drawing, tapos kapag work talaga, kailangan i-work mo talaga ‘yun- kasi may deadlines, mayroon kang clients na kailangan i-please, or kailangan sundin.”