“A collage of everyone’s identity.”

These are just some of the descriptions used to characterize the USC Iovine and Young Academy’s class of 2027’s original mural. Cohort 10 came together to conceptualize, design, and execute the project – IYA’s annual freshmen tradition! – an original piece of artwork that represents students through captivating imagery decorating the lobby wall of Iovine and Young Hall all school year long. Split between a two-part Rapid Visualization course taught by Professors Stephen Child and Aaron Siegel, it’s an exercise in aesthetic storytelling that speaks to the collaborative spirit of the Academy. 

What makes this year’s mural stand out? IYA students who were heavily involved in its formation weighed in on its inspiration, theme, and production process. 2023’s design is full of Easter eggs and meaningful elements that symbolize cohort 10’s collective individuality – from the figures that represent each member to micro-cats to website plugs and some inside jokes (that will likely remain inside the cohort). There’s even a custom soundtrack courtesy of Tristan Wilcher and Tongfei Zhu that’s available when a user scans a QR code. 

As far as inspiration goes, students started by rendering the IYA building forming a CX (with a “cyberpunk” edge, according to Allison Wong) in the center and letting their imaginations run wild from there.

“We brainstormed how we could best represent the cohort through physical places and scenes,” Mari Edler explains. 

“We tried to encapsulate areas of the Academy, USC, and the greater LA area, while also allowing our artists a ton of freedom of expression to whatever they thought was interesting or fun enough to include,” remarks Kelvin Ye. 

The process is an opportunity for new students to get to know one another as people, artists, and innovators and the result was nothing short of inventive and uniquely cohort 10. Each section weaves a mini-narrative, converging to paint a literal picture depicting the originality of IYA. 

“The best part was truly the memories we made along the way. Like staying up late drawing, running around to find the film camera, bringing in piles of snacks, making our own personal marks on the board, and so much more. All of it really helped to bring the cohort closer together and bond us as a group!” Edler says of the bonding experience. 

Teddy Warner adds, “Being the first large project each incoming cohort tackles, I really appreciate how the mural serves as a fun avenue for cohort collaboration. In my mind, it’s only fitting to kick off each cohort's Academy experience through a large-scale, creative, collaborative project.”

Check out more photos below. Can you spot some of the hidden features and insider references? 

What makes this year’s mural stand out? IYA students who were heavily involved in its formation weighed in on its inspiration, theme, and production process. 2023’s design is full of Easter eggs and meaningful elements that symbolize cohort 10’s collective individuality – from the figures that represent each member to micro-cats to website plugs and some inside jokes (that will likely remain inside the cohort).

‘A Snapshot of Disruption in Progress’: Collaborative Creativity in Cohort 10’s Mural