Apply now for It’s Nice That’s Ones to Watch – championing the next generation of creatives

Here at It’s Nice That, we’ve always been passionate about championing the next generation of creatives. We spend our days scouring both the internet and the real world for the best examples of innovative design and visual art, so we know full well that emerging creatives are often at the helm of the most exciting new work and ideas. That’s why we’ve launched our Ones to Watch showcase, a curated line-up of today’s groundbreaking creatives making their way into the industry. Think this sounds like you? Applications are now open, so you can put yourself forward to be included in the final selection! We’re looking for an array of individuals that show great potential, original thinking, innovative ideation and – of course – a brilliant creative eye.

While emerging creatives are often at the forefront of the most exciting and boundary-defying new work, finding your feet in the ‘real world’ is no mean feat, and we know any building block, helping hand or even a metaphorical pat on the back can do wonders for emerging creative confidence. That’s why we want to create a platform that’s dedicated to celebrating some of the best work out there from those who don’t have years of industry experience behind them or a flashy title to their name.

You don’t need to have attended university to apply, but applicants need to have graduated or be graduating this year, or have only been working in the industry professionally for a year or less. The core disciplines we cover are graphic design, illustration, photography, animation, art and short film, but we’re open to accepting anything multidisciplinary or from a visual arts medium. We won’t be selecting from broader forms of performing arts, like dance, music and acting.

It’s completely free to apply, all you need to do is fill out our online form, submitting a short statement and a small selection of work images or videos. The It’s Nice That team chose the final line-up, to be announced in Autumn 2025.

The deadline to apply is 22 June at 23:59. Good luck!

Criteria

Applicants must comply with one of the below criteria to be considered for It’s Nice That’s Ones to Watch:

1. You must have less than 12 months of professional experience in the creative industry, whether full-time, freelance, or as your primary source of income. Occasional freelance work or internships alongside study do not count toward this limit.
   
2. For those currently in education/studying, you should be graduating in 2025. This includes university, college, both full & part-time students or those in non-traditional education pathways, so long as you are on track to complete your course in 2025.
   
3. You don’t need a degree to apply. If you do have one, graduates from any year are eligible – as long as you meet the experience criteria.
   
4. Applicants currently part of a collective may apply, but work submitted must be entirely their own and clearly distinguishable from group projects.