YG15 Showcase: Jennifer Whitney

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.

JENNIFER WHITNEY
Environmental + Experiential Designer
Based In: Brooklyn, NY
Originally from: Washington Depot, CT 
heyjennwhitney.com

SEE JENNIFER'S YG15 PROFILE + WORK

What does winning this award mean to you?

I entered Young Guns twice before, several years ago. My earlier work sometimes reflected the commercial aesthetic of my employer. Since then, I've learned how to add my own voice to the process, while respecting clients’ needs. I've had the opportunity to bring that perspective to the work, and I think that learning curve is reflected in my portfolio.

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

Experiential design can be a very challenging field, with long hours, short time lines, tight budgets, restrictive environments and demanding clients, often resulting in limited creative opportunities. I try to address those challenges by exploring alternatives for meaningful interactions that bring people together in thoughtful and unexpected ways.

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

These are so many Young Guns winners I admire and find inspirational, I couldn't name them all! I'm very honored to be a winner this year.

What keeps you going, creatively speaking?

I’m driven to create exceptional experiences that bring art into commercial landscapes. I've been able to work with other artists frequently, and being exposed to their work and processes pushes me to go further with my own.

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

Who knows! That’s the best part.

Jennifer and her 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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