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.
Lewis James
Stage & Show Designer
Based:
London, England
Hometown:
Swindon, England
What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, award, and community?
I first learned about Young Guns a long time ago while studying at Central Saint Martins in London, star-gazing at design awards from afar. It’s an incredible community to be a part of, and I’ve always thought the name had a certain charm to it.
How did you end up in the creative field anyways?
A long story short, it all started by moving to London - getting caught up in the music scene there, blending my many interests at that point in design, music, spatial, architecture, and immersive. I was at art school, but often skipped lectures to be in arenas or other spaces and chasing what really interested me. One thing led to another and here we are.
Congrats on the YG win! Why did you decide to enter this year?
At 29, it’s my last year to enter - so it’s a little bit of a now or never moment.
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?
It’s rare for me to feel completely satisfied with a project, but I had a good sense of the projects I wanted to put forward. It’s always challenging to feel like a show is never truly finished, because often with these sort of things, they are evolving as they go on - I often decide how I felt after the moment or event, which helps guide me a little.
What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?
It was very fulfilling to see the email header. A gentle smirk of accomplishment - I think I was on my way out the door and had a nice walk to take it all in.
How does your current home inspire your creativity as an artist?
I like to keep moving - seeing new places and environments inspires me. Headphones on, watching the world go by. Or staring out a window daydreaming, mulling over an idea.
Name a dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!
Nothing necessarily springs to mind - It’s never bigger and better for me, but more meaning and purpose. My role is often centered around other people and the audience, so I’m interested to push the boundaries of what we currently perceive a concert to be.
“My role is often centered around other people and the audience, so I’m interested to push the boundaries of what we currently perceive a concert to be.”
Will we see you at the YG22 party in NYC in November?
I think so!
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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