Mentoring

Frontline Magazine was launched in 2021 to amplify the voices of young creatives. Alongside providing a platform to showcase work — from creative direction, journalism, styling, photography and content creation — it was created as a space to build community, connection, and professional opportunity.

The Frontline Mentoring programme offers one-to-one mentoring for young people exploring professional careers in the creative industries, with a particular focus on music, media, and culture. Led by Patch Fennelly — founder of Frontline Magazine and an industry professional with experience across music journalism, independent publishing, media forward planning, music charity, award ceremonies and consultancy — the mentoring creates space for honest, supportive conversations about career direction, creative pathways, and how to recognise and utilise your skills.

Rooted in the ethos of Frontline, the programme prioritises people and is designed for creatives who want to understand how the industry works, where they might fit within it, and how to move forward with confidence and care.

The programme includes (but is not limited to):

• 6 one-to-one mentoring sessions 
• Space to discuss professional direction, career avenues, and skills development
• Networking with fellow mentees
• Opportunities for Q&As with other creative industry professionals

Frontline Mentoring is specifically for people aged 18–30 at the earlier stages of their careers. However, you don’t need formal experience — just curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to engage.

If you’re interested in taking part, please contact patch@flmag.co.uk with:

• Your name
• Your age
• Your creative discipline
• The area of work you’re interested in exploring
• How much experience you currently have (if any)
• Examples of your work (if possible)

 

FAQs

Who is Frontline Mentoring for?
Frontline Mentoring is for young creatives aged 18–30 who are at entry level or earlier stages of their career. It’s designed for people who are exploring professional opportunities in the creative industries — particularly music, media, and culture — and want guidance on where they fit and how to move forward.

Do I need experience to apply?
No. You don’t need formal experience, a degree, or an established portfolio. The programme is open to people with no experience as well as those who’ve done a small amount of freelance, voluntary, or self-initiated work.

What creative disciplines does the programme support?
The mentoring is particularly suited to people interested in creative industry roles, including journalism, editorial, PR and communications, creative direction, content, media planning, project coordination, and music/youth charity work. If your interest sits across multiple areas, that’s completely fine.

How does the mentoring work?
The programme consists of six one-to-one mentoring sessions, spread over six weeks. Each session lasts one hour and is shaped around your interests, questions, and goals. There may also be optional Q&As or panel discussions with other creative industry professionals.

What will we talk about in the sessions?
Sessions create space to talk honestly about professional direction, possible career avenues, and how to recognise and utilise your skills. This might include understanding how the industry works, building confidence, navigating early opportunities, or figuring out next steps when things feel unclear.

Is this a guaranteed route to work or opportunities?
No. The programme doesn’t promise jobs, placements, or representation. Instead, it aims to give you clarity, context, and practical guidance so you can pursue opportunities more confidently and sustainably.

When will the programme run?
Dates and further details will be shared directly with participants after applications have been reviewed.

I’m not sure if this is for me — should I still get in touch?
Yes. If you’re curious, uncertain, or still figuring things out, Frontline Mentoring is designed with you in mind.