Larry Buchanan (YG12), Journalist at The New York Times:

“My best advice is to take a big swing. Don't play it safe. Enter what you are proud of. Enter your weirdest stuff.”

Garrett Morin (YG6), Creative Director at Garrett Elizabeth Office (G.E.O.):

“Make work that truly reflects your interests and taste. Avoid chasing trends; they rarely age well. In an increasingly saturated industry, the best way to stand out is to solve creative problems in ways only you can. Your lived experience is your greatest asset.”

Daukantė Subaciute (YG19), Illustrator:

“I believe the best work is oddly specific... whether the topic is very narrow and not often discussed or the style in which a project was created is unusual and unorthodox, it helps the work stand out. Specific work brings maybe a smaller, but a loyal audience.”

Eden Yeung (YG18), Creative Director at Spotify:

“Share the work you believe in most, not what you think others want to see. That kind of honest work is the clearest expression of your voice and frequency. The best portfolios aren’t perfect, but they reveal passion and presence behind the craft. Let your work show how you think and feel in a way only you can.”

Giada Bossi (YG21), Director at Bossi Giada:

“Self-curating your work can be stressful... For me, it’s not about a single piece, but about the whole constellation of projects you will present... work that fully express your poetic vision, aesthetic, and creative aim should be prioritised. But don’t  forget to present a range of projects that showcase your skills as well. You should certainly include your favourite project (let’s call it the proudly unmissable), or your most famous project (the safe choice), but don’t be afraid to include some wildcards that you feel could present you in a different light and showcase a rare aspect of your creativity.”

Paul Buckley (YG1), Designer at Paul Buckley Design:

“Six is a beautiful number - not too much and not too little. Six entries can speak for you and your work, but also offer a lot of wonder and thought for the viewers on the other side. One piece and we don’t really know you, but thoughts are forming. Two, three, still not enough but a personality is maybe poking through – but six, we are going see how good you are and most importantly, how distinct you are, and that great design personality of yours. I very much look forward to you all blowing my mind and I wish you all the very best.”

Max Guther (YG16), Independent Illustrator:

“When submitting a portfolio, it’s essential to let the work speak for itself. The overall impression matters... Think about which of your works stand out the most and which of them make an immediate impact.”

Alison Hingle (YG5), Senior Creative at Joe Public United:

“Remember your portfolio is only as strong as your weakest piece – so try and keep the same standard across all your work – sometimes less can be more. Add as much breadth and diversity of thinking as you can – you don’t want to come across as a one-trick pony.”

Paul Felton (YG13), Co-founder and Creative Director at Common Curiosity:

“Focus on making sure that the idea behind your projects shines through, don’t over complicate it or add too much visual noise... your concepts must be instantly graspable and memorable. It’s always a good idea to share your entries with others who aren’t as invested or familiar with the projects. Fresh eyes will reveal whether the story of your work is clear and compelling.”

Stephan Walter (YG9), Visual Artist / Creative Direction at Stephan Walter Studio:

“Don’t be afraid to show a broad range of work – that’s how your style starts to move, take shape, and reveal its depth and flexibility. Skip the overused mockups we’ve all seen a hundred times. They flatten everything into the same look.”

Kellie Campbell-Illingworth (YG8), Creative Director at Parallax:

“I still remember my first Young Guns entry—I almost didn’t enter because imposter syndrome was loud! I believed in my work, so I hit submit. I didn’t get in. That “no” fired me up to rethink, push harder, and grow. When I tried again, everything had shifted—the work was stronger, but more importantly so was I.”

Zim&Zou (YG12), Artists at ZIM&ZOU:

“Nurture your creative soul with as much art history as possible, stay opened to every art field and find a unique way to express yourself. Adding a brick to the wall is very important, because singularity is what makes an artist stand out.”

Brian Sensebe (YG4), Motion Design Director at Otherwork NY:

“Look outside your usual sources. Keep exploring, stay adaptable, and follow the work that brings you energy. Make time for your own projects. That is where your voice gets stronger and your path becomes clearer.”

Jen Roddie (YG1), Freelance Creative Director:

“Listen. Think. Explore. Push. Push Further. Solve. Deliver.”

Amir Hamja (YG21), Independent Photographer:

“When you want something out of life, art, culture, or any creative pursuit, try to achieve it through every possible means within that world. At the end of the day, be truthful to yourself.”

Chihiro Konno (YG13), Associate Creative Director at Square (Block, Inc.):

“What I value most is your unique voice and point of view—especially in how you interpret and respond to the world today. Think about what makes your work stand out among hundreds of entries, and how to present it in a way that reflects your perspective.”