Penguin Random House launches mentoring scheme for under-represented creatives in publishing

Penguin Random House has launched its Penguin General Portfolio Sessions, for under-represented creatives in publishing. The sessions will offer aspiring designers and illustrators a remote mentoring session with two Penguin General designers.

The sessions will offer creatives any helpful advice from feedback on a portfolio, learning about the creative roles within publishing or finding out how to get commissioned as an illustrator. The sessions aim to provide a great opportunity to “get some insight into publishing and advice on next career steps”.

Those wishing to apply must be aged 18+, based in the UK or Ireland, from a background under-represented in publishing; disabled or have a long-term condition; neurodivergent; working-class or from a lower socio-economic background.

Penguin has said no formal education or experience in the industry is necessary, but they’ll be looking out for candidates who show potential in conceptual thinking, typography, illustrative flair and/or composition.

One of last year’s candidates, Laina Deene, said: “I found the portfolio review with Charlotte and Josie extremely helpful! I was able to talk through my portfolio with them and ask specific questions about things in cover design, which they gladly answered in detail. I felt more positive afterwards about my future career as I felt that I could map out what I needed to do to improve my portfolio from the advice.

“A few weeks later, I was then asked by Charlotte to create the Penguin Christmas card. This was so exciting and unexpected as it would have never happened without the portfolio review. In terms of process, the brief was quite open so I wanted to try a range of ideas – which I feel was encouraged.

“Working with Penguin has genuinely been a dream of mine since I was a teenager, and I feel so grateful to have been able to do it this year!”

Laina now works as a marketing assistant at Profile Books, and various other candidates have received paid freelance work from Penguin, internships and full-time positions elsewhere.

Applications opened on 23rd August. To find out more and apply click here.