Ignite The Fuse

FUSE
(verb: to join or blend to form a single entity.)

Last month, IntersectLA and the Communication Design area of California State University, Northridge hosted their 6th Annual Creative Bootcamp — a week-long event that includes learning sessions, success stories, and team activities centered around personal, professional, and creative development. This year’s theme was “FUSE,” because we wanted to strengthen and unify our team to not only work together, but challenge each other to improve and prepare ourselves for the year to come.

“Fuse Bootcamp was a unique and diverse experience because it covered topics that were helpful for my career as a marketer, as well as for my own personal development.”
– Svetlana, Junior, Marketing

The goal of our Bootcamp is to introduce our students to new people, places, and disciplines while strengthening bonds and relationships that will carry our team through the next school year. When working in a creative environment, it is essential for everyone in the office to feel comfortable being themselves, sharing their ideas, and stepping out of comfort zones. That is why each year we bring the entire team together to share these experiences.

“FUSE Bootcamp 2019 was an informative and inspirational experience for me. As a soon-to-be CSUN grad studying business marketing, I soaked up a lot of useful tips and tricks to implement into my career.”
– Chris, Senior, Marketing

This year’s impressive roster of speakers included influential people who have come from our organization and dared to change the world in their own ways. With inspiring stories from former VISCOM team members Erick Olivares, Jamie Cristal, Jessica Strelioff, and Jeremy DiPaolo, they showed us the benefit of stepping away from your initial plans by thinking outside of the box and taking a slightly different route, which ultimately paid off and led them to their special niche. Each personal story taught us to utilize our experiences and embrace uncomfortable situations and circumstances that may encounter in the future. Taking a leap of faith on an emerging discipline will help differentiate you in your industry, whether it’s art, design, business, or any other. This often leads to a leadership role within an untapped environment — a perfect recipe for success.

“The personal story segment is what I really enjoyed, because it was great to see CSUN alumni, who were in my shoes once, having success in the design industry.”
– Kristina, Junior, Communication Design

Starting on Monday morning with a team breakfast, 30 students split into small groups. Some knew each other very well, while others were paired with students they’d never met before. This opened us all to a new environment and a great opportunity to meet new people and foster new friendships. By Saturday, everyone was exhausted, but emerged a cooperative whole. Each of us became an individual piece to a beautiful puzzle that is ever-changing. After a satisfying stream of knowledge, wisdom, processes, and ideas, we were left with a remarkable experience, a close-knit group of co-workers and friends, and a day’s rest before going back to the grind Monday morning.

“Bootcamp allowed me to get to know my fellow students/co-workers. Becoming a part of the IntersectLA community is an amazing opportunity. In addition, I’ve expanded my knowledge and been introduced to many creative techniques of design.”
– Brooke, Senior, Communication Design

Special thanks to all of our guests for sharing their work and wisdom with us. The information we learned definitely made an impact and will benefit us in the future. Thank you Ash Sobhe, Raychel Espiritu, Shirin Raban, Nishit Rathod, Magdy Rizk, Patrick Prager, Vesna Petrovic, Jessica Arana, and Antonio Perez.

Lastly, a huge thank-you to everyone involved in putting this eventful week together, including Dave Moon, Joe Bautista, Trina Darakjy, Kristina Gabrielyan, and the IntersectLA/Communication Design team.

Written by Jordan Haney. Edits by Dave Moon, Joe Bautista and Perry Grundman.