Amy Youjin Lim
Seoul, South Korea
Rhode Island School of Design
She/Her
IG: @aaim.ing
Judge: Edgy Katrina

I loved Amy's range of work! From her stunning illustration (Year of the Blue Snake) to her charming typography (Herbal Aisle), I was captivated. Through branding projects like "Everyday Weekend," I can tell that Amy has fun creating projects and experimenting with different styles, and to me that's the most important part of design (fun). Her range in projects is something to appreciate. 

Ann Duan
London, UK
Goldsmiths, University of London
She/Her
IG: @anrand_archive
Judge: Aley Wild

Ann’s striking and portfolio jumped out at me for pairing quirky organic shapes and visual rhythm with a refined and sophisticated typographic sensibility.

This dynamic contrast between energy and reserve is beautifully showcased in their memorable brand identity for Shardaa and AnkoRau Fest, both of which I loved for their expressive and delightful details.

Anu Manohar
Indianapolis, USA
Pratt Institute
She/Her
IG: @anu_mnhr
Judge: Carla Palette

Anu’s exceptional eye for design is immediately evident in her work.

Her mastery of typography, color, and composition is truly impressive, particularly in how she translates these elements into a 3D space with remarkable precision and artistry.

Her use of color and attention to detail in composition create visually striking and cohesive designs, while his typographic work stands out as both sophisticated and impactful.

Anu’s ability to blend these skills seamlessly speaks to her talent and dedication, making her work a standout example of high-level design execution. 

Ava Mullen
Chicago, USA
University of Illinois Chicago
She/Her
IG: @avamoooo
Judge: Joonho Kwon and co

Ava Mullens’ portfolio starts with a very delicately placed typography. I take the first page of a portfolio very seriously, it’s like the cover of a book, it sets the first impression of what I’m about to see.

Ava Mullens’ collage poster that follows is type-free, but I think it’s designed with a great sense of sculpture, almost like a typographic poster, and the hand-drawn graphics and typography make a very strong statement.

Beatriz Quintana
Miami, USA
University of Central Florida
She/Her
IG: @b.m.q._
Judge: Carla Palette

Beatriz excels at developing adaptable and cohesive brand systems that effortlessly translate across multiple touchpoints. Her visual identities are not only bold and engaging but also thoughtfully constructed to ensure fluidity and consistency in any context. This adaptability speaks to her strong strategic thinking and design expertise, allowing her work to be both aesthetically compelling and highly functional. Her ability to balance creativity with versatility makes her approach stand out in a meaningful way.

Danil Bialo
Tel Aviv, Israel
Bezalel Academy of Art and Design
He/Him
IG: @bialo_daniel
Judge: George Wu

One of the aspects I most appreciate in a young designer’s portfolio is a sense of experimentation and a willingness to explore a variety of approaches.

Danil’s 100 Posters in 100 Days project embodies this spirit perfectly. With a diverse range of typographic, illustrative, and photographic styles, he tackles an array of design challenges and subjects.

The breadth of this work is both exciting and refreshing, particularly in an era when many portfolios tend to follow prevailing trends.

Elizabeth Saduma
Helsignborg, Sweden
University of Gothenburg
She/Her
IG: @bethdesign_studio
Judge: Katie Ayling

The attention to detail in Elizabeth's submission was immediately striking. From her crisp layouts to the thoughtful presentation of each asset, her work exemplifies how great design should be shared. Across her portfolio, there’s a consistent sense of aesthetic polish and consideration, but not at the expense of good creativity. 

A standout for me was her digital collage-style road signs project—a testament to her storytelling instincts. This piece not only demonstrates Elizabeth's creative versatility but also hints at an exciting potential in the mixed-media space.

With such a broad range of skills and a clear commercial sensibility, Elizabeth is undoubtedly a designer and artist to watch. her work is intentional and confident. I can’t wait to see how she continues to evolve and expand on her creative voice. 

Estrella Gracia
Valencia, Spain
Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
She/Her
IG: @estrelladgracia
Judge: Vangelis Liakos

Estrella's portfolio presents sophisticated and meaningful work that reflects a deep understanding of the contemporary design landscape.

The approach is evident in every piece: logical, experimental, and resulting in impactful and innovative designs. 

Fabian Shinzato
Florianópolis, Brazil
UDESC        
He/Him
IG: @fabianshinzato
Judge: Eva Cremers

It is clear to me that Fabian has a great eye for design! From bold branding projects to a well crafted beautiful art book created together with his grandmother, the range of projects is truly striking.

You can see the passion for paper and print and I love that he included some experimantal work as well. I can’t wait to see what else Fabian will work on, I’m sure we’ll see a lot more from him!

Geng Min Kuan - Sunnie
Melbourne, Australia 
Australian Catholic University 
She/Her
IG: @cheeky.noot
Judge: Aley Wild

Sunnie’s work stood out to me for its inviting playfulness and bold optimism. Their portfolio shows a powerful and intuitive grasp of colour, composition and layout, as shown in the pleasing intentionality of "The Naked Studio's" visual identity.

There is a care and consideration for the purpose behind each project, giving Sunnie's designs an inviting and inclusive quality. I’m excited to see how this self-taught design powerhouse’s style will grow as their style evolves.

Iqra Mudassir
Birmingham, UK 
Birmingham City University
She/Her
IG: @im.graphiks
Judge: Kel Lauren

Iqra's creative eye goes well beyond design. Her ability to integrate a narrative is clear throughout her work, particularly in her publication Noor. Iqra highlights the lack of diversity in the creative space, particularly the lack of Muslim women.

In Noor, she features other creative muslim women through a cohesive color palette, refined photography selection, and type that pairs so beautifully with the entire theme. I would love to see more on how she integrates her identity and physical craft into her digital work.

You can tell she brings a unique and gentle POV to the table -- a view that is deeply lacking in this industry and she has IT.

Joana Tavares
Amsterdam/Lisbon
Amsterdam via Portugal
University of Porto (Fine Arts)
She/Her
IG: @sou.ajoana
Judge: Eva Cremers

I instantly fell in love with the RAD not BAD project from Joana.

The collage approach combined with bold colors and handwritten type screams Y2K in a whole new way. I love how Joana combines classic bold graphic design and typography with a lot of experimentation.

She is definitely on her way to set trends, not follow them! Can’t wait to see more from her!

Karela Palazio
Miami, USA
Yale University
She/Her
IG: @karekarekarekare
Judge: Joonho Kwon and co

While AI is a hot topic for designers, I believe that it is in times like these that the creator's handcrafted work shines through. It is through this way of working that we can see the designer's personality more clearly. In that sense, Karela Palazio's work stands out from the other applicants.

Her work has an unstructured and organic look that is characteristic of handmade work, but she uses this unpredictability to enhance the design by placing it regularly within the grid system of the design.

She also wisely distinguishes between moments when colour should be actively used and moments when it should be left out and the subject matter should be conveyed through black and white images. 

Krishna Priya
Bangalore, India 
Pearl Academy (Bangalore Campus)
She/Her
IG: @kris.stuff_
Judge: Kel Lauren

Krisha's voice immediately jumped out at me. She is enthusiastic about two things: design and people. Her project Backwater Republic exemplifies its deep communal connection through stunning colors, whimsical type, and retro illustrations.

Krishna has a wide range of styles, and is consistent throughout all of them. She has a very strong sense of layout, and can mix and match any element and make it work. She has an eye for sophistication, carefully leading the viewer through a story with eye catching yet subdued visuals. Very versatile -- a deeply valuable skill in the current state of the industry.

Lauren Chien
Charlottetown/Taichung,
Canada/Taiwan
Holland College
She/Her
IG: @laurenislorem
Judge: Gabriel Tinoco

When I looked at Lauren’s portfolio, I immediately felt like I was seeing the next Annie Atkins. I deeply admire Annie’s work in Wes Anderson’s films, and that connection made Lauren undoubtedly one of my top three choices.

Her proposal shows great sensitivity and a deep appreciation for materials and printing systems of the past. In a world as digitalized as ours, this perspective is both comforting and familiar, evoking a sense of nostalgia that connects us to the tangible and the artisanal. I'm confident that Lauren will be an outstanding graphic designer for films (or perhaps I should say that she already is). 

Liam Nguyen
Leeds, UK
Leeds Beckett University
He/Him
IG: @liamds_197
Judge: Gabriel Tinoco

Although I was only able to look at one project in Liam’s portfolio, it was enough to convince me. His work embodies the essential qualities I look for when hiring new designers.

Not only does he demonstrate exceptional technical skills—his typographic choices, use of color, illustration abilities, and the breadth of branding applications he presents are outstanding—but he also proves he can create a brand with something to say, a brand with soul and purpose. The project was very warm and beautifully crafted. Liam is a remarkably well-rounded designer, I want someone like that for my studio.

Martina Wunderlin
Brussels, Belgium
ESA Saint Luc Tournai, Belgium
She/Her
IG: @wunderl1n
Judge: Aley Wild

Martina's dreamy portfolio radiates an authenticity and definitive point of view that’s rare for an emerging designer.

They create richly atmospheric and delightfully immersive visual experiences that feel both nostalgic and surreal. By deftly layering photography, texture, typography, and playful UX details, their clothing brand project Anoche Sone transported me into a world of etherial whimsy. 

Mary Kim
New York, USA 
School of Visual Arts
She/Her
IG: @maryjiyaekim
Judge: George Wu

I was instantly captivated by Mary Kim’s portfolio, which showcases an exquisite balance of negative space. Her typographic approach effortlessly combines timeless elegance with a sense of playfulness.

The identity she crafted for Osmosis, an electronic music festival, captures the essence of the event, reflecting both the diversity of the music and the natural surroundings.

The thoughtfully designed letterforms inject energy into the brand, while the dynamic layouts harmoniously integrate with both photography and illustration, resulting in a visually compelling and cohesive design!

Mia Morison
Auckland, New Zealand
Victoria University of Wellignton
She/Her
IG: @miamorisondesign
Judge: Joonho Kwon and co

Mia Morison seems to be a very versatile designer. Her work ranges from grid-focused editorial design, to clean branding, to cartoony zine work, and she’s not afraid to use colour, whether it’s subdued or bright to brighten up a brand.

It’s clear from this portfolio that this wide spectrum is calculated and designed to suit each project, rather than looking chaotic.

Moy Zhong
Seattle, USA
University of Missouri
She/Her
IG: @__zimeng
Judge: Edgy Katrina

Moy's work is so colorful and intricate. HER editorial illustrations showcase a truly impressive range of design. The colors, composition, and type throughout each piece are so carefully thought out - as seen in "The Year Creators Went Hollywood" (the movie screen type and illustrations are so beautiful!!!). I was truly so excited to scroll through this portfolio. 

Peter Weicheng Xu
Shanghai, China & New York, USA
Rhode Island School of Design
He/Her
IG: @planet.x_yz
Judge: George Wu

A designer with a clear passion for typography, his Botanic Utopia font—drawn from the natural world—is both meticulously crafted and refreshingly unusual.

It strikes a nice balance between illustrative charm and functional design. His rebrand of Griffith Observatory features a custom typeface paired with an elegant illustration system, both sharing curves that together create a bold yet refined identity.

I particularly liked the playful, kinetic symbols in his Self Love poster book, where he subverts traditional tropes to bring new energy to affirmations.

Reamoleboga Legae
Johannesburg, South Africa
Vega School 
She/Her
IG: @tmr.online
Judge: Katie Ayling

Reamoleboga’s folio had me droooooling over all of the stunning smaller details —  the embossed text on the Fufu + Grits project, the modular logo variants on Motherbud, and the striking typography and lettering exploration on WigWag. Each palette also felt extremely considered. These elements elevate Reamoleboga’s work, making it both exciting and distinctive.

Reamoleboga’s approach to design demonstrates that a colour palette alone can be a powerful storytelling vehicle, with every colour choice feeling intentional and perfectly placed. Her fresh, dynamic voice as a visual artist is certainly one to watch, and I'm excited to see how Reamoleboga continues to evolve!

Shekar Menon
Baltimore, USA 
Maryland Institute College of Art
He/Him
IG: @mosunkai
Judge: Vangelis Liakos

I was thoroughly blown away by your portfolio. The design is incredibly modern and eye-catching, making it a truly engaging experience.

The work is not only highly skilled but also incredibly contemporary, interesting, and dynamic, showcasing a unique and forward-thinking approach.

Shengxuan Hu
Baltimore, United States
Maryland Institute College of Art
He/Him
IG: @roberthusx
Judge: Katie Ayling

Such a fresh and experimental folio! I can easily see future brands gravitating toward Shengxuan's work. His typography pieces are an absolute standout—showcasing both skill and a genuine passion for the craft.

The Mysterious Islands project is a great example of their thoughtful understanding of materials and media. The design reflects a deep consideration for both composition and interaction, proving that they don’t let the confines of a format limit his creative ideas.

There’s an effortless quality to Shengxuan's work, paired with a clear and consistent tone of voice across the projects—a challenging feat that they’ve mastered beautifully. Truly inspiring work! 

Stephanie Lord
Melbourne, Australia
Shillington Education
She/Her
IG: @hellostelo
Judge: Carla Palette

Stephanie demonstrates a deep understanding of creating highly versatile design systems within her branding work. Her ability to craft visual identities that are both visually striking and seamlessly adaptable across various brand touchpoints is truly commendable. This level of flexibility ensures that her designs remain impactful while maintaining consistency, no matter the application.

Stephanie’s approach showcases a strategic mindset and a refined aesthetic sensibility, making her work both memorable and highly functional.

Vani Jain
India, Mumbai
Indian School of Design and Innovation
She/Her
IG: __.vani
Judge: Kel Lauren

I was immediately captured by Vani's eye for color and type. The way her type design moves with such fluidity and confidence pulls the reader on a wonderful adventure.

To be able to jump from kombucha branding, to mixtape covers, to record packaging, to actual type design SO flawlessly requires a deep sense of one's creative identity.

Vani could easily succeed in many fields, she holds a lot of power in that mind of hers!

Wil Catto
London, UK
University of Bristol
He/Him
IG: @will.catto
Judge: Edgy Katrina

The first thing that immediately stood out to me was Will's typography skills. Each piece is full of energy. His work is clean and thoughtful and the compositions are lovely. I love how photography and type play seamlessly together, as seen in The Luna Collective spreads. I also enjoyed his passion project 504 magazine - it's such an interesting topic and beautifully laid out. 

Yu Gao
New York, USA 
Pratt Institute
She/Her
IG: @10viipani
Judge: Vangelis Liakos

Yu's portfolio showcases a rare combination of technical skill and artistic vision.

The exquisite craftsmanship, coupled with a keen eye for detail, creates work that is both visually stunning and deeply impactful. 

Yuli Maher
Mumbai/Bangalore, India 
University Of Westminster
She/Her
IG: @projectyuli
Judge: Katie Ayling

I love how Yuli combines her skills in 3D with branding. It reinforces each other and brings her designs to another level.

She definitely likes to rethink the way certain products can be branded. As a result, I am desperate for the incredible La Dinamita Tequila.

A simple yet perfect design and dito glass. From her bold typography to 3D mascottes, is Yuli the trade of all AND master of all? Looking forward to Yuki’s future work!

Ze Feng
Los Angeles, USA
ArtCenter College of Design
He/Him
IG: @its.zefeng.d
Judge: Gabriel Tinoco

I have to say. Am I a little jealous?

Of course, I am! This kid's talent is astounding! 

With a natural ability to move between different styles, techniques, and skills, Ze Feng's projects are bold, colorful, super fun, and impeccably executed! Some serious talent here.