Presenting the kick ass class of Young Guns 22
It’s a kick-ass class. Young Guns 22 is topping the charts in creativity. But are you even surprised? Of course, not. If you’re new here, let me catch you up. Young Guns is a community of incredibly talented individuals – think amazing cinematographers, animators, illustrators, photographers, designers, and directors – and a new class of winners is chosen by an expert jury every year. This year we have 33 winners and among them, we have some very new, very exciting titles to unveil – an Architectural Designer, Composer, Stage & Show Designer, and Colorist.
We interviewed the winners so we could share their prowess with you. And if you’re a NYC local you can snag a ticket to the official YG22 Party at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, where you will have the chance to meet and greet them.
Young Guns continue to dominate the creative industry, so we’re happily presenting you with the kick-ass class of Young Guns 22.
Ana Miminoshvili
Illustrator
Based:
Tbilisi, Georgia
Hometown:
Tbilisi, Georgia
What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, award, and community?
I learned about Young Guns when I was about 17 and first discovered this industry. Up until that point, I had been drawing in analog on big paper with black pencil and looking for a place on the internet where I could upload my work, and that’s how I found Behance. Through that I discovered Jessica Walsh and through Jessica I discovered Young Guns and other amazing YG alumni. I knew I wanted to be a part of that world and since then, it has been my professional dream to win Young Guns.
“I knew I wanted to be a part of that world and since then, it has been my professional dream to win Young Guns.”
How did you end up in the creative field anyways?
I was always drawing as a kid and thought I would be an artist in a more traditional sense, working in hyperrealism or something like that, but in my late teens I discovered graphic design and advertising and it really captivated me. I started working as a multidisciplinary designer for a few years and then decided to go freelance and focus on illustration.
Congrats on the YG win! Why did you decide to enter this year?
This was actually my fifth try! I was a finalist twice and finally won. This year, the main thing that changed was how I selected the six projects.
You only get to submit six projects that embody you and your talent. So, how did you decide which pieces were good enough to make the cut?
I chose around 10 projects that I am proud of and started to make combinations of six. This year, I leaned toward including more diversity in my selection, compared to my previous entries.
What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?
I was in shock! I was completely alone in a hotel lobby in Rotterdam, after I got back from a festival. I was texting with my best friend and suddenly the email notification popped on my screen, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I celebrated by talking to a few of my friends who were luckily awake at that time, and had some prosecco and a brownie.
How does your current home inspire your creativity as an artist?
I think because of where I live, I’ve always had to work harder to break into the global industry and in this case, that’s definitely a good thing. I hope to see more Georgians on this list in the coming years. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think I’m the first ever creative from Georgia to win Young Guns.
Name a dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!
Like Young Guns, my dream clients are also inspired by teenage me - I really want to collaborate with Nike on literally anything and illustrate a cover for The New Yorker.
Will we see you at the YG22 party in NYC in November?
YES!
Come party with us and celebrate the class of Young Guns 22 on Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 PM, at Sony Hall in NYC!
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