The DREAMHAUS 2024 Internship was a paid 12-week creative enrichment program where interns utilized the DREAMHAUS process and methodologies while transforming unique pathways within the creative economy.
Four interns from diverse backgrounds and specialties engaged in lectures from industry pioneers, roundtable discussions and project development through the lens of DREAMHAUS’ process and system from branding and visual identity, to community building and storytelling, partnerships and brand collaboration, social media strategy, philanthropy and more.
The World’s Playground of Lost Emotions:
Houses & Pillars
DREAMHAUS’ system called, “The World’s Playground of Lost Emotions” is a creative methodology which is organized into 3 houses (our foundation): Community, Pain & Evolution and 19 pillars (our emotional guides) shared by way of an amusement-park inspired “playground”. House of Community is how we see others, House of Pain is how we see ourselves and House of Evolution is how we see everything else. We created our own definitions for each of the 19 pillars in order to share a dynamic perspective to break expectations and connotations. Each house and pillar is also paired with a visual symbol directly connected to DREAMHAUS’ experiences through community events, student programming, partnerships and collaborations and understanding what it means to challenge the norms of generational, cultural and societal expectations.
DREAMHAUS 001 Interns:
Pillar-Led Projects
As an integral part of the Internship Program, the first cohort each chose 1 DREAMHAUS Pillar which was used as a catalyst into their intensive research, constant creative experimentation and interpretation into a final independent byproject presented at the Grit & Magic show curated by DREAMHAUS. Each project took on many forms, thought processes and outcomes made possible by weekly critique circles and weekly touch bases from DREAMHAUS and their creative community. The 11 themes from each week provided learnings which were applied to the 4 projects from character development to marketing, visual identity, production and everything in between that created go-to-market presentations and results.
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Tina is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist specializing in mixed media collage, photo illustration, and graphic design. They spend the year bouncing between LA and DC, considering both their home. Tina’s Rwandese and Ugandan heritage deeply inform their personal work, and therefore the rest of their practice. They love to use different mediums as tools to explore heritage, sexuality, and expression, especially as it pertains to the visual culture of marginalized identities.
Inner Child Playdate is a catalyst for conversation with the inner child in all of us. Rooted from the DREAMHAUS pillar “Abandonment”, this quarterly magazine calls for the days of adolescence when we indulged and played in life’s simplicities. In its inaugural issue, Summer, themes of basking in the sunny outdoors with an ice cream in hand and your favorite song, grace the pages inside and out. From reflective prompts, coloring pages, quizzes, a collage kit and boundless inspiration, Inner Child Playdate encourages you to to be your own creative muse and heal the kid you are at heart. When’s the last time you spoke to your Inner Child?
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Kaya is a videographer and filmmaker from Brooklyn, NY. His work explores themes of family, culture and spirituality by dissecting the media and materialism that defines us. From a very young age, Kaya has always been surrounded by various diverse and artistic influences. Something that’s always fascinated him are traditions that people pass down and how we as humans, keep the spirit of those who came before us alive. Through his work, he hopes to inspire futures by educating individuals on their past.
The Shooting Star You Are is a spoken word short film about a father and daughter spending their designated weekend together imagining and exploring their own world of wonder by creating art. Through the lens of the father’s own reflection, he speaks to his daughter with endearing words of encouragement sharing that life is one big canvas—there’s no such thing as perfection but rather all things can be created through spirited imagination. Because of this, The Shooting Star You Are embodies the DREAMHAUS “Acts Of Resourcefulness” pillar by incorporating mixed media stop motion animation to challenge the power of perception and encourage creativity as a tool for shining your light.
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Youree is a graphic designer and budding creative director based between London (UK) and Los Angeles (US). She is currently an MA candidate at the Royal College of Art, studying Visual Communication. Youree’s practice explores delight as resistance, and inquires about how embracing inconvenience can help liberate us from the pressures of an increasingly fast paced and tech-centric world. Informed by her education in nutritional science and time spent living abroad, she is particularly drawn to food and how it can be a universally digestible symbol of health, love, and justice. She wants you to eat well—whatever that means for you—and to feed the people around you well, too.
LET IT BURN! is the second rendition of the DREAMHAUS Art Kit based on the pillar, “Acts of Faith”. Using the qualities and representations of fire as an abstraction to the creative process, the kit presents a 21-day ritual to reignite the burnt out creative. Day by day, a project is developed from small sparks of an idea to a fully developed pitch, impassioned with a revived creative desire. With a prompted journal to guide you through reading, also provided is space for thinking and doing which pair with candles to light simultaneously essential to balance thought and execution. They say it takes 21 days to break a habit so let it burn!
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Dylan is a photographer and video director based in LA. His work is all about self expression, how to find yourself through your art, whether that’s the ideas behind its style and perspective. Dylan takes these ideas of self expression to other mediums such as film and fashion which are patterned threads throughout his practice. He hopes to inspire the masses in figuring out who they are and be proud of who that person is. Dylan states, “You are the only person who will ever live your life so do it proudly.”
Home is a short film that takes us into the chaotic life of a young boy named David who is searching for his sense of belonging amidst all of the change caused by his parents’ divorce. The story demonstrates the DREAMHAUS pillar, “Transition” to show the duality of contradicting home environments while David finds autonomy in one thing that’s consistently reciprocated loyalty and safety—basketball. Through the physical and emotional toll he faces back and forth, the themes of focus and resilience become the true spiritual anchors to centering the narrative of self discovery.
COMMUNITY
For DREAMHAUS, 1 of 3 Houses is COMMUNITY which is a wayfinding anchor for us, not only to spread love and creativity outward, but also to find ways to circulate it inwards, especially through programming. We’re deeply enriched with an ecosystem of incredibly empowering individuals who have technicolor backgrounds, pathways and narratives — all eager and willing to share. Throughout the 12 weeks of the DREAMHAUS Internship program, we invited guests to connect with our interns and own a powerful theme that aligns with DREAMHAUS’ process of both thinking and creating. Not only did they share their stories, but in each session, 3 essential things happened:
1. The “Who Am I Today?” activity with powerful shared reflection.
2. Necessary roundtable critique for each of the Interns’ projects at that particular stage in order to transform into what they are today.
3. Ideation, working and production on each interns’ independent projects; each inspired by 1 of the 19 DREAMHAUS Pillars.
12 Weeks of Grit & Magic
ORIENTATION & PRESENTATIONS
Guest Speakers
NIKKOLOS MOHAMMED: Founder & CEO of DREAMHAUS, Visual Artist
MIKE REESÉ: Founder & CEO of DREAMHAUS, Visual Artist, Art Director of OPM
SAM DANAN: Creative Director of DREAMHAUS, Art Director, Graphic Designer
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Day 1 on Week 1 was an introduction of this amazing cohort and their individual journeys of familial backgrounds, identity explorations and the translation into their pursuit of their personal careers. The cohort was also introduced with gifts from the Dreamhaus team that included tote bags, trucker hat, workbook, and a utensil set that will be used throughout their internship, as well as prompt for their first assignment!
They were presented with their first task of creating a marketing rollout campaign to announce them as a cohort for social media as a team. Their roles were pre-assigned by the DREAMHAUS team based on the roles they expressed interest in as their personal careers.
Youree: Creative Director
Teena: Graphic Designer
Elad: Graphic Designer
Dylan: Photographer
Kaya: VideographerHOMEWORK: Create an internal game plan for approach and presentation for their campaign, as well as a detailed shot list for their photo/video shoot to garner deliverables. During the week, the interns created a Discord channel to meet and went to DREAMHAUS to “location scout” and plan out their day.
Theme
BRAND & VISUAL IDENTITY
Guest Speaker
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On Week 2, they were allotted time at the beginning of the session for their photo/video shoot. Prepared and ready to go, the interns worked as a team, flowing through what they had prepared for and executing the prompt provided. After lunch,
Mike Reesé mediated Anwar Carrots’ presentation as Anwar talked through his journey starting with his name and family. He shared the unique PR & marketing moments of his brand, Carrots, his career thus far and how his resources and persistence created a new pathway for a growing industry as an entrepreneur for himself the world he built. This presentation opened up the cohort to perspectives on how to be an entrepreneur and successfully run an idea through product and experiences separate from a corporate model. Afterwards, the interns presented their raw working files from the shoot with Anwar and DREAMHAUS as feedback was shared. Anwar was happy to share comments on the marketing campaign as a whole and how to potentially gain impactful results.
Lastly, Anwar brought gifts to share with the cohort ✨
ANWAR CARROTS: Founder & CEO of Carrots
Themes
FOSTERING CONNECTIONS THROUGH MARKETING / ART & LAW
Guest Speakers
GISELLE ROMERO: Brand Marketing at Well People
TY DAVIS: Founder of Vox Collegiate, Attorney
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On Week 3, the cohort met 2 guest speakers. The first being Giselle Romero, a brand manager and expert on socials and marketing strategies for brands. Her presentation was an eye-opening layout of different ways to identify a demographic, build that demographic, leverage that information and translate it to be ready for a go-to-market rollout plan. This was valuable information for the cohort to understand how their creativity can be translated to metrics & analytics and how they can determine value for their collective project, as well as their individual projects. She met with each intern individually to give feedback and learn to begin creating a marketing brief, built for success.
The second guest was Ty Davis — an attorney who specializes in contracts and deal strategies as well as the founder of a middle school, Vox Collegiate of Los Angeles (DREAMHAUS has been donating yearly to Vox students since 2015). Ty Davis presented the process of creating an LLC and going over in detail basic contracts in order to protect artists and creatives. Ty walked through legal verbiage and definitions, and what to look out for when they receive contracts but also how to create their own as they move forward in their creative careers.
They were presented with their first task of creating a marketing rollout campaign to announce them as a cohort for social media as a team. Their roles were pre-assigned by the DREAMHAUS team based on the roles they expressed interest in as their personal careers.
Youree: Creative Director
Teena: Graphic Designer
Elad: Graphic Designer
Dylan: Photographer
Kaya: VideographerHOMEWORK: Create an internal game plan for approach and presentation for their campaign, as well as a detailed shot list for their photo/video shoot to garner deliverables. During the week, the interns created a Discord channel to meet and went to DREAMHAUS to “location scout” and plan out their day.
Themes
EXPERIENCE = ADVANTAGE / CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Guest Speakers
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In Week 4, our first guest was Ajay Relañ who is the founder of Hilltop Coffee, the nonprofit hashtag lunch bag as well as the investment firm Slauson Co. His presentation was based on his personal journey and how that led his business ventures and successful journey. His presentation encouraged the cohort of personal truth leads to real value and success.
The second presenter was Dorado Quick who is an award-winning director in advertising as well as Marvel & Saban comic book writer. His presentation started with his unique opportunities as a director in advertising and his process for creating meaningful & effective storytelling for corporations and how they interact with the public. Which led into his process of making new comic book characters and the process of making dynamic new characters for the public can quickly understand and invest in new characters and new stories. Dorado also shared feedback with character development on the cohort’s projects.
AJ RELAÑ: Partner at Slauson & Co., Co-Founder of Hilltop
DORADO QUICK: Creative Director & Leader Writer at UNINTERRUPTED
Theme
STRATEGY, IDENTITY & CAPITAL
Guest Speaker
ABHI CHANDRA: Co-Founder of It Feels Like Home, Special Projects Consultant
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Abhi Chandra, co-founder of Feels Like Home & Special Projects Manager for brands we know and love was our Week 5 guest. His presentation focused on various philosophies that he has researched and developed to make impactful products and impactful collaborations throughout his career. This presentation was integral for the cohort to identify the value and philosophy of their projects and understand the potential lives their projects can have beyond the DREAMHAUS internship. The cohort also presented their projects to Abhi for feedback and roundtable discussion.
DREAMHAUS also hosted our 2nd WYA!? Haus Party, an event dedicated to inspire the act of self-expression set in an environment where the comfort of sharing exactly where you are emotionally is fully encouraged and celebrated. The cohort was tasked to be a part of WYA!? by the following roles:
Dylan: Photographer
Kaya: Videographer
Tina: Interviewer
Youree: In Charge of ButtonsWe created large pin buttons that had a variety of our 19 Pillars on each of them. Guests of WYA!? were prompted to choose a button by chance and asked to share their reflection about the Pillar that was chosen.
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Day 1 on Week 1 was an introduction of this amazing cohort and their individual journeys of familial backgrounds, identity explorations and the translation into their pursuit of their personal careers. The cohort was also introduced with gifts from the Dreamhaus team that included tote bags, trucker hat, workbook, and a utensil set that will be used throughout their internship, as well as prompt for their first assignment!
They were presented with their first task of creating a marketing rollout campaign to announce them as a cohort for social media as a team. Their roles were pre-assigned by the DREAMHAUS team based on the roles they expressed interest in as their personal careers.
Youree: Creative Director
Teena: Graphic Designer
Elad: Graphic Designer
Dylan: Photographer
Kaya: VideographerHOMEWORK: Create an internal game plan for approach and presentation for their campaign, as well as a detailed shot list for their photo/video shoot to garner deliverables. During the week, the interns created a Discord channel to meet and went to DREAMHAUS to “location scout” and plan out their day.
Themes
COMMUNITY BUILDING THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN / THE GROWTH & PROCESS OF STORYTELLING
Guest Speakers
ALLISON DE GUIA: Brand Marketer at The Honest Company & Director at Slow Jamz
KACEY LYNCH: Founder & CEO OF Bricks & Wood
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There were 2 presenters this week for the cohort. The first being Allison De Guia who is the Director at Slow Jamz & Brand Marketer at the Honest Company. Her presentation focused on identifying services to create a business and fostering a community and organically identifying other resources to amplify the community that you serve as a business.
The second presenter was Kacey Lynch; Founder & CEO of Bricks & Wood. Kacey shared how the storytelling of his family and community became the mission of the goods & services that his company provides. Also, how he has used social media and community engagements to vibrantly bring in consumers to the emotional depth of his storytelling.
Both presenters shared feedback on the interns’ projects.
Themes
PURPOSE DRIVEN BRAND ARCHITECT
Guest Speaker
ARCHIE DAVIS: Board Member at DREAMHAUS, Chief Creative Officer at Def Jam
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Archie Davis, Chief Creative Officer of Def Jam, shared with the interns his vision for connecting music, entertainment, and art, drawing from his journey from intern to executive. He emphasized the importance of identifying gaps aligned with one's expertise, proactively filling them to create unique value, and building a career rooted in purpose, alignment, and strong relationships. His insights inspired the interns to pursue disruptive ideas that drive industry progression.
Themes
LIGHT & MAGIC
Guest
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Amid the intense development of their final projects, the interns delved into the story behind Disneyland's creation through documentaries, podcasts, and roundtable discussions. These activities highlighted the resilience and storytelling required to build impactful cultural icons and memorable experiences. A DREAMHAUS-curated visit to Disneyland allowed the interns to experience its magic with deeper context, inspiring them to infuse their own projects with the same level of intentionality and care. Joined by Phil Quinal, Senior Art Director at Hulu and DREAMHAUS Board Member, everyone was able to connect and reflect on their experiences of the internship so far and share future endeavors both personally and professionally.
PHIL QUINAL: Senior Art Director at Hulu
Themes
INTENTIONAL DESIGN & CREATIVE COMMERCE
Guest Speaker
GAVIN MATHIEU: Founder & Creative Director of SUPERVSN
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At Week 9 of the internship program, as the interns prepared to showcase their projects to the public, Gavin, serial entrepreneur and founder of SUPERVSN, shared his insights on defining systems and metrics to measure public impact. He gave a transparent look into how SUPERVSN balances its core offerings with partnerships like Tommy Hilfiger and Pacsun, showing how processes and metrics shift depending on the scope of work. Gavin's discussion encouraged the interns to consider fluidity in their professional journeys and how to present their ideas effectively to the public.
Tina and Youree were also able to share primary hard copies of their projects for tactful feedback while Dylan and Kaya made strides on their short films.
Themes
WORKING, SHARING & CRITIQUE
Crit Guests
GIOVANNI DU BOSE, BROOK D’LEAU, MALCOLM JONES, A. LORE
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The interns' projects were nearing completion but required fine-tuning and critical feedback. Joined by experts like Dr. Malcolm Jones (USC professor and Jordan Brand engineer), Brook De Leu (art director for Raphael Saadiq), and photographer/film director Giovanni Du Bose, the interns received valuable insights to elevate their work ahead of the final group art show. A roundtable discussion further refined their projects, enhancing their focus and awareness of potential public reception.
Other amounts of preparation took place like creating custom merchandise of the art show and the interns had the opportunity to partake in the creation of DREAMHAUS products.
Themes
GENERATIONAL LEGACY THROUGH SHARING
Guest Speaker
KHALIL KINSEY: COO & Chief Curator of The Kinsey Collection, Co-Founder of Context Projects, Partner of Offhand Wine Bar
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Khalil Kinsey, curator of the Kinsey collection, founder of Context Projects Gallery, Partner in Offhand Wine Bar (and more), discussed the importance on giving context to everything in order to creating lasting narratives that define history from the point of view of those who hadn’t had the opportunity to share their voices before. Khalil shared is own ancestral and personal history, binding connections that are necessary to creating lasting endeavors and furthering relationships.
Just one week before the big show, the interns shared with Khalil and other special guests at the final stretch of their individual projects. This was a critical moment as well for curation of the show, finalizing assets and preparing all necessary digital and physical packages.
GRIT & MAGIC is the spirit of creation and connection cultivated through developing and exploring the many wonders of “The World’s Playground of Lost Emotions” by DREAMHAUS. This exhibition at SUPERVSN showcases the byproducts from the Internship Program’s first cohort, exploring their voices and interpretations of their chosen DREAMHAUS pillar which they used as a catalyst into intensive research, constant play, daily reflection, endless curiosity and exposure to new perspectives. This illustrious process breaks into new creative heights to serve and emerge the Magic within; only made possible with earnest Grit necessary for a greater pursuit of purpose, connection, and impact.
HONORABLE MENTIONS & SPECIAL GUESTS:
Christine Herrera (DREAMHAUS Internship Coordinator), Sarah Ali, Jordan Sands, Jahmad Balugo, Louis Liv, Roy Sugihara, Amaya Segura, Jon Way, Yasmína Antonio, The SUPERVSN Team, Blair Quiñones, Glenn Araya, Aimee Tomaya, Jahmad Balugo, Jasmine Williams, Armon Williams, Janine Watkins, Giovanni Bijou
2024 DREAMHAUS Internship Stats
Applications were received and accepted worldwide during the 2024 Internship Program open call.
DREAMHAUS’ average followers reflect ages 18-24 at 11.5%, 25-34 at 43.5% and 35-44 at 32.6%.