YG15 Showcase: I Saw John First

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.

I SAW JOHN FIRST
Director
Based In: London, UK/Oslo, Norway
Originally from: Asker, Norway
isawjohnfirst.com

SEE JOHN'S YG15 PROFILE + WORK

What does winning this award mean to you?

Winning Young Guns is the best pat on the back you could get. You never fully know if your work is engaging, but being recognised within this context gives me the feeling that I’m doing something right. I did not expect anything, to be honest, as it is the first time I entered. I was curious to see how my work would be received.

"Winning Young Guns is the best pat on the back you could get. You never fully know if your work is engaging, but being recognised within this context gives me the feeling that I’m doing something right."

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

No sleep, letting go of “precious concepts”, being a good partner, doubt and existential conflicts — all the classics. I’m still figuring it all out but it’s getting much better. I feel that “Do not forget to enjoy the stuff you’re doing or else you’re just disappointing your older self”, to be a good mantra.

What keeps you going, creatively speaking?

That at some point or someday I will catch that golden, flying ‘quidditch’ ball. I feel close to it sometimes but I never seem to catch it properly!

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

I need to get my driver’s licence sorted and continue chasing the golden flying ball.  

I Saw John First 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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