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.
Tobias Lindborg
Art/Creative Director, TBWA/Media Arts Lab
Based:
Los Angeles, CA
Hometown:
Stockholm, Sweden
What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, award, and community?
When I was in ad school my partner and I won a One Show Pencil, it was a student bronze and we were on top of the world. That’s how I learned about The One Club and Young Guns, and I remember setting my sights on it.
How did you end up in the creative field anyways?
Growing up, I always thought I’d become an architect. I loved math and I loved to draw. Then I realized I don’t have the patience for it, and graphic design was the next best thing. That led to studying at Berghs School of Communication, and the aforementioned Pencil led to a job at Droga5 New York. That place really shaped me, and let me see the impact creativity can have on the world first hand.
Congrats on the YG win! Why did you decide to enter this year?
I just turned 30 so it was now or never. What I did differently this year is I completely forgot about the submission and had to do it in a day for the extended deadline. I guess that did the trick?
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’ve been lucky to work on some massive campaigns, the downside to that is when you submit to something like Young Guns, your role in the work isn’t always obvious. Therefore, I decided to not only submit projects I love, but also those where my role and contribution is clear.
What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?
Honestly, I was sitting at my desk, working on the next thing. Since I couldn’t tell anyone, I tried to keep it cool for the rest of the day. I did text my girlfriend who was ecstatic for me and immediately started planning our restaurant schedule for this New York trip.
How does your current home inspire your creativity as an artist?
As a Swede living in the US, the ceiling for how big you’re allowed to think here is inspiring. You can be ambitious, naive, or even delusional, but you’re still encouraged to vocalize and believe in your dreams in a different way here than back home. On a more direct note, at Media Arts Lab I get to work with Apple everyday, which is endlessly inspiring thanks to the talented people around the brand.
Now that you’re a part of the Young Guns community, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?
My friend once lost a tennis match in the desert to Archie Lee Coates IV (YG11), and that’s when I learned about his and Jeff Franklin’s (YG11) studio PLAYLAB, INC. I love their work and envy how unique their thinking is, especially spanning so many different mediums.
If you could create a new Young Guns tradition, what would you want it to be and why?
I have no idea. Maybe celebrate Swedish Midsummer together.
Name a dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!
I’d love to work with tennis to some degree in the future. I never made it as a pro, but working with the ATP or US Open might be the next best thing.
“I’d love to work with tennis to some degree in the future. I never made it as a pro, but working with the ATP or US Open might be the next best thing.”
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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