Young Guns 17: Steph Hope

By Brett McKenzie on Nov 04, 2019

Shining a light on the amazing class of Young Guns 17

What happens when you take a jury of 60+ respected creatives, more than 500 entries from all over the globe, and mix them all together for two months of serious consideration, debate and decision-making? Eventually you get the winners of Young Guns 17! This year, The One Club for Creativity is honoring a creatively diverse class of 28 winners, including animators, designers, photographers, illustrators, film directors and editors, all of whom came out of this process as true champions of their craft.

Ahead of the Young Guns 17 Ceremony + Party taking place on November 20, we are featuring the various superstars who will be taking the stage that evening.

Steph Hope
Animator

Based:

Oslo, Norway

Hometown:

Didcot, United Kingdom

SEE STEPH'S ENTRY

Welcome to the Young Guns family! This wasn't your first time entering...

Thanks! This was my second attempt. This time around I leaned more towards professional projects, which might've been the difference between being a finalist and being a Young Guns winner.

You're winning Young Guns on your first attempt. Considering this was all new to you, how did decide what you were going to enter?

I have made a number of films, but it has taken me a while to have a portfolio of professional projects that I was proud of and wanted to share. I got to the point where I felt that I had a body of work that represented my abilities and what I wanted to achieve.

Which of the projects that you entered is your personal favorite and why?

Maybe 40 Point by Vels Trio. it was one of my first music videos, and it tested out uncharted animation territory for me. I enjoyed making it so much, and I still love the song.

What was it like to find out that you won YG17?

It was completely unexpected, and I was very happy! Cheers!

How would you describe your creative style?

Maybe I'm always leaning towards things melting and morphing, and being a bit on the analog side.

What is your favorite tool when it comes to making what you do, something you’d feel naked without?

An LED light pad. They are so cheap, but perfect for animating and portable.

What do you do when you hit a creative wall, when you are stuck for ideas and solutions?

An idea usually comes if I leave the desk and don't come back for as long as possible.

Who are some of the biggest influences on your work and career?

Hanne Berkaak, the most helpful and kind mentor ever!

Now that you’re in the Young Guns family, are there any past winners that you look up to and admire?

Tom Harnett O'Meara (YG16)! I helped on a project of his before; he is extremely nice and talented. I also once met Sophie Koko Gate (YG16) and she was lovely and also very talented.

Name a creative dream that you have yet to fulfill.

I want something where I can animate lots of fruits

Any final thoughts for the Young Guns community?

Thank you for choosing me!

WORDS FROM THE JURY

“Steph ́s capacity to draw from her personal experience adds an intimate and unique point of view creating a fluid and trembling world that becomes an interpretation of the human condition. She portrays her characters revealing their emotional and psychological state unapologetically grotesque and ultimately created with humor and love. Her talent shines in her capacity to explore the edges of the worlds she is creating, with an effortless gift to communicate feelings and emotion through color, composition, and animation. Her fearless attitude to experiment without losing her vision makes her a Young Guns winner.”