Young Guns 19: Alexander Slobzheninov

By Alixandra Rutnik and Brett McKenzie on Oct 27, 2021

Featuring the creative stars of Young Guns 19


A year and a half of uncertainty across the creative industry and beyond has finally given way to a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel — a spotlight with a great big "YG19" standing in the middle of it. After more than 70 acclaimed creatives from around the world and across a multitude of disciplines reviewed hundreds of submissions, whittling them down to a formidable finalist list, we can finally reveal the phenomenal winners of Young Guns 19!

This year, we welcome a diverse class of 32 inductees into the exclusive Young Guns family, a collection of young creative talent that is already near the top of their game — and will only get better. These are the designers, the art directors, the illustrators, the filmmakers, the animators, the multidisciplinary artists whose names you'll want to know — if you aren't already following their every move, that is.

Ahead of the Young Guns 19 Ceremony + Party taking place on Wednesday, November 17 — our first in-person event since the pandemic began — we are featuring the future legends who will be stepping into the spotlight that evening.


ALEXANDER SLOBZHENINOV
DESIGNER

Based:

Prague, Czech Republic

Hometown:

Tomsk, Russia

SEE ALEXANDER'S ENTRY

When did you first hear about Young Guns?

I noticed that many of the people who were the source of my inspiration and education during my student years have won the award. That sums up my impressions.

What made you enter this year?

This was my second attempt at the Young Guns title. I think this time my portfolio is focused on what I do more clearly, yet I wanted to show some variety — type and branding, personal and commercial, independent and part of a team, etc.

How do you feel you've grown as an artist in between attempts?

I did include some new projects this time. I think I learned a lot over the past couple of years and at the same time, I started treating my portfolio with a bit more fun and enjoyment rather than being solemn about it.

Since you are only allowed to submit six projects, how did you decide which pieces were best to enter and truly reflected you and your work?

This was not that hard actually! I always try to be honest with myself about my work and I have an idea of what is more original, better produced, and overall more impressive to others than what is not. I still might be wrong though!

How did you feel when you found out you won Young Guns?

Ooh, it was really hard to believe! At first, I thought it had something to do with the shortlist (which I was already happy about), and not about actually winning it.

If you had to pick one of the six projects that you entered as your favorite, which one would it be and why?

I’d say drawing a new typeface everyday for the #36daysoftype challenge is the one. It was difficult but rewarding on many levels to wake up every day for over a month, overcome the wish to quit, and try to think of a new idea.

If you had to describe your creative style, the part of your work that’s most distinctively “you,” what would it be?

As a type designer I try to be different with every work, so I probably don’t really have a style. Though there are things that I never do and maybe that can be taken as some sort of a style.

Who are some of the biggest influences on your work and career– people who may have had a hand in mentoring and supporting you?

Too many to name! I learned a ton about design from watching conferences and interviews, and listening to people share insights on their projects and processes.

Now that you’re in the Young Guns family, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?

Of course, there are several people from Pentagram, Sagmeister & Walsh, Two Much Studio, Alex Trochut, and Russian Khasanov, among many others. The uniqueness and quality of their work is something I love.

The pandemic of 2020 is slowly starting to taper a bit, so do you have any big goals moving forward into 2022?

I always try to push my limits and do more and more adventurous things. I have some exciting big projects in progress, but it is too early to share them. Also, exploring and learning stuff beyond my field of expertise is pretty high on my list.

Name a professional dream that you have yet to fulfill — hey, maybe Young Guns can help propel you in that direction!

Over the past years, I actually started avoiding dreams and making plans instead. If I want something, but don’t see a way to get there, I prefer to forget about it. If there’s a way — that’s probably among my current projects!

Any advice?

Keep asking, “why?”

"Keep asking, “why?”"



 

ALEXANDER ON BEHANCE

IG: @SLOBZHENINOV


Go check out all the Young Guns 19 Winners in the archive!

Young Guns 19 Archive

 


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