Supporting Young Talent: Jungle Studios on Sponsoring The Young Arrows

Jungle Studios is proud to continue its support for emerging talent in the advertising industry through its sponsorship of The Young Arrows, a platform that celebrates and showcases the next generation of creative professionals within advertising. The awards give emerging creatives a vital opportunity to gain exposure and celebrate their work, helping to foster the diverse and inclusive talent pool the industry urgently needs. For Jungle, backing The Young Arrows isn’t just about visibility, it’s about fostering growth, confidence, and opportunity in an industry that can sometimes feel impenetrable for newcomers.

Now in its fourth year, the Young Arrows Awards are free-to-enter for the second time, removing the financial barrier that often blocks young people from participating. Open to anyone with less than three years’ experience in their current role, the awards accept submissions across 20 distinct categories, with the awards show taking place this October at HERE at Outernet in central London.

Launched in 2022 by the not-for-profit organisation British Arrows, which has honoured the best campaigns and craft in British advertising for nearly 50 years, the Young Arrows are growing in reputation year-on-year. The initiative drives inclusive industry change and creates a successful pathway for those in the early stages of their careers.

“Showcasing young talent within the industry is vital,” says Ben Leeves, sound designer at Jungle Studios. “How do we attract people from all backgrounds? By showcasing the young talent that is coming through. ‘If you can’t see it, you can’t be it’ is a very true statement when it pertains to young people in the industry.”

For Jungle, supporting The Young Arrows means helping young creatives gain recognition and credibility, by providing a space where their work is celebrated alongside industry veterans.

“There’s been a long and slow decline in entry-level opportunities,” says Ben. “Technology has played a huge part in that, it takes fewer people to run a studio than ever before. When a younger person takes on a role alongside more experienced peers, they have to compete with that experience. So, we need to give them the space and confidence to try things and fail, without undermining that process.”

This perspective underscores why initiatives like The Young Arrows are so important: they give rising talent a platform, and the confidence to develop their craft.

Reflecting on his own career, Ben offers guidance to the next generation: “The best piece of advice given to me was always to say yes! Take on challenges, even if it means putting yourself way out of your comfort zone. It meant long hours in studios learning the craft, but it was worth it. It’s not given to you, you have to earn it.”

He also encourages entrants to embrace versatility: “Openness to try different roles is key. Your first role may not be the one you stay with. If you see a role that looks interesting, learn about it and ask questions… it could be your role one day.”

Through initiatives like The Young Arrows, Jungle Studios hopes to continue nurturing emerging talent, ensuring that the industry is both accessible and inspiring for the next generation of creatives. For Ben and his team, supporting young talent isn’t just an investment, t’s a responsibility.