CrystalTech held its two-day creative bootcamp, BoldByDesign, for students of Obafemi Awolowo University at the Opolo Innovation Hub in the Agric Engineering Building. The second day of the event, which took place on 29th November, began at 11:01 a.m. with a recap of Day 1 led by Funmi Sopade. Participants shared lessons learned from the first day and discussed how they planned to apply them in their personal and creative journeys.
After the recap, students were divided into six breakout classes covering personal development, public speaking, storytelling, branding, social media management, video editing, content creation, and voiceover artistry. Each class was led by an experienced facilitator: Funmi Sopade covered public speaking and personal development; Osakwe Prosper led video editing; Subomi Williams taught voiceover artistry; Oluwafemi Josemaria led social media management; Apanpa Motunrayo handled branding and storytelling; and Aderounmu Inioluwa facilitated content creation.
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In the public speaking class, students learned methods to speak articulately and leave a lasting impact on their audience. Funmi Sopade introduced the four Ds of personal development, Discover, Design, Discipline, and Deploy, and the three Cs of public speaking: Clarity, Connection, and Confidence. Students were taught to build knowledge, structure their messages, enhance vocabulary, master body language, engage audiences, and tailor communication to listeners.
The voiceover artistry class emphasised that the voice is a powerful asset. Participants learned technical skills such as reading, interpreting, and delivering scripts, script analysis, and voice control, while being encouraged to own and take pride in their voices.
Personal development sessions highlighted the importance of networking, emphasising that meaningful connections are a key tool for both personal and creative growth.
Video editing participants were trained in various effects, templates, sound mixing, AI voiceovers, trimming, cutting, and keyframe techniques. They even edited a short video to practice their skills.
Content creation participants gained practical filming skills. They learned how to set up a tripod, position an LED light for proper lighting, record videos from the right angles, and capture footage effectively for different types of content. They practised these techniques to create polished and professional-looking videos.
Social media management sessions covered content pillars, strategy blueprints, hooks, essential tools for social media managers, community engagement, and client acquisition.
Branding and storytelling classes focused on the fundamentals of narrative craft, including character, conflict, change, and methods to monetise creative work.
At the conclusion of the breakout sessions, all participants reconvened for an interactive session where each facilitator addressed the entire group. Subomi Williams encouraged students to remain consistent and persistent with their skills. Oluwafemi Josemaria advised choosing one skill and striving for mastery. Osakwe Prosper reminded participants that natural talents like singing, design, or editing can be monetised if cultivated properly. Apanpa Motunrayo emphasised excellence and confidence in applying learned skills.
The bootcamp concluded with a group photo session, marking the end of a highly interactive and practical two-day experience.
BoldByDesign is more than a training program – Convener
In a follow-up interview, the convener, Okiki Areo, CEO of CrystalTech, shared the inspiration behind BoldByDesign. He explained that the bootcamp was created to give young Nigerians access to structured guidance, practical training, and platforms to develop creative skills like video editing, content creation, voiceover artistry, personal development, public speaking, social media management, branding, and storytelling.
Okiki emphasised that beyond technical skills, the goal was to help participants build confidence in their ideas, stories, and voices. He advised students to remain consistent in practising their craft, collaborate with peers, seek feedback, stay curious about industry trends, and embrace boldness in their creative pursuits. Highlighting the vision behind the program, he stated: ‘BoldByDesign is more than a training program; it’s a movement aimed at cultivating a generation that isn’t afraid to show up boldly, think creatively, and design their own future.’
CrystalTech also thanked the bootcamp’s facilitators, volunteers, and gold sponsor, Meridian Impact Foundation, for making the event a success and providing an empowering platform for young creatives.