YG15 Showcase: Derek Brahney

Shining the spotlight on this year's Young Guns winners

Young Guns 15, arguably the most prestigious portfolio-based competition for creatives under 30, is going out with a bang! This year's winners were unveiled last week, and it's safe to say that this is one of the most eclectically talented classes in Young Guns history. 

Next week is the traditional Young Guns ceremony and party, (you've scored your tickets, right?) and nearly all of this year's winners will be travelling from across the globe, across the country, or across the Williamsburg Bridge to attend. Ahead of the festivities, the One Club for Creativity is highlighting many of the winners you'll be able to meet.

DEREK BRAHNEY
Artist, Art Director + Designer
Based In: Brooklyn, NY
Originally from: Manasquan, NJ
new-studio.us

SEE DEREK'S YG15 PROFILE + WORK

What does winning this award mean to you?

It is an honor to be recognized in this group of talented individuals, past and present. I don't know what pushed me over the top but please let me know!

What sorts of challenges have you encountered to get where you are today?

It can all be summed up in the phrase 'aggressive patience'.

Since Young Guns 15 allowed you to submit six projects for consideration, some self-curation was required. How did you decide what to enter?

I wanted to include as much personal work as commercial. So far in my career, my self-initiated projects have easily been the most important factor in getting noticed for the type of work I want to be hired to do. If you build it...

What keeps you going, creatively speaking? What drives you and your work?

I have always had a certain amount of stubbornness, that over many years I have gradually learned to channel into something much more useful called persistence. That and unrelenting curiosity are what keep me going.

"I have always had a certain amount of stubbornness, that over many years I have gradually learned to channel into something much more useful called persistence."

Now that you’re a Young Guns winner, what’s next?

Getting back to work!

Derek and his fellow winners will be honored at the Young Guns 15 Ceremony + Party, taking place on Thursday, November 16 at Highline Stages in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. 

Young Guns 15 is presented in proud partnership with Shutterstock, Levene/Leavitt and MTV.

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