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.
MARÍA JESÚS CONTRERAS
ARTIST
Based:
SANTIAGO, CHILE
Hometown:
TEMUCO, CHILE
How did you first learn about Young Guns?
In 2020, I received an email inviting me to participate. At that time I did not have a consolidated career and I was embarrassed to participate, this year they invited me again and I thought, well, I will be 30 next year, so I have nothing to lose.
Congrats on the win! What made you enter this year?
I would like to live in the United States because my clients are there, and many of the referents I admire live there too. The truth is, it is the first time I've applied for a contest. I feel very lucky and honored. With this recognition, I hope that I can apply to a job or something to travel next year.
After all, you are only allowed to submit six projects, so how did you choose?
To be very honest, now I look at my portfolio and think of everything I could have done better– does this happen to all of us? I am very insecure and in the end, I uploaded everything quickly because between my insecurities and everything else, I applied on the last day.
What went through your mind when you discovered that you won, especially knowing how difficult it is to make it into Young Guns?
I celebrated being a finalist with a couple of friends, and I was already very grateful to have made it that far. Now I'm a little stunned and still can't believe it– I can't wait to meet the incredible talents who will be at the awards ceremony that day.
How would you describe your personal brand in one sentence?
Surrealistic and saturated everyday compositions.
Who are some of the biggest influences on you and your career? Who may have had a hand in mentoring and supporting you?
I pay close attention to all the art directors who have asked me for things in the past. I like to work as a team even from a distance. I will mention those who directed the commissions of this portfolio: Thanks to Hector Gachan (Musician), Elana Schlenker (NYT), Suzanne Tromp (WeTransfer), Annie Jen (NYT), and Joel Minter (Dutch Uncle).
Now that you’re in the Young Guns crew, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?
I really admire pretty much all the illustrators' work from past editions (it's what I look up to the most since it's my field). I love Dani Choi (YG19), Max Loffler (YG17), and Daukantė (YG19), among others.
Name a creative/professional dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction!
I love music and movies, and I would be so happy to make a poster for an A24 movie or a cover for so many bands! Someday!
This is YG20, but what do you imagine you’ll be up to when YG30 rolls around in 2032?
I am very afraid of the future, I prefer to be grateful for this moment, and for all the beautiful people I have met and from whom I have learned along the way. For the future, I only hope to be able to continue drawing for a living.
Any thoughts on how you are feeling about winning YG20?
My parents work on the farm– I was born and raised between potatoes and animals. They always work very hard. They never take many breaks, but they always love what they do– that never leaves me. Life is hard, but happiness is in what one does– in using your hands and loving the craft itself, rather than what you receive from it.
"Life is hard, but happiness is in what one does– in using your hands and loving the craft itself, rather than what you receive from it."
Come party with us and celebrate all the Young Guns 20 winners on Wednesday, November 16 at Sony Hall!
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