It's Nice That has unveiled its 'Ones to Watch 2025' list, highlighting 65 emerging creative talents from more than 20 countries. This annual selection features a diverse group of graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, artists, and filmmakers. For the first time, their work is accessible through a dedicated online directory, offering a comprehensive view of their innovative projects.
Key Takeaways
- It's Nice That released its 'Ones to Watch 2025' list on September 29, 2025.
- The list includes 65 emerging creatives from over 20 countries.
- Disciplines covered include graphic design, illustration, photography, art, and filmmaking.
- An online directory is now available to explore their work, a new feature for this year.
- Creatives selected are recent graduates or have less than one year of industry experience.
Identifying Emerging Creative Talent
The selection process for the 'Ones to Watch 2025' began in May with an open call for applications. The initiative targets creatives who are new to the industry. Applicants needed to be graduating from university, recently graduated, or have less than one year of professional experience in their field. This strict criterion ensures the list genuinely represents fresh talent.
According to It's Nice That, the volume and quality of applications received were exceptionally high. The entire team participated in reviewing each submission. This thorough evaluation aimed to identify individuals who demonstrate not only potential but also a high standard of current work and original thinking.
Fast Fact
The 'Ones to Watch' program has been a significant platform for new creatives, often serving as an early indicator of future industry leaders. This year's expansion to 65 individuals marks a notable increase in the number of talents featured, offering broader visibility.
A Diverse and Future-Facing Cohort
The final list comprises 65 individuals whose work spans a wide creative spectrum. The showcased projects include intricate painterly scenes, distinctive illustrative characters, poignant photographic monographs, sophisticated book designs, and perception-redefining portraits. This variety reflects a broad range of artistic expressions and technical skills.
The selected creatives often build upon existing aesthetic and theoretical frameworks. However, they also transform their respective disciplines, presenting work that is both forward-looking and engaging. This approach highlights an understanding of traditional practices combined with a drive for innovation.
"The expression on show — be it intricate, painterly scenes, adorably ragged illustrative characters, poignant monographs, blisteringly slick books or perception-redefining portraits — is staggering. Overall, our cohort seems to embrace the expectations, aesthetics and theory of what’s come before and truly transforms their respective disciplines in a way that is future-facing and exciting to behold."
Showcasing Originality and Vision
Selection for the 'Ones to Watch' list is based on several key factors. Beyond raw potential, the judges consider the astonishing standard of work already being produced by these creatives. The originality of their thinking, their authentic voice, and their clear artistic vision are also crucial elements. These qualities are essential for making a lasting impact in the creative industries.
The online directory allows users to explore the full range of work or filter by specific creative discipline. This feature provides an accessible way for industry professionals and the public to discover new favorites and emerging trends. The platform aims to connect these talents with broader audiences and potential opportunities.
Program Background
It's Nice That is a leading online platform that celebrates creativity across various fields. Their 'Ones to Watch' initiative is designed to spotlight up-and-coming talent, offering them a significant boost in visibility and recognition. The program has consistently identified individuals who go on to achieve professional success.
Support for Emerging Artists
The 'Ones to Watch 2025' initiative is supported by Residence, a network of independent creative specialists. Residence aims to produce work that resonates emotionally, influences public opinion, drives business growth, and contributes positively to the world. Their support underscores the importance of fostering new talent in the creative sector.
This collaboration provides valuable resources and exposure for the selected artists. It helps bridge the gap between emerging talent and established industry networks. Such partnerships are vital for the sustained growth and innovation within creative fields globally. The program's reach extends across more than 20 countries, reflecting a global outlook on creative excellence.
- Global Reach: Creatives from over 20 countries are represented.
- Diverse Disciplines: From graphic design to filmmaking, a wide array of artistic fields are included.
- Industry Support: The initiative benefits from the backing of organizations like Residence.
- Online Accessibility: A dedicated directory makes discovering new talent easy for everyone.
The platform encourages everyone to visit the online directory to explore the work of these 65 individuals. Finding a new favorite creative is a simple click away, offering insight into the future direction of the creative world.
Future Implications for the Creative Industry
The annual 'Ones to Watch' list not only celebrates individual achievements but also offers insights into broader trends in the creative industry. The diverse range of projects and the innovative approaches seen in this year's cohort suggest a future where creativity is increasingly boundary-pushing and globally interconnected. These emerging artists are likely to shape future design, art, and media landscapes.
The emphasis on authenticity and vision among the selected talents indicates a shift towards more personally driven and meaningful creative work. This focus can inspire other aspiring artists and contribute to a richer, more diverse global creative output. The program serves as a barometer for the evolving standards and ambitions within various creative disciplines.