Experience & Journey
College Years: Discovering Art
California State University Northridge
Los Angeles
Embarking on my academic journey at Cal State University in Northridge, I initially envisioned a future in psychology. However, my curiosity led me to the art department, where I found my true calling. Immersed in the worlds of painting, photography, and graphic design, I embraced these disciplines, each shaping my artistic vision. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, profoundly influenced by the rich and diverse artistic experiences that defined my college years.
Early Career: Freelance Graphic Design
Graphic Designer
Los Angeles
Following my graduation, I launched my career as a freelance graphic designer. This venture was not just about design; it was a comprehensive lesson in sales, marketing, finance, and the crucial skill of persistence. I collaborated with a diverse array of clients, including technology firms, real estate companies, and numerous nonprofit organizations. These experiences honed my ability to understand and fulfill customer objectives efficiently, ensuring their goals were met within the desired timelines.
Entrepreneurial Journey: From goZing to InnovateMR
CEO
Mar 2014 - Sep 2021
Los Angeles, CA
Graphic design served as a launching pad for my career, but the world of tech entrepreneurship soon called. Alongside my best friend, I co-founded goZing, a pioneering internet company providing information services to market research firms globally. After six years of growth and overcoming countless challenges, we achieved a successful exit. Buoyed by our initial success, we embarked on another venture in a similar vein, scaling a business called uSamp to over 250 employees with offices worldwide before it too was successfully sold. In 2014, the entrepreneurial path led us to establish InnovateMR, another market research services firm. By 2022, this venture had grown significantly and was acquired by a Chicago-based private equity firm. Building and exiting these businesses was an unforeseen turn in my career journey that began in college. These experiences in fast-paced, tech-enabled environments have been profoundly educational, offering lessons in resilience, innovation, and the dynamics of global business landscapes.
A Return to Art: Launching Matt Dusig Fine Art Photography
Following the successful journey through the tech industry, I decided to return full-time to my first love—art. While painting continues to be a part of my artistic practice, photography has captured the essence of my passion. This led to the establishment of Matt Dusig Fine Art Photography. My relationship with photography has been a constant throughout my career, starting from my college days. Each year brings new insights and deeper understanding, continually shaping the direction and vision of my photographic work. Thank you for taking the time to explore my journey and the stories captured through my lens.
College Years: Discovering Art
California State University Northridge
Los Angeles
Embarking on my academic journey at Cal State University in Northridge, I initially envisioned a future in psychology. However, my curiosity led me to the art department, where I found my true calling. Immersed in the worlds of painting, photography, and graphic design, I embraced these disciplines, each shaping my artistic vision. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, profoundly influenced by the rich and diverse artistic experiences that defined my college years.
Early Career: Freelance Graphic Design
Graphic Designer
Los Angeles
Following my graduation, I launched my career as a freelance graphic designer. This venture was not just about design; it was a comprehensive lesson in sales, marketing, finance, and the crucial skill of persistence. I collaborated with a diverse array of clients, including technology firms, real estate companies, and numerous nonprofit organizations. These experiences honed my ability to understand and fulfill customer objectives efficiently, ensuring their goals were met within the desired timelines.
Entrepreneurial Journey: From goZing to InnovateMR
CEO
Los Angeles, CA
Graphic design served as a launching pad for my career, but the world of tech entrepreneurship soon called. Alongside my best friend, I co-founded goZing, a pioneering internet company providing information services to market research firms globally. After six years of growth and overcoming countless challenges, we achieved a successful exit. Buoyed by our initial success, we embarked on another venture in a similar vein, scaling a business called uSamp to over 250 employees with offices worldwide before it too was successfully sold. In 2014, the entrepreneurial path led us to establish InnovateMR, another market research services firm. By 2022, this venture had grown significantly and was acquired by a Chicago-based private equity firm. Building and exiting these businesses was an unforeseen turn in my career journey that began in college. These experiences in fast-paced, tech-enabled environments have been profoundly educational, offering lessons in resilience, innovation, and the dynamics of global business landscapes.
A Return to Art: Launching Matt Dusig Fine Art Photography
Following the successful journey through the tech industry, I decided to return full-time to my first love—art. While painting continues to be a part of my artistic practice, photography has captured the essence of my passion. This led to the establishment of Matt Dusig Fine Art Photography. My relationship with photography has been a constant throughout my career, starting from my college days. Each year brings new insights and deeper understanding, continually shaping the direction and vision of my photographic work. Thank you for taking the time to explore my journey and the stories captured through my lens.