Penguin Random House has launched its General Portfolio Sessions for underrepresented creatives in publishing. The sessions offer aspiring designers and illustrators remote mentoring from two Penguin General Designers.
The sessions will provide creatives with helpful advice, from feedback on a portfolio to creative roles in publishing and information on how to get a commission as an illustrator. The sessions are said to be a great opportunity to “gain insight into publishing and advice on the next steps in your career”.
Applicants must be aged 18 or over, resident in the UK or Ireland, from a background under-represented in the publishing industry, have a disability or chronic illness, be neurodivergent, be working class or come from a socio-economically disadvantaged background.
Penguin has stated that no formal training or experience in the industry is required, but that they are looking 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 cover design, which they were happy to answer in detail. I felt more positive about my future career afterwards as I felt like the advice I received helped me figure out what I needed to do to improve my portfolio.
“Then a few weeks later I was asked by Charlotte to design the penguin Christmas card. That was so exciting and unexpected because without the portfolio meeting it would never have happened. In terms of process, the brief was quite open so I wanted to try out a range of ideas – which I think was encouraged.
“It has been a real dream of mine to work with Penguin since I was young and I am so grateful to have been able to do it this year!”
Laina now works as a marketing assistant at Profile Books and several other candidates have secured paid freelance work at Penguin, as well as internships and full-time positions elsewhere.
Applications open since August 23. Click here to learn more and apply.
