Past Events Archive

ABOUT THE EVENT:

For lots of young designers, art directors, illustrators, animators and other creatives, being inducted into Young Guns is a dream, or at least a professional goal. Many of the artists they admire and follow on social media are past Young Guns winners, and to be able to join their exclusive community would be an incredible accomplishment.

But it’s not easy to become a Young Guns winner. While some get in on their first attempt, most take multiple tries before finally breaking through. Some start entering the moment they’re eligible to apply, while others wait until they’re 30, building up their experience before taking one single grab for the brass ring. And for countless talented creatives, the dream is never realized.

But with the first deadline for Young Guns 23 fast approaching, what if you could hear from past Young Guns winners — the same people who were in your place not too long ago — and gain insight on how to best present yourself before submitting this year?

Check out the recording of this great panel, as five Young Guns come together on Zoom, where they share their backstories, their own early career challenges, and their own thoughts on what clicked within them to allow them to win. They'll discuss which Young Guns they themselves looked up to, and will share what being a Young Guns winner has meant for them, their careers and their creative network.

The early deadline to enter YG23 is Thursday, August 14th. Visit youngguns.org to learn more and enter.

ORIGINALLY AIRED:

Thursday, July 31, 2025
12:00PM - 1:00PM ET
 

Our Panelists

Maria Jesus Contreras - Illustrator
Young Guns 20 Winner

Mischelle Moy - Product, Still Life and Food Photographer
Young Guns 21 Winner

Driscoll Reid - CCO, Cossette Toronto
Young Guns 5 Winner

Khyati Trehan Senior Designer Google Creative Lab
Young Guns 19 Winner

Rich Tu - Partner, ECD, Sunday Afternoon
Young Guns 8 Winner