Young Guns 20: Max Friedman
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.
MAX FRIEDMAN
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Based:
Brooklyn, New York
Hometown:
Colonia, New Jersey
When did you first hear about Young Guns?
I first heard about Young Guns at the ADC Portfolio Night when I was in college, and I remember thinking “I need to be part of this, and how the hell are these people so talented?”
"I first heard about Young Guns at the ADC Portfolio Night when I was in college, and I remember thinking “I need to be part of this, and how the hell are these people so talented?”"
Congrats on the win! What did you do different this time than in previous years?
I was a finalist twice before. This year, a big change was in my mindset. I’m learning that the whole point of creating anything is to make things you believe in with people you like. Everything else is a bonus. Somehow I feel like that manifested itself into my entry.
How did you decide which pieces were best to enter and truly reflected you and your work?
I chose a range of projects that shows all the things I enjoy doing. It wasn’t easy, but I tried not to overthink it!
What were you up to when you found out the news?
I was eating lunch. I told a few people and, very quickly, my dad called me. He said, “Hello is this Max Friedman, Young Guns winner?” I said, “Sir, for the last time, this is an Arby’s.”
How would you describe your personal brand in one sentence?
I gravitate towards creating things that are bold in style, message, or polarity.
Who are some of the biggest influences on you and your work?
I am hugely influenced by Jamil McGinnis, Kahlil Joseph, Saul Steinberg, Dan Litzow, Evan Schultz, Spencer LaValle, Jamie-James Medina, Arthur Foliard, Archy Marshall, Jack Davison, Dieter Rams, Cy Twombly, and my family.
Now that you’re in the Young Guns crew, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?
I’m a big fan of Ben Grandgenett (YG15), Jonas Lindstroem (YG16), Chloe Scheffe (YG17), Marcus Armitage (YG17), Ben Denzer (YG16), Braulio Amado (YG13), and Zak Kyes (YG5). They’re just great.
Who would you love to collab with in the future?
I would love to work with PgLang.
This is YG20, but what do you imagine you’ll be up to when YG30 rolls around in 2032, both personally and professionally?
Jamil McGinnis and I started a publishing company last year. I’d love to see that expand into a physical space, start my own design studio, shoot a feature film, and spend a year in Italy making bread.
Any last thoughts?
There’s a quote from Martha Graham about "creating because there is an energy within you to create. If you don’t, that expression will never exist." I love it because she’s basically saying to shut up and keep going. That's all there is to do.
Come party with us and celebrate all the Young Guns 20 winners on Wednesday, November 16 at Sony Hall!
Related
