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.
Daniel Wenzel
Creative Technologist, Art Director, & Designer
Based:
Brooklyn, NY
Hometown:
Black Forest, Germany
What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, award, and community?
I learned about Young Guns because many previous winners are well-known names in the industry.
How did you end up in the creative field anyways?
I have always been drawn to problem solving, whether through art or science. Design became a way for me to combine both and allow for creative expression through systems and logic.
Congrats on the YG win! Why did you decide to enter this year?
I recently took the leap into freelancing, and with the change, it seemed like a great opportunity.
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 wanted to show the type of work I enjoy while also highlighting a range of what I do. Some recent, some older, but all pieces I still feel confident about today.
What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?
The first thing I did was call my wife.
How does your current home inspire your creativity as an artist?
Living in New York inspires me constantly — the diversity in cultures, places, and people. I prefer to find inspiration outside the design bubble and to instead look at things like science, nature, or everyday life.
Now that you’re a part of the Young Guns community, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?
My former boss Mitch Paone (YG8) has been a huge influence — I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without DIA.
If you could create a new Young Guns tradition, what would you want it to be and why?
Put all the winners on a tropical island and turn it into a reality TV show.
Name a dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!
I’ve always wanted to create titles for a film, TV show, or music video. If Christopher Nolan ever reaches out, I’d probably faint.
“I’ve always wanted to create titles for a film, TV show, or music video. If Christopher Nolan ever reaches out, I’d probably faint.”
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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