What I notice in this year’s group of emerging talents is the continued blurring of boundaries—not just in terms of the definition of a graphic designer, or the demarcations between disciplines or delivery media, but in a larger sense as well. Everything is changing, all the time. Technology continues to impact all aspects of the creative industry, making possible work that none of us would’ve dreamed of doing even a few years ago. Beyond providing faster ways to move type and images around, technology is enabling new modes of human interaction and giving rise to connectivity on a whole new scale. Ideas incubate in one place, sparking trends and conversations, then shoot around the world and back in what seems like an instant. More and more, we are experiencing the emergence of a global creative community. I think this year’s Emerging Talent roster reflects this transformation.

Many of those on this list pursued their education in a part of the world where they no longer live. Some took their training here in the U.S. and now work elsewhere. Some have already been drawn to opportunities and collaborations in an assortment of cities, here and abroad, over the course of their short careers. I find it notable that, although there is still a heavy concentration of talent on both coasts, interesting work is being made all over the U.S. But we never had, and will never have, the market cornered on talent. In the course of my research, I found intriguing young creatives all over the world—Paris, Warsaw, Tokyo and remotest Western Australia, to name a few places.

The designers, illustrators, photographers, filmmakers, artists and writers in 2009’s group are all doing work with a strong, clear voice. The list was assembled by polling thought leaders, talent spotters and respected academics. They responded with recommendations of those they believe are doing especially interesting work. I reviewed hundreds of candidates, looking to see what was happening in terms of geography, delivery media, concept, motivation and schools of thought. I sought out people doing new work in new ways for new audiences, stretching limits and pursuing creative excellence. These individuals needed to be representative both of where we are now and where we are going. And their work had to appeal to me personally, on a gut level—a subjective criterion, admittedly, but an essential one.

I sense a kind of emotional shift among this year’s Emerging Talents. There seems to be a rise in optimism and a turning away from the insidious cynicism of late. Whether they are social activists, comedic filmmakers, abstract theorists, exuberant performers, gear-head technologists or branding devotees, they all seek what is true and beautiful and captivating. They draw from the authenticity of personal experience to share stories and ideas with all kinds of audiences through their work. I hope you enjoy their subtle (and not so subtle) art posters, finely crafted typography, surreal films, immersive environments, technological gadgetry, colorful tales, haunting photos and cardboard robots. Assembling the Emerging Talent list has been an amazing opportunity to explore and celebrate creativity without boundaries.

Meet STEP’s Emerging Talents for 2009.
Terry Lee Stone

Thanks very much to the people who made this possible:
Frank Baseman, Tom Biederbeck, Noémie Bonnet, Victor Bornia, Brian Boyl, Craig Brimm, Stefan G. Bucher, Marc Burckhardt, Anne Burdick, Krystina Castella, Maggy Cuesta, Scott Denton-Cardew, Laura DesEnfants, Colin Drummond, Amy Gehrt, Nik Hafermaas, Jessica Helfand, Steven Heller, Dan Ibarra, Kali Nikitas, Jonathan Notarro, Matthew Porter, Martha Rich, Tim Roper, Paul Sahre, Louise Sandhaus, Yolanda Santosa, Jon Sueda, Gail Swanlund, Mark Todd, Alice Twemlow, Armin Vit, Petrula Vrontikis, Alissa Walker & Esther Pearl Watson