Best New Creatives — 2024
This year marks the 100th graduate featured in these articles since 2019. Here are 20 of this year's best creative graduates from universities in the UK.
As with all previous years, this is a scouted process. Selections are made following a review of higher education showcases both in person and online, plus via relationships with course leaders across the best institutions in the UK and attending D&AD New Blood. This process starts in May of each year and covers nearly 100 courses.
Choices are made on the total body of work (three pieces minimum) to show consistency and breadth of skillset. It is also to help illustrate individual enterprise in group projects.
Originally published in four parts, this was reduced to two parts last year. This year is an experiment of just one article covering all 20 graduates. The first piece would always get the maximum exposure (20,000+ views), with subsequent parts getting between 70% and 50% of that. 2024 is an effort to give equal visibility.
Each graduate is asked about their hopes for the industry. Only twice did the role of AI come up; even then, it was to champion guidelines on its use to respect copyright and intellectual property. This cohort isn't blind to AI and its role in creativity but doesn't seem threatened, either. This is a good thing, obviously, but perhaps surprising to some that it didn't dominate.
Graduates are also asked to share the top three companies they admire and where they want to work. 38 companies in total were listed, the most of any year. While there are some usual names (Pentagram, Ragged Edge, Koto, Justified Studio), others made their first appearance this year (DutchScot, Nothing, Unit9). Only 3 of the 38 choices were from non-independent agencies (Wolff Olins, Turner Duckworth, Uncommon).
These 20 people are, in my view, talented beyond their years. If you haven't yet encountered them, I hope you're as inspired by them and their work as I am. If you want to hire any of these graduates, my recommendation every year is to move quickly.
Ian
1. Flossie Warne
Graduate of Norwich University of Arts. "I am an ideas-based multi-disciplinary designer with a passion for branding and type. I like experimenting and finding unique insights that inform daring designs and bold visual identities. I’m also a D&AD New Blood Pencil Winner!"
Ambition: "I’d like to gain experience and surround myself with other creatives that challenge and inspire me to develop my skill set. I am excited to continue learning, experimenting and creating."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope the industry continues to produce more work that pushes boundaries; sustainable and purposeful design can also be fun and playful."
2. Rafael Rodrigues
Graduate of Ravensbourne University: "I’m Raf, just another designer who carries their laptop everywhere, has bad posture and lower back pains. With a love for motion, graphics, branding, and fashion, I strive to fuse these elements through various formats, such as digital, editorial, motion design, and more. Design should be fun, not daunting, and I always keep this in mind during the creative process."
Ambition: "I would love to continue exploring the world of graphics and motion to further expand my skill set by learning from creative professionals in a workplace environment. My goal is to create a fun and positive impact in the industry, contributing to projects that inspire and connect with people."
Hopes for the industry: "That it continues to embrace innovation and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what design can achieve. I also envision a future where inclusivity and diverse voices continue to be celebrated, allowing for meaningful contributions from designers of all backgrounds. I’m excited to see the design industry grow as a platform and see where the world of creativity will take us."
3. Gosha Maslovskis
Graduate of Norwich University of Arts: "I try to push storytelling and powerful visuals in my all work, I believe there’s always a story to be told. Passionate towards all creative subjects, I enjoy the learning process and am excited to begin my journey into the industry."
Ambition: "I recently graduated from Norwich University of the Arts, have moved home, and am actively seeking internships and junior-level opportunities, primarily based in London."
Hopes for the industry: "After winning a D&AD yellow pencil for my project about microplastics, I’ve come to realise how impactful my work can be. In the future, I’d like to work on more projects with real-world impact and positive change."
4. Dani Hernandez Rosales
Graduate of UAL: "I am a curiosity-led designer, from the Canary Islands, for me design goes beyond a screen and creates a connection between the audience through words, photography, and design. I am passionate about making things with my hands, taking inspiration from the every day to solve the challenges of any brief, thinking of its movement and emotion."
Ambition: "To continue learning and amplifying my skills as a designer in the workplace and personal projects. To grow as a designer and create meaningful contributions to impactful projects."
Hopes for the industry: "For it to be a medium to create positive change in our society in any small way. For branding and graphic design to be a voice for the community through a collaborative process."
5. Conrad Wells
Graduate of Arts University Bournemouth: "Hi, I am Conrad, a 3D-thinking graphic designer passionate about branding, motion graphics, and making a difference. I am fascinated by the whole design process, from concept and strategy to the final outcome."
Ambition: "My aim is to join a dynamic team to broaden my skills, deepen my understanding, and expose me to new ways of thinking. I thrive in creative environments, and I want to keep learning while contributing to impactful projects."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope to join an industry that uses ingenuity and innovation to address and solve design challenges. By fostering creativity and collaboration, I aim to be part of a community that leverages design as a tool for positive change."
6. Sze Wan
Graduate of Nottingham Trent University: "As a designer, I have a strong focus on branding & identity, typography and publication. Never get bored of exploring different materials and printing techniques to bring ideas into reality. My passion always lies in art and culture topics and my creativity often comes from daily observations and everyday experiences. As a restless thinker who questions a new subject daily, I find immense joy in tackling problems through developing creative solutions."
Ambition: "In the next couple of years, I wish to keep growing as a designer and collaborate with different artists and creative talents across the world. Meeting new people, exchanging ideas and soaking up different cultures are great ways to learn and fuel my creativity. Unrealistically, I want to get a design job that I love and is not underpaid (and matches inflation)."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope the industry increases awareness and understanding of AI's role in creative projects and develops clear guidelines for AI use that respect copyright and intellectual property."
7. Wenbin Sun
Graduate from UAL: "I'm Wenbin, a multidisciplinary designer and a D&AD New Blood Award winner. My design journey began in 2017, taking me from Shanghai to London. I'm passionate about using design to make a meaningful impact on people and culture."
Ambition: "I am eager to embark on a new chapter in the design field and am open to exciting opportunities. I look forward to challenging myself and exploring creative solutions to enhance the branding world."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope the industry will provide more opportunities for young designers to fulfil their potential and expect more new tech to transform the design world."
8. Ladislav Nekvinda
Graduate of Ravensbourne University: "I enjoy problem-solving and like to think about what the user can learn from the design and functionality of the products I create. Considering the product's sustainability is one of my priorities, and open-source designs are a great inspiration for me."
Ambition: "In the coming years, I want to explore as much as possible to broaden my knowledge in areas like machine learning or the design of electronics."
Hopes for the industry: "I'd like to see more open-source solutions and products that are designed to be easily repaired or modified by users."
9. Hopper Miller
Graduate of Arts University Bournemouth: "I'm a designer from the USA. I travelled to the UK to gain a more worldly perspective on design. As a 2024 New Blood Pencil winner, I'm driven by curiosity and a desire to learn. My background is in UI/UX, but I've recently explored XR and am excited about its potential as the technology evolves."
Ambition: "My goal is to secure a junior position at a design agency where I can continue to learn and grow. I am looking for a place that focuses on innovation, allowing me to satisfy my curiosity for technology and emerging trends in design."
Hopes for the industry: "As a digital product designer, I hope the industry continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, always prioritizing the well-being of others in its advancements. I believe design has the power to improve lives when it truly centres on its user."
10. Vanessa Lee
Graduate of the University of Hertfordshire: "I'm a graphic designer with a passion for experimenting and visual-focused projects."
Ambition: "To improve my skills in motion design and connect with more industry professionals."
Hopes for the industry: "With AI currently taking the world by storm, my current hope for the industry is for AI to be utilised in a way that doesn't harm the industry further. From not only a graphic design point of view, I can see how AI can both be helpful and harmful in a creative setting, and would like to see it be improved in a way that helps future talents."
11. Jess Lee
Graduate of UAL: "I'm a graphic branding designer based in London with a love of exploring, crafting and printmaking. I enjoy conceiving and implementing projects ranging from packaging to digital artwork and pushing the boundaries of what is possible."
Ambition: "My ambitions include showcasing my versatility and creativity in the industry. Additionally, I plan to engage in networking opportunities to enhance my industry presence and gain valuable insights from other professionals, continuing my graphic branding career in London."
Hopes for the industry: "I wish for the industry to remain innovative and adaptive, fostering an environment where new ideas and voices can thrive. Please continue to show the world the power of creativity."
12. Carolina Fernandes
Graduate of UAL: "Originally from Lisbon, Portugal, I’m an enthusiastic creative and believe in the power of brands and design to shape the world we live in. I’m motivated by the deciphering of strategy challenges that lead to sparks in our minds when responding to a brief. Designing from a place of relevance and empathy, I’m extremely passionate about cultural exchange and teamwork."
Ambition: "To undertake different opportunities and learn as much as possible, start gaining knowledge and confidence navigating the creative industry."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope that the industry truly reflects the team spirit and collaboration that is always talked about in design, as well as hoping for a space of contribution and to learn simultaneously."
13. Dorcas Lim
Graduate of Middlesex University: "A concept-driven creative passionate about merging contrasting worlds and championing unique ideas. With strong foundations in branding, publishing design, typography, and photography, she seeks to apply her expertise in the dynamic scene of music, film and TV, and fashion."
Ambition: "My short-term ambitions include expanding my creative portfolio within the music, film, TV, and fashion industry, where I hope to further refine my design skills and learn new skills and techniques. I am also keen on building networks with like-minded creatives and open to collaborating on passion projects."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope to see a greater representation of diverse voices and perspectives, creating a tapestry of rich and unique creativity. Furthermore, with the rise of technological advancements, I hope traditional craftsmanship will not only endure but be integrated with these changes, driving and championing groundbreaking work."
14. Amelia Blantern
Graduate of Arts University Bournemouth: "I’m a crochet-loving graphic designer excited to use my creative skillset for good. My portfolio demonstrates my systems-thinking approach to a challenge and the enjoyment design brings me."
Ambition: "I’m buzzing to get stuck into a creative agency environment and create some cool work! I love what I do and want to explore the power of design and collaboration to turn ideas into action."
Hopes for the industry: "To see work which motivates, disrupts and innovates because the world needs it."
15. Mel Taylor
Graduate of Loughborough University: "I’m a recent graduate designer specialising in brand and campaign design, with a particular interest in the area where brand and illustration meet. I love activating authentic brand identities which set to solve real world issues."
Ambition: "My current short-term ambition is to experience working with creative agencies, to continue collaborating with and learning from passionate and inspirational people."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope the industry continues to evolve and grow in the smallest of places, becoming more and more accessible to all those with a creative ambition. But mostly, I hope the clients get braver and the ideas get stronger."
16. Phoebe Hart
Graduate of Arts University Bournemouth: "I’m a 22-year-old recent graduate from the Arts University of Bournemouth, with a degree in graphic design and proud recipient of a D&AD New Blood Pencil. My creative journey began with drawing and painting, and I love incorporating these skills into my design process. I find that quickly sketching concepts is the best way to start."
Ambition: "I'm super excited to leap from student life to a full-time designer! Of course, the imposter syndrome is real, but my goal is to chill out, fully embrace my role as a junior designer, and soak up all the wisdom from the amazing people around me."
Hopes for the industry: "Within the industry, I want to continue creating bold, unapologetic designs with a concept-led approach. I can't wait to collaborate with other amazing talents and have them push my ideas further."
17. Jessie Collins
Graduate of Falmouth University: "My design takes a research-heavy, physical approach to create an outcome that focuses on simplicity and clear communication. I believe Design should always be for good and aim to create positive change. Many of my projects focus on the climate and our food systems."
Ambition: "I have learned a lot at university and would like to continue learning in as many different environments as possible. I am going to Portugal to volunteer at a permaculture design centre, and when I'm back, I would love to try and get an internship in a city environment."
Hopes for the industry: "Design can be very powerful and has the potential to?create useful, lasting forms of communication that can initiate thought and solve problems. Many studios are doing amazing things, and I'm excited to be a part of this and work with people passionate about what they are doing."
18. Simon Mendoza
Graduate of Norwich University of Arts: "My name is Simon. I'm a recent graphic communication graduate specialising in motion design and branding. I love bringing visuals to life with movement and finding solutions in a way that isn't obvious. My team and I have also won a yellow D&AD pencil, and my portfolio was selected for D&AD's New Blood: The Portfolios."
Ambition: "I have a lot to learn, and I'm hoping to be in a position that can help me grow and learn from others, whether it's in an agency or working with my friends in our studio."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope to see more people of colour and people from the LGBTQ+ community in the industry, especially in positions such as creative director."
19. Gergana Sarieva
Gradaute of Arts University Bournemouth: "I am a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural designer that prioritises playful creativity and thrives in good collaborations with other passionate designers."
Ambition: "My short-term ambitions are to start work in the design industry in London where I can meet like-minded creatives, learn a whole lot about the craft and discover my creative niche."
Hopes for the industry: "My hope for the industry is that I could work on projects that allow the creative freedom to be different, disruptive and playful with the outcome. Projects that focus more on being unique and sustainable than putting profit at the heart of it."
20. Hikari Funayama
Graduate of De Montfort University: "I'm Hikari, a brand designer made in Japan. I believe design is a universal language that connects people across countries and makes human connections stronger for a better world. :)"
Ambition: "My personal development goals include enhancing motion design and illustration skills to create engaging work while getting experience in a forward-thinking industry that produces quality, empathetic, and strategic work."
Hopes for the industry: "I hope for a more diverse creative industry that fosters underrepresented voices, that expands opportunities for young talent and actively addresses the gender gap in leadership roles."
D&AD New Blood Pencil Winner 2024 ??
7 个月Thank you for the feature Ian! ????
Ben Travis
Director of Communication Design
8 个月huge thanks Ian. By the way - read your book last week - absolutely loved it.
Designer/Educator/Course Director
8 个月A wonderful feature - thank you Ian Wharton for highlighting this great work from 20 creatives. Not too surprised to see a few Arts University Bournemouth graduates in the mix. ??Check out these portfolios now!
Graphic Designer
8 个月Thanks for the feature!