YG15 Showcase: Christian Widlic

Shining the spotlight on this year's Young Guns winners

Young Guns 15, arguably the most prestigious portfolio-based competition for creatives under 30, is going out with a bang! This year's winners were unveiled earlier this month, and it's safe to say that this is one of the most eclectically talented classes in Young Guns history. 

This Thursday is the traditional Young Guns ceremony and party, (you've scored your tickets, right?) and nearly all of this year's winners will be travelling from across the globe, across the country, or across the Williamsburg Bridge to attend. Ahead of the festivities, the One Club for Creativity is highlighting many of the winners you'll be able to meet.

CHRISTIAN WIDLIC
Graphic Designer
Based In: San Francisco, CA
Originally from: Oslo, Norway 
widlic.co.uk

SEE CHRISTIAN'S YG15 PROFILE + WORK

What does winning this award mean to you?

First and foremost, it’s extremely humbling to win an award like this. It’s crazy to see my name included beside so many people I admire. It was my first year entering, so it honestly came as a huge surprise. Hopefully the work shows how much time and love went into each project.

"First and foremost, it’s extremely humbling to win an award like this. It’s crazy to see my name included beside so many people I admire."

What sorts of challenges have you encountered to get where you are today?

I don’t think it’s that hard in the grand scheme of things. We get to make pictures for a living. I try to remember that and keep a positive attitude. I have a ‘Scandinavian optimism’, so I’m always confident there is some sort of solution if I keep trying and work hard. I’ve also been fortunate to work with some of the smartest and most talented people out there — that helps when you’re working on difficult projects.

There’s always going to be puzzles to solve, but I guess that’s why we do what we do. It’s interesting when you consider the way in which design has evolved as a discipline, it feels like we’re being looked to solve more and more tangible business problems, it’s a pretty exciting time.

How did you decide what to enter?

I tried to submit a wide range of projects that show different ways of thinking and problem solving. I hadn’t updated my portfolio since University, so it was a simultaneously fun and frustrating experience to compile this work. I also never believe anything is actually done — I’ll look at this next week and notice a few more things I could’ve done better.  

Can you name any past Young Guns winners who you look up to?

So many. I’m inspired daily by my good friend and colleague, Matt Luckhurst (YG10). I’ll always look up to Stefan Sagmeister (YG1), who I’ve been fortunate to work with in the past. Dark Igloo (YG10). James Victore (YG1). Braulio Amado (YG13). Natasha Jen (YG3). Max Weisel (YG14). Jono Brandel (YG12). Kate Moross (YG10).

The list goes on, but I’m inspired by the whole creative community. There are so many talented people to look up to. That said, we’re a small group who just want to do good work — more high fives across the board, please.

What keeps you going, creatively speaking?

My colleagues and clients, they push me everyday. Maybe, it’s not a great response, but in a lot of ways it’s just curiosity, both in the subject matter, the search for a solution or a different way in. I’m lucky to work in a field that rewards exploration and has a ceaseless number of complex challenges to solve.

Now that you’re a Young Guns winner, what’s next?

Going back to work on Monday.

Christian and his fellow winners will be honored at the Young Guns 15 Ceremony + Party, taking place on Thursday, November 16 at Highline Stages in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. 

Young Guns 15 is presented in proud partnership with Shutterstock, Levene/Leavitt and MTV.

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