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.
Vivek Thakker
Graphic Designer & Art Director
Based:
New York City, NY
Hometown:
Gandhidham, GJ India
What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, award, and community?
I don’t remember exactly how I first learned about Young Guns, but it was likely around 2016, just after I graduated from design school. I began looking into the the designers I admired and noticed that many of them were Young Guns winners. Through this, I discovered even more incredible designers and artists who continue to inspire me. The immense talent across various disciplines in the Young Guns community is truly inspiring, and becoming part of it quickly became a milestone I set for myself in my career.
How did you end up in the creative field anyways?
I was always a creative child, constantly making or doing something artistic, whether it was crafting, sketching, photography, or writing. Around the age of 12 or 13, I took an Adobe Suite class at the local computer labs, and as you can imagine, I was the youngest one there. I had found out online that Photoshop could be used to create posters, and I thought, “I have to learn this.”
Creativity had always been a hobby for me growing up, but when I realized I could make it a full-time job, I was blown away. It felt like I had found my true calling, and I still feel that way today. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with people I admire and do work I genuinely love. The fact that I enjoy what I do keeps me curious and adventurous, always eager to try new things and push my boundaries.
Congrats on the YG win! Why did you decide to enter this year?
I had applied to Young Guns once before, fully aware I wouldn’t win because I wasn’t satisfied with my portfolio at the time. I realized I needed a few stronger projects to make my application more competitive. Over the last couple of years, I was fortunate to work on some incredible projects, and I finally felt like I was in a good place to apply again, especially since it was my last chance as I am turning 30 this year.
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 always been highly critical of my own work, and that critical mindset went into overdrive when selecting pieces for the Young Guns. I focused on two main criteria: first, highlighting my unique approach to typography and design, and second, selecting projects that were both conceptually strong as well as visually distinctive.
What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?
It felt completely surreal. I kept re-reading the email, convinced there had to be some mistake. I received it at the end of a workday, just as I was about to log off, but the moment I saw it, I sat there in disbelief for a good half hour. My celebration was simple - I called my parents to share the exciting news.
How does your current home inspire your creativity as an artist?
I recently moved to the New York City, and it is a melting pot in the truest sense - it may sound cliché, but it feels absolutely true. I haven’t been here long, but I’ve already crossed paths with so many talented people. The city is a gathering of creative minds, all with different perspectives, bringing their own unique vision to life. Being a part of this city is a constant source of inspiration, and with so much to experience and learn, it can be almost overwhelming.
Now that you’re a part of the Young Guns community, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?
There are honestly too many to name, but off the top oh my head - Talia Cotton (YG20), Alexander Slobzheninov (YG19), Khyati Trehan (YG19), Zuzanna Rogatty (YG18), Leo Porto (YG17), Braulio Amado (YG13), Tracy Ma (YG11), and Eric Hu (YG8).
I’m primarily inspired by the diversity of concepts and the creativity in their execution among all the Young Guns winners. Seeing how different approaches and ideas come to life in such distinct ways has always motivated me to keep evolving and experimenting in my own work.
“Seeing how different approaches and ideas come to life in such distinct ways has always motivated me to keep evolving and experimenting in my own work.”
Name a dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!
There’s a long list of things I want to do - I want to collaborate with more artists, filmmakers, and musicians. Working on a music video or designing movie titles would be amazing. I also dream of having a gallery show of my work and creating a large mural or public art installation. And that’s just scratching the surface.
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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