Young Lions BiH 2025 is once again opening the arena for young creatives eager for challenges!
The eighth edition of this prestigious competition will take place on April 16 in Sarajevo, and applications for teams of two young professionals (under 30 years old) are open until April 11, 2025.
The competition is held under the patronage of the Cannes Young Lions Competition, further guaranteeing the quality and prestige of the event.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the competition is organized under the Branding Conference and managed by the Via Media agency.
We asked three questions to Anja Trbojević and Stefan Bobrek, last year’s winners who, thanks to their success, had the opportunity to go to Cannes for Cannes Lions, the world’s biggest and most significant festival of creativity.
Anja and Stefan are graphic designers at the Mania agency, which was founded six years ago. With offices in Banja Luka and Belgrade, the agency employs over 20 creatives and account managers, has a portfolio of more than 300 satisfied clients, and proudly showcases 32 awards won at festivals and other competitions.
MM: How did you prepare for the qualifying competition in Sarajevo, and what made you stand out from other teams to win?
Anja & Stefan in Cannes
Anja & Stefan: There wasn’t any special preparation. We believe that for this type of event, where the brief is unknown until the competition starts, it is truly difficult to prepare in advance.
That’s why small nuances make the difference between teams. Of course, experience and individual creativity play a crucial role, as well as a bit of luck.
MM: How was your experience in Cannes? What did you learn there, and what kind of experience did you gain?
Anja & Stefan: Cannes was truly a unique experience – a blend of professionals, inspiring lectures, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Being part of the Young Lions Competition meant testing our creativity under pressure, working as a team, and making quick decisions.
We learned how important it is to communicate ideas clearly, quickly adapt to changes, and trust our creative instincts.
We had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, hear about the latest trends in the industry, and gain a new perspective on how creativity can have a real impact.
MM: What impact did winning have on you? Did it change anything significant in your life and career? What advice would you give to this year’s competitors?
Anja & Stefan: Winning the Young Lions Competition in our country was a turning point that brought us an incredible experience, confidence, and new opportunities.
It confirmed that hard work, creativity, and teamwork are what make the difference. It also gave us the opportunity to meet industry professionals and learn from the best.
Our advice to this year’s competitors is not to be afraid to take risks and be authentic. Creativity is strongest when it is genuine and bold.
Also, time at the competition passes quickly, so it’s important to have a solid strategy, clear task distribution, and trust in teamwork.
And most importantly – enjoy the process, as this is one of those experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime!
