Young Guns 19: Roco Corbould

By Alixandra Rutnik and Brett McKenzie on Oct 27, 2021

Featuring the creative stars of Young Guns 19

A year and a half of uncertainty across the creative industry and beyond has finally given way to a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel — a spotlight with a great big "YG19" standing in the middle of it. After more than 70 acclaimed creatives from around the world and across a multitude of disciplines reviewed hundreds of submissions, whittling them down to a formidable finalist list, we can finally reveal the phenomenal winners of Young Guns 19!

This year, we welcome a diverse class of 32 inductees into the exclusive Young Guns family, a collection of young creative talent that is already near the top of their game — and will only get better. These are the designers, the art directors, the illustrators, the filmmakers, the animators, the multidisciplinary artists whose names you'll want to know — if you aren't already following their every move, that is.

Ahead of the Young Guns 19 Ceremony + Party taking place on Wednesday, November 17 — our first in-person event since the pandemic began — we are featuring the future legends who will be stepping into the spotlight that evening.

ROCO CORBOULD
ARTIST & ART DIRECTOR

Based:

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hometown:

Neuquén, Argentina

SEE ROCO'S ENTRY

When did you first hear about Young Guns?

I can’t remember the first time I heard about Young Guns, but I've always had it in mind– many people I admire have received this recognition. To me, Young Guns means a space and an opportunity to share my work with others.

Congrats on the first-time win! What made you enter this year?

This was my last chance to enter– I waited long enough. It was now or let this last chance pass. The projects I chose to enter represent me as an artist and an art director.

Since you are only allowed to submit six projects, how did you decide which pieces were best to enter and truly reflected you and your work?

It was hard to choose only six projects, but I was very determined to show projects that reflected my style as an art director. I also wanted to show work that shows my versatility as a mixed media artist.

How did you celebrate when you found out you won Young Guns?

It was six in the afternoon and I was working. It was my last day as an art director on a long project. I was surrounded by the film crew, everyone was really quiet, and I was there smiling on my own– I couldn't celebrate much because I was in the middle of a shoot. So, that night we went to celebrate the end of filming and the good news.

If you had to pick one of the six projects that you entered as your favorite, which one would it be and why?

If I had to choose a favorite project it is definitely Field of Facts, because out of all six projects I entered it is the only personal one. It is a video I worked on with friends, and I was involved in all aspects of the production.

If you had to describe your creative style, the part of your work that’s most distinctively “you,” what would it be?

If there is an aspect that describes my style, it is the creation of a visual style for each project. I am 100% involved in the design, construction and assembly of each element, large or small. I am interested in thinking about the logic of each element that I design– from spaces to characters. And this in some way translates as a constant in all my projects.

Who are some of the biggest influences on your work and career– people who may have had a hand in mentoring and supporting you?

I have many influences from different disciplines: Franz Erhard Walther, Edgardo Gimenez, David Cronenberg, Pier Paolo Pasolini, and Naoko Takeuchi.

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

They are many! From a very young age, when I started studying design, I've admired the work of Stephan Sagmeister (YG1). I admire the quality of Conor Finnegan's (YG10) and Andrew Myers' (YG10) work. And from the most recent editions I am a fan of Santiago Carrasquilla's (YG16) and Andrés Reisinger's (YG17) work.

The pandemic of 2020 is slowly starting to taper a bit, so do you have any big goals moving forward into 2022?

I want to keep learning. I hope that 2022 does not find me bored. I want to keep growing, and I want each new project to bring the best out of myself as an art director.

Name a creative dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction!

I would love to develop my personal work even more– I have many ideas and projects designed in folders, but sometimes it just takes time and space.

Any final thoughts about winning YG19?

I am very grateful and happy to be part of Young Guns 19. The best advice I've ever received– "Be brave child."