Most Read of 2023: Uprising
Here at Little Black Book, the end of the year is all about celebrating and reflecting the year that has passed.
Our Most Read articles on LBB provide an insight into what the world looked at most for 2023. Sometimes, the stars of tomorrow can be seen shining today, and LBB’s uprising roundup brings together the most exciting young creatives we met this year.
The articles below are a revealing insight into how our industry is growing, the freshest perspectives, and the junior creatives about to take the world by storm.
Independent and Inspired: The Creatives Taking London by Storm
Encountering London creatives is almost inevitable in the global creative sphere; however, the city's current challenges pose particular hurdles for recent graduates and juniors. Success in this vibrant capital demands relentless effort and unwavering inspiration, offering a uniquely gratifying reward for the determined.
Tipped for Greatness: Meet the Creative Circle’s Most Promising Creatives
The Creative Circle awards welcome UK-based creatives in their initial three working years, offering free entry across talent categories to support emerging talent. Uniquely, this award show engages the entire UK creative community in judging submissions, culminating in the announcement of the 2023 winners in July following the extensive jury evaluation.
The Next Gen of Media with Renee Van Den Oetelaar
As the leader of Boomerang FT within Publicis Groupe, Renee Van Den Oetelaar champions a platform for Gen Z, Gen A, and emerging talents to amplify their voices in the media sphere. Having specialised in social media and new platform content creation, her journey led her to helm Boomerang FT, an agency focused on brand connectivity under the Publicis Groupe umbrella.
Jack Smith’s Deliberate Journey to Production
Hailing from Coventry, Jack Smith, acknowledging it as 'the jewel' of the Midlands, didn't initially lean towards creativity but fostered a deep love for film. Inspired by Tom Cruise in 'Mission: Impossible 2' to pursue acting until he outgrew the star in height, leading him to reconsider that aspiration.
Etty Flynn: “I’d Rather Be Laughed At Than Yawned At”
Co-founder of Fail Better and art director at VMLY&R Commerce, Etty Flynn shares her best failures, why International Women’s Day is not what it should be, and reveals how “a big ol’ slice of humble pie” can be the best medicine.
Meet Advertising’s Rising Stars of Social Media
LBB spoke to VMLY&R social content manager, Brooke Bailey, VCCP junior social and influence creative Lucy Cooper, and We Are Social / narrative copywriter Becca Slack about their creative influences growing up, the ever-changing face of social media, and some of their best work to date.
A Mafia Member, a Karaoke Champion and Alice Kunisue
Alice Kunisue explores her childhood and background in this candid interview with Nisna Mahtani. The director at Halal reflects on her Japanese and French influences, why she looks up to the directors Megaforce and “enjoying food as the Italians do”.
Determination Lives within Alanoud Alotaibi’s Name
Alanoud Alotaibi embodies nominative determinism, striving to embody the meaning of her name - 'a determined woman' in Arabic - driven by curiosity to continually learn and explore. The creative copywriter at Wunderman Thompson Saudi Arabia expresses enthusiasm for emerging technology and regularly embarks on imaginative journeys.
Tania Radwan’s Creativity Is Her ‘Comfort Blanket’
Cheil UAE’s digital art director shares how she entwines the essence of Lebanon within her work and why a child-like curiosity is important to nurture.
Inclusive Influencers and Spectacular Eyebrows with Sydney Lehmann
Sydney Lehmann, now a senior influencer marketing manager at M&C Saatchi Sports and Entertainment, attributes her vibrant upbringing in New York City, influenced by supportive parents and the city's cultural dynamism, for igniting her creativity. From absorbing the energy of Broadway and Central Park to discussions about politics and her mother's PR career, Sydney’s childhood shaped her passion for influencer marketing and her career trajectory.
Maddy Merzvinskis on How Art Is Essential to Being Human
2020 Swinburne University graduate Maddy Merzvinskis secured her inaugural role in Indonesia, designing merchandise during an internship. Recalling the Indonesian cultural concept of 'nongkrong’, the CHEP brand designer spoke with LBB’s Casey Martin, reflecting on her Indonesian debut and her recognition as a Cannes Young Lions winner in 2023.
