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.
SARAH BETH MORGAN
DIRECTOR & ILLUSTRATOR
Based:
Cleveland, Ohio
Hometown:
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
When did you first hear about Young Guns? What were your initial impressions of the Young Guns competition — the award and the community?
I heard about Young Guns when I started my first job out of college at Scholar in Los Angeles, CA (2014). Some of my coworkers were applying, and I aspired to be as talented and well-versed as they were! At that point in my life, it seemed almost unattainable because all of the winners selected were SO successful at such a young age. But here I am now - so grateful to be a part of the the class of Young Guns 20!
What did you do this time that was different than your previous entries?
I've actually entered three times before this - I guess perseverance truly does pay off! In the past year or so, I’ve made big strides in my career and was able to submit some bigger projects that I’m extremely proud of. Last year I was signed as a Director at Hornet which opened a lot of doors for me. In addition, I’ve been working on my directorial film debut, an animated short called “Between Lines,” that was a huge part of my submission. I feel that this time-around, I had a much more curated and notable portfolio to present.
This year, how did you decide which pieces were best to enter and truly reflected you and your work?
Each time I’ve submitted to Young Guns, I’ve had a wider breadth of work to choose from for my submission. So, over the years, I’ve been able to curate my work more carefully. My directing style has also become more refined over the years, and my portfolio has a more consistent theme. This time, I selected a nice mix of personal passion projects and commercial work for clients that I’m proud to have collaborated on.
What went through your mind when you discovered that you made it into Young Guns? Do you remember the exact place and time you were when you found out the news?
I was in my newly rented office space, and my husband Tyler was helping me put together a couch. It felt like a new beginning of sorts, and then the email popped up on my phone - like fate! I was so excited and shared the news with him immediately. He knows I’ve been working towards this for a long time, so it felt special to share that moment with him. I immediately started making plans to attend the ceremony in person!
How would you describe your personal brand in one sentence? Now, try defining it in three words.
A mix of quirky, whimsical musings, threaded together through narrative visual storytelling. Quirky. Whimsical. Narrative.
Who are the biggest influences on you and your work and career?
It’s really difficult to name names, because there have been so many folks who have helped me along the way - I fear I’d leave someone out! Most of all, it’s been my coworkers - the folks who let me dig into their Photoshop files, who gave me advice over drinks and taken work trips with me. My close friends, Taylor and Rebekah, for pushing me and immensely helping me to persevere and finish “Between Lines.” And my husband, Tyler - who is also in the animation industry - has always been there for me and supported me along the way. We've both grown so much together.
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?
Gosh, so many! Joyce N. Ho (YG17) and Jimmy Simpson (YG18) are two winners I really look up to. They’re both in the motion/animation industry, and I love how both of their respective portfolios have such consistent conceptual through-lines and visual styles.
Name a professional and creative dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction! Who would you love to collab with and what would you do?
I always say it's more about the project parameters than the actual client. My professional dream project is to work on an animated brand film for a client that I admire - to be given free rein of time and money to create something in my own style, with an animation team of my choosing. On a more personal and passion project level, I’d love to create more films (or a podcast!?) with my industry buddies Taylor Yontz and Rebekah Hamilton - we created “Between Lines” together and have so many ideas for new endeavors! There’s nothing like working with your friends.
This is YG20, but what do you imagine you’ll be up to when YG30 rolls around in 2032, both personally and professionally?
That’s an intimidating question, honestly! It’s difficult to think so far ahead. I’m currently pregnant so I imagine in my personal life I’ll have a couple of kids, and hopefully I’ll be supporting and nurturing whatever interests they have. On a professional level, I’d LOVE to be creating more accessible online courses and connecting with more women in the industry. I’ve found that creating “cool” work is fun - but also not the most fulfilling part of my job. Making connections and supporting others’ growth is so important.
"On a professional level, I’d LOVE to be creating more accessible online courses and connecting with more women in the industry. I’ve found that creating “cool” work is fun - but also not the most fulfilling part of my job. Making connections and supporting others’ growth is so important."
Any thoughts on how you are feeling about winning YG20?
I’m just so honored to be a part of YG20! I currently plan on being at the party - can’t wait to see you there!
Come party with us and celebrate all the Young Guns 20 winners on Wednesday, November 16 at Sony Hall!
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