Collaborative learning is at the heart of the USC Iovine and Young Academy and new students begin cultivating the art of working together during their very first semester. One shining example of this is the annual tradition of a freshman mural – a chance for a cohort to join forces to create a piece of displayed art that represents who they are and what they stand for. The now-annual project is all part of the Rapid Visualization course which is divided into two parts, taught by professors Aaron Siegel and Stephen Child. Lucky for those wandering the halls of Iovine and Young Hall, Cohort 9’s masterpiece is currently on view in all its original visual splendor. 

“Every year brings thought-provoking new ideas and designs from each cohort. Students are prompted by the question, ‘what defines you?’ both as an individual and as a part of the larger collective. A discussion session requires students to reflect on who they are in relation to their families, friends, culture, biology, media, choices, and the systems that they belong to. They realize they are both uniquely individual and uniquely shaped by the collective,” Child says of the project’s significance. 

Perhaps you notice the recurring clouds on this year’s mural. They demonstrate the theme “On Cloud Nine,” a concept voted on by the entirety of Cohort 9. The mural features buildings from all over the world illustrating the locations Academy students come from. Plus, there are some special interactive digital elements you don’t want to miss, including a laser cut QR code that takes you to the cohort website. There, you can learn more about the students. There’s also a scannable Spotify barcode on the mural that’s linked to a playlist that comprises the students’ favorite songs. 

 Freshman Henry Groome was behind the idea selected, and his team consisted of  Lauren Graham, Kaylie Li, and Calix Huang, managing the production of the mural. Huang’s technology team programmed the digital aspect, Shailee Sankhala coordinated the camera, and Tyler Louie edited the final time-lapse video.

So, what materials do the students use and how much time do they have to complete a project of this magnitude? 

“The project requires students to go through the entire design process of concept, ideation, and execution in a short two and a half weeks’ time,” Childs says, noting the deadline aligns with Trojan Family Weekend. 

“Space is the major limitation with a fixed width and height for the wall they are working on. The materials are always dry erase markers, but students find opportunities to incorporate vinyl stickers, QR codes, even laser cut and 3D printed elements in the past,” Siegel adds. 

As the mural production progresses, the students have opportunities to fine-tune its distinctive details. For instance, being that there are three Henrys in Cohort 9, “On Cloud 9” depicts a 3-headed chimera climbing the tower at the Center for International and Public Affairs. It’s a small yet imaginative means to spotlighting the existence of Cohort 9. 

“I love how much of a challenge this assignment is when it comes to collaboration,” Siegel shares of the project’s impact. “It's completely overwhelming to the students at first, but once they form a plan, and a contingent of students takes the initial lead in laying out the outlines and composition of the major mural elements, then the other students start seeing opportunities to contribute in their own creative ways.”

Collective innovation is put to the test almost as soon as a cohort steps through the doors, and they have to figure out one-of-a-kind ways to illuminate their identity as a class. These are skills they can bring to their academic endeavors at the Academy, and beyond. 

“The mural project is a great learning experience for the students. They need to think deeply about who they are and what it means to be a part of this cohort. They use the sketching skills they are beginning to acquire in class to communicate concepts,” Child says. 

 He also commends Cohort 9 for acknowledging the support they received from staff.

 “I was very proud that the cohort took the time to recognize the IYA support system and created a thank you card that was debossed and included a group photo and signature. The staff really appreciated the recognition. They learned that it isn’t just what you make but how you make it that counts also.” 

As one can see plainly on the mural, the phrase “sky’s the limit” is written in cloud-like bubble letters adorning the sky. When it comes to the future that follows for these freshmen, those words could not be more applicable. We can’t wait to see what new heights Cohort 9 students will reach at the Academy. 

The Making of a Mural: Cohort 9 is On Cloud Nine