Creative Sprint NYC: First Concepts x Johannes Leonardo
First Concepts
Your chance to pitch your ideas to some of advertising’s biggest names. Join First Concepts and Johannes Leonardo in NYC for a 90-minute creative competition, judged by Steve Jobs’ former creative partner and leading agency creatives.
What if you had 90 minutes to show some of advertising’s biggest names what you’re capable of?
On November 5th, First Concepts and Johannes Leonardo are bringing 40 emerging creatives together in New York for the first US edition of Creative Sprint.
One real brand brief. 90 minutes to develop an idea using First Concepts. Then pitch your thinking to a judging panel that’s shaped some of the world’s most iconic creative work.
Meet your judges:
James Vincent, Founder & CEO of FNDR. Co-founder of Apple’s TBWA\Media Arts Lab, where he worked alongside Steve Jobs for 11 years on launches including the iPod and iPhone. He’s since advised the founders of Airbnb, Snap and Glossier.
Jonathan Santana, Chief Creative Officer of Johannes Leonardo. Cannes Grand Prix winner, formerly of Mother, with 25 years creating work for brands including Volkswagen, Stella Artois and Guinness.
Maggie Winters, Co-founder & CCO of THIS JANUARY. Independent agency founder whose work spans Nike, Lufthansa and American Airlines, and a Washington Business Journal 40 Under 40 honouree.
What’s in it for you?
The winner takes home $500, a one-to-one portfolio review with Johannes Leonardo’s CCO and the opportunity to explore taking their idea further with our brand partner.
And this isn’t just about winning.
Previous Creative Sprints have seen creatives go from pitching an idea in a room to working with brands like Granola and Zapp to bring their thinking into the real world.
Who should apply?
Art directors, copywriters, designers, strategists, students, freelancers, and anyone early in their creative career who wants to get their thinking seen.
You don’t need an impressive CV. You don’t need to work at a big agency. We want to see what you can do with a brief.
The details
Thursday 5 November 2026 | 6–9pm
Johannes Leonardo, 115 Broadway, New York City
40 places available.
Your portfolio tells people what you’ve done. This is a chance to show them how you think.
Apply now to be in the room.
How to Apply
Apply to join the Creative Sprint here: https://luma.com/qtaumm0n
Only 40 places available. Applications are open now, with selected creatives receiving confirmation and event details ahead of November 5th.
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].