Each year, LE BOOK hosts the Emerging Talent Awards where we uplift and celebrate upcoming talent across five categories: Photography, Illustration, Content Creators & Talent, Fashion Design, VFX & 3D. The winners and runners up of 2025 have shown a great breadth of ability and of flair across varied media, client projects and personal work. Their submissions and portfolios are the reflection of discipline and ambition as they hone their skill and look ahead toward the next phase of their careers.

In anticipation for the 2026 competition LE BOOK contributor Darragh Dandurand interviewed these emerging talents to hear about their work, inspiration and careers, with hope they encourage the next wave of winners of our coveted award.

Their Work, Their Drive, Their Vision. Understanding Context and Inspiration

DD: Describe your award-winning work that LE BOOK has celebrated.

Illustrators Thomas Lateur and Elena Galofaro both cite their professional work in their submissions with pride and meaning:

“I try to capture the essence of things and express them in a minimalist way. For my award submission I wanted to present multiple sides of my practice. Each of these projects reflects my desire to adapt my graphic language to a wide range of formats and contexts, while keeping a strong visual identity. I included a digital campaign for Vans and a monumental mural of over 800 m² for Westfield, also a childhood dream come true: a series of five skateboards sold worldwide for Decathlon Skateboarding.” — Thomas Lateur – Illustration, Category Winner

“I sent a series of illustrations I created for Richard Mille, in collaboration with Mars Amusement. The series was inspired by the story of one of the first women to win in Formula One, who, after a tragic accident, went on to become a coach. The second project that has been celebrated was a series of five short animations that I produced for Sanrio with Maison de Sabré.” — Elena Galofaro – Illustration, Category Runner Up

“I sent a series of illustrations I created for Richard Mille, in collaboration with Mars Amusement. The series was inspired by the story of one of the first women to win in Formula One, who, after a tragic accident, went on to become a coach. The second project that has been celebrated was a series of five short animations that I produced for Sanrio with Maison de Sabré.” — Elena Galofaro – Illustration, Category Runner Up

Fashion Designers Huize You and Alina Ispas both reference family in their work, but from seemingly opposite perspectives:

“[One of my works] “I only want you to love me” was conceived in April 2020, during the lockdown when I found myself "stuck" at home with my family, contemplating my most pivotal work. In this confined space, I began to explore the complex web of family dynamics, the way they shape our lives and our inner selves, [including control and conflict]. As I crafted this collection, I took the time to stitch every line by hand. It was an act of reverence for the work itself and a nod to the craftsmanship and dedication of the generations who came before me. Each stitch represents a commitment to my own path and the legacy of creativity that inspires me.” — Huize You – Fashion Design, Category Winner 

“[My mom and my grandmother] are the reason why I became the woman I am today. My award-winning collection comes as an exploration of connections, both temporal and spatial, in the context of Romanian popular culture seen through the lens of three generations: one who lived in communism (my grandmother), one who never lived through it (myself), and one who was at the intersection of it all (my mother).” — Alina Ispas – Fashion Design, Category Runner Up

Alina Ipsas

Huize You

Victor Boccard, our category winner of Photography, had just started pursuing the discipline in recent years and has made significant strides in the medium to receive our recognition:

“I’m first and foremost a film director, but three years ago I decided to also become a fashion photographer. The work that has been submitted and awarded is a selection of photos, picked from my three-year self-taught photography career.” — Victor Boccard 

DD: What is your main source of inspiration and drive?

Our winners reference inspiration from all sorts of places and spaces and people. They’re observant, thoughtful, self-aware and all seem to reference adventure and the nuances of living life as a meaningful part of their work.

“Firstly, cinema. My photos are often staged like I would stage a scene. Secondly, Japan, and more broadly, Asia. My main drive is to be in perpetual research of a balance between abstraction and figuration.” — Victor Boccard – Photography, Category Winner

“When working on my own art, I’m always inspired by my personal experiences—such as my travels, the people I’ve met, my friends, the food I eat, places I’ve seen, or even a color I liked. All of these experiences help shape and define my visual world.” — Elena Galofaro – Illustration, Category Runner Up

“I draw inspiration from the world around me—landscapes I discover while traveling, everyday objects, or spontaneous shapes I come across. My visual vocabulary grows with each project. A new brief means new research, which means constant evolution. That process of exploration is what keeps me motivated and curious.” — Thomas Lateur – Illustration, Category Winner

“[Making garments is my] way of thinking, feeling, and existing. My main source of inspiration comes from lived experience and the spaces in between cultures. I’m drawn to what’s fragile, unfinished, or quietly resistant. There’s also a strong drive to make sense of things I don’t fully understand—through touch, fabric, and gesture. It allows me to process emotions, navigate contradictions, and stay connected to both my roots and the world around me.” — Huize You – Fashion Design, Category Winner 

“What I create is a love letter to bold femininity, celebrating the generational craft passed on from woman-to-woman in a lineage of resilient makers and quiet revolutionaries. Rooted in Eastern European heritage, conscious design and social sustainability, each single stitch constantly aims to carry this legacy forward.” — Alina Ispas – Fashion Design, Category Runner Up

Our Content Creation & Models category winner, Madison Tevlin, speaks to a beautiful example of inspiration in wanting to connect people through information and media, whether or not they live the same experiences.

“My biggest inspiration is proving that possibility is more powerful than permission. I want to challenge old narratives, especially around disability, and show the world that we don’t just belong in these spaces, we can lead in them, too. I think about my younger self and how much I needed to see someone like me, not just in the spotlight, but owning it!” — Madison Tevlin

DD: What is your creative process?

Creative execution comes in many forms; Our Emerging Talent Award winners find themselves making and creating in some similar and some very unique ways that bring them closer to their vision. 

“My process often begins with a question or a story I want to tell—something unresolved, personal, or quietly persistent. I don’t always start with a clear concept. Instead, I let intuition lead, working through a kind of ongoing conversation with myself, the world around me, and the materials I use. It’s more like weaving fragments together—emotionally, physically, and symbolically—until something begins to speak back to me.” — Huize You – Fashion Design, Category Winner 

“I want my message to be brave and honest but also fun! I want it to make an impact or have someone see a person with Down Syndrome in a way they might not have before. I surround myself with creative people who see me for me and value everything I bring to the table.” — Madison Tevlin – Content Creation & Models, Category Winner

Creatives Thomas, Elena and Victor all spend time documenting to seek clarity and even moving through personal archives to seek a starting point.

“I take a lot of photos whenever I feel inspired. Sometimes, I return to a particular photo months later to begin the process of creating an artwork. I typically start by sketching—either on paper or using my iPad. Once the sketch is complete and I’m satisfied with it, I move on to the final line art and then to coloring.” — Elena Galofaro – Illustration, Category Runner Up

“I archive a lot of inspiration from my readings, my travels, which I store in a chaotic way. It could be quotes, tapestry, photos, movie screenshots. From this chaos I pick and choose, then reorganize and then I shoot in the studio by creating a world with set design, bringing models as characters and having stylists and make-up artists bring a fashion edge to it.” — Victor Boccard – Photography, Category Winner

“I start with sketches in a notebook and a moodboard to define the visual direction. Then I move to the computer or iPad to develop the shapes, refine the composition, and explore color…I adapt to the format while staying true to the energy and clarity that define my work.” — Thomas Lateur – Illustration, Category Winner

On Legacy, Looking Forward & Looking Back. Embracing Change and Growth

DD: How do you leave your mark?

Reputation is cemented by quality and consistency, through risk and reward. Our ambitious winners all have dreams and ideas of what their trademark could be and consider what they’re already doing to make a name for themselves.

“My mark is not always loud, but it’s there. As a designer and an artist, I believe my work can speak for me. Once the story is told, I don’t feel the need to leave a strong, obvious trace of myself. The presence of the maker doesn’t always need to be visible to be felt.” — Huize You – Fashion Design, Category Winner

“I think my signature lies in the way I use color and in my minimalist, energetic approach. My visual identity isn’t about repeating a formula, but about continuously shaping a visual language that’s simple, joyful, and impactful.” — Thomas Lateur – Illustration, Category Winner

“Color is very important to me, and people often tell me they love the way I use it. The characters I design are usually quite recognizable and unique, which likely comes from my strong passion for character design. I think that’s because there’s usually a deeply personal story behind everything I create, as all of my work is inspired by my own life experiences.” — Elena Galofaro – Illustration, Category Runner Up

“Color is very important to me, and people often tell me they love the way I use it. The characters I design are usually quite recognizable and unique, which likely comes from my strong passion for character design. I think that’s because there’s usually a deeply personal story behind everything I create, as all of my work is inspired by my own life experiences.” — Elena Galofaro – Illustration, Category Runner Up

“By breaking barriers and showing the world what’s really possible when we push past their limitations. To keep inspiring others to see people with disabilities/differences as powerful, capable, and deserving of every opportunity.” — Madison Tevlin – Content Creation & Models, Category Winner

“I hope my mark in this world will be to make people feel comfortable creating with no borders or limitations, and share even the tiniest bit of this energy with them.” — Alina Ispas – Fashion Design, Category Runner Up

DD: What is the most important thing you can do as a creative for your career?

Being a professional creative is about discipline and talent, as much as it is about networking and carving a course in the world, and it’s rarely a clear-cut course, at that. Our winners wax on what steps to take to the next level.

“Believe in yourself and your path, overthink a bit less, and believe in your power of intention. It sounds scary, but feels so good when you do it!” — Alina Ispas – Fashion Design, Category Runner Up

“Believe in yourself and your path, overthink a bit less, and believe in your power of intention. It sounds scary, but feels so good when you do it!” — Alina Ispas – Fashion Design, Category Runner Up

“The most important thing I can do as a creative is to stay honest with myself, my process, and what I choose to share with the world. That means resisting trends when they don’t align with my values, staying close to my questions, and allowing space for doubt, slowness, and change.” — Huize You – Fashion Design, Category Winner

“In this industry, it’s easy to get caught up in trends. But the most powerful thing you can do is be yourself and turn all the unique things that make you YOU into your superpower! Authenticity always wins, especially when you back it up with hard work and a vision.” — Madison Tevlin – Content Creation & Models, Category Winner

“Stay curious. Experiment. Don’t be afraid to fail. Keep nurturing your own vision, but stay open to dialogue and collaboration. For me, a sustainable creative career is about balancing inner exploration with connection to the outside world. It’s also about choosing the right people to have around you, those who genuinely support and inspire you.” — Thomas Lateur – Illustration, Category Winner

“I would say, trust myself, and keep shooting and creating whatever I like, like doing passion projects, even if they’re not well received by everybody at first. There’s only one step between being overly criticized and overly acclaimed.” — Victor Boccard – Photography, Category Winner

DD: What does acknowledgement from LE BOOK mean to you?

“It’s a real honor. LE BOOK has always been a reference point in the creative world, and being named Emerging Talent gives me both confidence and momentum to keep growing.” — Thomas Lateur – Illustration, Category Winner

“The acknowledgment from LE BOOK means being supported, connected, and truly seen. I’m grateful for your recognition. It gives me the encouragement to keep going, to develop my next project and to continue telling my stories through my work.” — Huize You – Fashion Design, Category Winner

“Receiving such an acknowledgment from an incredible jury like the one at LE BOOK was a true honour and meant a great deal to me. I feel this achievement is taking my career to the next level, and I hope it leads to even more opportunities.” — Elena Galofaro – Illustration, Category Runner Up

“You rarely have the opportunity to have a formal sense of appreciation. With LE BOOK I had the proof, especially through the jury, which I respected and admired a lot.” — Victor Boccard – Photography, Category Winner

“It means everything! Being recognized by LE BOOK is more than just an award, it's proof that the industry is starting to make room for new voices, new stories, and new standards of beauty and creativity. I’m honoured to be part of that shift, and beyond proud to represent those who’ve been underestimated!” — Madison Tevlin – Content Creation & Models, Category Winner

“This award from LE BOOK is such a milestone in my career…it felt like a big hug. It felt like someone said, “You are on the right path, just keep going and have patience.” I believe that’s what the award and experience gave me—the confidence to move forward and know that there is such a wonderful community out there with the same hunger for creativity and beauty as me.” — Alina Ispas – Fashion Design, Category Runner Up

LE BOOK’s 2026 Emerging Talent Awards application is open! Deadline by January 31, 2026.

Winners will be announced at the LE BOOK CONNECTIONS Paris event March 19, 2026 at Hôtel Le Marois. Judges are esteemed creatives across fashion, advertising, film and media and winners and runner ups receiving prize money and networking opportunities through the LE BOOK community. 

Apply now! 

* Quotes paraphrased for clarity and condensed reading.