For October’s masterclass, we took part in Royal Academy of Arts’ ‘Drop in & Draw‘, a lively life-drawing session hosted in collaboration with the inspiring 2bornot2b Collective. They are a POC-led art collective dedicated to uplifting POC and visibly marginalised bodies in art. The workshop celebrated creativity, movement, and expression, inviting participants to experiment freely while honouring diverse forms and identities.

The session featured four models, with the focus shifting between one or two at a time. We began with quick two-minute poses, each sketch demanding speed, intuition, and attention to gesture rather than perfection.

We were encouraged to rethink how we hold our tools – not in the usual tight grip, but the overhand ‘violin bow’ technique, allowing lighter, more expressive strokes. ‘Pop your head up for two seconds,’ the facilitator reminded us, ‘and really see what you’re drawing.’

Each pose came with a creative prompt to loosen our minds and hands:

• Sketch using abstract structures
• Switch to your non-dominant hand for a challenge
• Reduce the body to geometric shapes – a circle for the head, a single line for the body
• And later, think about space and depth – instead of drawing the body, try drawing the space around it

The final session brought everything together. Over 20 minutes, models entered the frame one by one, building a ‘still’ that evolved in real time – each addition shifting the composition and energy of the piece. It was described as ‘a drawing built over time,’ a living sculpture of form and connection.

We were also given the incredible opportunity to visit the Kerry James Marshall: The Histories exhibition. Marshall, known for his powerful, figurative paintings that unapologetically centre Black life, reimagines Western art traditions through a Black lens.

Spanning 45 years of work, the exhibition explores eleven distinct cycles – from portraiture and landscape to historical scenes and contemporary political commentary. His pieces chronicle moments of Black history from the Middle Passage and slave rebellions to the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, transforming the genres of Western painting in the process.

If you haven’t yet visited, the exhibition runs until 18 January next year – and if you’re 25 & under, tickets are half price! Find out more and book tickets here.

Big thank you to everyone who attended, Royal Academy of Arts for hosting and 2bornot2b Collective for the incredible creative workshop!

Have you ever wanted to know how TV ideas are born, how to craft the perfect pitch, or what really goes into making the sizzle reel that sells a show?
At our latest Creative Access Masterclass, we partnered with ITN Productions, the award-winning production company behind some of the UK’s most compelling documentaries and factual programmes. The evening gave our community a behind-the-scenes look at how it all happens. Across four sessions, ITN leaders shared their insights on development, pitching, editing, digital, and career progression – offering practical advice and candid reflections from inside the world of television.

Session 1: Development & Pitching

Led by Daniel Gilmore (Head of Development) and Olivia Evans (International Development Producer), this session explored how ideas are generated, researched, and pitched before they ever reach the screen.
From podcasts and social media to casual conversations, Olivia explained that inspiration is everywhere if you stay curious. Daniel emphasised the importance of knowing your audience: every broadcaster has different needs, and tailoring your pitch accordingly is essential. The pair also discussed dealing with rejection, having faith in your idea, and keeping your enthusiasm alive.
When asked what it really takes to build a career in development, Daniel advised: ‘Have faith in your idea, be able to deal with rejection… always be passionate and enthusiastic.”

Session 2: Editing Sizzles & Taster Tapes
Patrick Holland (Development Coordinator) guided participants through the art of the sizzle which are short taster reels that can either make or break a pitch.
“Don’t save your killer quote until the end.” – Patrick Holland
Patrick reminded us that impact needs to land early, with music, visuals, and motion playing a crucial role in grabbing attention. He also stressed the importance of proof of concept, from sourcing archive material to creating mood boards. The attendees were encouraged to always get feedback before sending a tape out.

Session 3: CV Clinic
For the third session, Zara McFadden (Talent Executive) led a practical workshop on how to craft a CV that reflects your brand and stands out in the creative industries.
“Don’t be frightened – you’re going to be changing your CV all the time. Running your CV is a job in itself.” – Zara McFadden
Zara shared advice on layout, clarity, and tailoring each CV to the role you’re applying for. She highlighted the value of including showreel links, technical skills, and well-chosen personal interests, while warning against over-padding or overlooking spelling and grammar.

Session 4: Short Form & Digital
In the final session, Rubina Pabani (Head of Short Form/Digital) explored the opportunities and challenges of making digital content.
“Rejection is always good for you.” – Rubina Pabani
Rubina encouraged attendees to focus on audiences first and see rejection as part of the creative process. She also spoke about the art of casting, the power of conversation, and the creativity that comes from starting small in the digital space.
Practical tips included design, pitching and casting – giving relationships time to develop and choosing characters who make you laugh or tell compelling stories. Rubina emphasised using available resources and learning skills independently, from colour grading to sound design. Even ideas that start from nothing can grow into impactful content, and diverse stories are more important than ever.

A huge shout out to ITN Productions and to Dan, Olivia, Patrick, Zara, and Rubina for such an inspiring evening. And thank you to everyone in the Creative Access community who joined us!

‘Creative Access co-founder JOSIE DOBRIN is to head up the board at the Association of Illustrators (AOI)‘ reports Arts Professional.

‘The Association of Illustrators (AOI) has appointed Creative Access founder Josie Dobrin as its new chair‘ reports Maia Snow at The Bookseller.

‘Edinburgh University Press and children’s publisher Lantana have been named as two of the Mo Siewcharran Fund grant recipients as the organisation published its latest impact report.’ reports The Bookseller.

‘British-African theatre company tiata fahodzi is among five organisations to receive a share of the Mo Siewcharran Fund’ reports The Stage.

‘Hachette UK staff attended its annual Changing the Story Festival on 8th September 2025, a day-long event “dedicated to reflecting on, connecting with and celebrating the business’ DEI commitment’ reports Lauren Brown at The Bookseller.

Work in Publishing Week is a time to celebrate the many paths into publishing and we break minimise barriers to entry, encouraging diverse audiences to consider a career in this exciting sector. At Creative Access, we’re committed to providing resources that empower the next generation of publishing professionals. Below, we’ve curated a selection of expert advice from recent resources, ideal for your prep stage when applying for an opportunity all the way through to taking part in an impressive interview in the publishing world.

If you’re heading into a publishing interview, understanding the tools that underpin the industry is crucial. A key takeaway from our webinar with Penguin Random House is the importance of tech proficiency, especially tools like Biblio, which streamline workflows and manage content efficiently. Demonstrating an understanding of publishing software and how it enhances the publishing process can set you apart in an interview. Watch the full webinar here.

Publishing rights play a pivotal role in protecting and distributing intellectual property. For interviewees, knowing the ins and outs of these rights—such as the difference between territorial rights and subsidiary rights—can show you have a strong grasp of industry fundamentals. As Penguin Random House UK experts point out, a solid understanding of how publishing rights impact book sales and international deals will make you a standout candidate. Read more on publishing rights here.

Thinking about a career switch? If you’re coming from another field, focus on the transferable skills you bring to publishing. Key advice from industry professionals shows that whether you’re coming from marketing, sales, or another creative industry, skills like project management, communication, and adaptability are highly valued. Be ready to articulate how these skills can be leveraged in publishing. Learn more about pivoting into publishing here.

Landing your first job in publishing requires preparation, and knowing what to expect is key. A helpful tip from our webinar with Penguin Random House is to highlight your passion for books, but also demonstrate awareness of the practical aspects of the industry. Understanding the various roles—whether editorial, marketing, or rights—will showcase your broad interest and enthusiasm for the field. Watch the webinar for more insights here.

Publishing isn’t just about writing books—it’s about telling stories in many formats. If you’re interviewing for a role outside of traditional editorial, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to storytelling through marketing, design, or digital platforms. An essential piece of advice is to showcase your creativity in how you communicate narratives, whether in print or online. This can be a great way to stand out for roles in marketing, sales, or even digital content creation. Explore storytelling careers here.

If you’re interviewing for a sales role, understanding the intersection between sales, marketing, and editorial departments is crucial. The key takeaway from this “Career in Focus” article is to show an understanding of how sales drive the success of a book. Be ready to discuss how you can effectively pitch books, build relationships with booksellers, and manage accounts to boost sales. These insights demonstrate that you understand the business side of publishing as well as the creative side. Get tips on publishing sales here.

With these insights and resources, you’ll be better equipped to ace any interview in publishing. Whether you’re transitioning from another industry or diving into publishing for the first time, these pearls of wisdom will help you confidently navigate the interview process. Explore these resources and more to continue developing your understanding of the industry and strengthen your career trajectory.

Head to our opportunities board to see live publishing roles, internships and opportunities!

In The Financial Times Working It newsletter, Isabel Berwick features world views on the UK’s new legislation on employers to put preventative measures in place. Creative Access’ CEO weighs in to warns of the risk of tick-box compliance over real cultural change

This supports Creative Access’ expert-led training on preventing workplace harassment called: ‘Fostering Respect: Tackling Sexual Harassment in the Workplace’. You can find more information about all our inclusive DE&I training here.

See the full story here: Managers’ new duty to prevent sexual harassment at work

Creative Access’ executive chair & co-founder Josie Dobrin OBE talks to The Bookseller’s Matilda Battersby about the prevailing use of the term ‘BAME’ in publishing, despite UK government research by the Race Disparity Unit finding it ‘unhelpful’. Josie discusses Creative Access’ decision to ditch the term years ago.

Creative Access partnered with world-renowned brand strategists Ogilvy UK to devise and deliver the first cohort of its Borderless Mentoring Programme, aimed at boosting retention and progression of Ogilvy UK staff from under-represented backgrounds within the company in order to impact retention, confidence and progression.

Individuals from Ogilvy UK’s enterprise resource planning groups (ERGs) were invited to apply for the mentoring programme, with individuals approached and nominated from across the business to participate in the programme. A cohort of 20 staff from historically marginalised backgrounds were nominated by leadership at Ogilvy and matched with senior level mentors from outside their sector. Partnerships began in October 2023 and ran for 6 months of virtual mentoring until April 2024. The joint aim was to use mentoring as a tool to improve mentee confidence, knowledge, optimism for career progression as well as expanding contacts & networks. 

Campaign measurement indicates 100% of surveyed mentee respondents agreed the mentoring programme had boosted their confidence, with 75% agreeing it had made them more optimistic about opportunities for career progression open to them. 72% of respondents also agreed the mentoring programme improved their knowledge and skills they need to progress their career in the creative economy. The programme wrapped with a celebration event – hosted at Ogilvy UK HQ – that brought mentees and mentors together in person to celebrate the success of the programme and provide a platform to highlight individual achievements. 

Despite 2023’s challenges, Creative Access made remarkable strides in supporting under-represented talent directly and helping organisations within the creative industries on their DE&I journey. With the writers’ strike and financial hurdles affecting 68% of film and TV workers, Creative Access stepped up to provide critical support & development opportunities across the creative economy.

• Mentoring programmes: 418 participants
• Career development support: 312 people
• Careers advice and training: 4773 individuals
• Increased confidence: 84% of individuals
• Boosted career optimism: 90% of individuals
• Enhanced knowledge and skills: 87% of individuals
• Expanded professional networks: 64% of individuals

Join us in celebrating these achievements and explore how our efforts are transforming the creative economy.

Browse and download the full Creative Access Impact Report 2023-2024 here.