Young Guns 20: Angela Kirkwood
By Alixandra Rutnik and Brett McKenzie on Nov 02, 2022
Spotlighting the stupendous class of Young Guns 20
Nearly 100 renowned industry professionals made up the jury for Young Guns this year. And after revealing the 84 finalists, it is finally time to unveil the 31 winners who make up the class of Young Guns 20.
Every year, we add another class of young talent from all over the globe to the exclusive Young Guns community. The winners of Young Guns 20 are your next project directors, animators, designers, editors, illustrators, artists, photographers, storytellers, coders, and writers. So this is your cue to follow them on Instagram immediately– because they are our industry’s future legends after all.
In two weeks, the winners will fly into NYC from around the world to celebrate their accomplishments, make new friends, have a few cocktails, and take home their official Young Guns Cube. We can’t wait to celebrate with them at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 6:30 PM– and we hope to see you there too!
Before the party begins, we took the time to get to know each of our winners so you can read up on the highly creative individuals who make up Young Guns 20.
ANGELA KIRKWOOD
ILLUSTRATOR & ANIMATOR
Based:
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Hometown:
DUNOON, SCOTLAND
When did you first hear about Young Guns? What were your initial impressions of the Young Guns competition — the award and the community?
A friend introduced me to Young Guns while I was working at my first agency. It was 2017 because that’s when Leta Sobierajski (YG15) won and we were o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d with her work!
Congrats on the win! Why did you decide to enter this year?
This year is my first time entering - I honestly thought it would be a dress rehearsal for next year (which would be my final chance). But I thought I had a good body of work this year, so I took my chance!
You are only allowed to submit six projects, so how did you decide which pieces were best to enter and truly reflected you and your work?
I selected the work I am most proud of and also had the most fun and creative freedom doing. They represent the type of projects I’d like to continue working on in future, so it seemed a good fit for submission.
Do you remember how you felt when you found out you won?
I was on a video call with my sister when I saw the email arrive. Initially I froze, but once I scanned the contents I burst out laughing with shock and proceeded to jump up and down. My sister was initially bewildered, but then joined in once she realised what had happened. It was good!
Define your personal brand in three words.
Joyful. Irreverent. Colourful.
Who are some of the biggest influences on you and your work? Who may have had a hand in mentoring and supporting you?
My friends and family have massively supported me and my work, and given me the confidence to keep pursuing animation and illustration! I’ve also been blessed to work with some very talented design angels along the way!
Now that you’re in the Young Guns crew, are there any past winners you look up to and admire? What is it about their work that you love?
Yes, there are so many! To name a very few, Braulio Amado (YG13), Caitlin McCarthy (YG17), Egle Zvirblyte (YG16), Noemie Le Coz (YG15), Steph Hope (YG17), and Hattie Stewart (YG15). There is a playfulness and sense of fun that runs through all of their work, which I really admire!
Name a creative dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction!
Hmmmmm, my dream is to make some weird animated shorts for tv! I would also love to see my work in a more physical space. Maybe on some clothes? Who knows!
"My dream is to make some weird animated shorts for tv! I would also love to see my work in a more physical space. Maybe on some clothes? Who knows!"
This is YG20, but what do you imagine you’ll be up to when YG30 rolls around in 2032, both personally and professionally?
Professionally, I hope I’m still making work I feel proud of and it brings me joy! And personally, I will be VERY disappointed if I’m not surrounded by an entourage of dogs.
Any thoughts on how you are feeling about winning YG20?
I am SO HAPPY to be a Young Guns winner - Thank you! It really is such a wild dream come true, and I can’t quite believe it! See you at the party!
Come party with us and celebrate all the Young Guns 20 winners on Wednesday, November 16 at Sony Hall!
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