Koto launches accessible learning hub for emerging talent

Global design studio Koto has launched a new learning hub to bridge the gap between design businesses and prospective talent.

We're all too aware of the barriers to entry into the creative industries, and despite many working towards more inclusive hiring processes and doing educational outreach, it can still feel impenetrable. Whether it's financial, geographical, or simply a lack of understanding of what a creative career actually involves, there seems to be a lack of accessible resources out there to help people.

This was Koto's motivation for setting up Seasoned, a site that provides practical, insider knowledge to help future designers, strategists, and copywriters succeed. At its core, it's a collection of engaging e-books with essential tools for mastering brand creation.

"While we're not tackling all obstacles, we wanted to create something that could help, in a fun, engaging way, to demystify branding and make creative careers and the industry more transparent," says Koto creative director Sam Howard.

Seasoned was designed with students, emerging creatives, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in mind – basically anyone who might be trying to access the creative industry but has no clear route in. The hope is that, through clear, actionable advice in a freely accessible format, Seasoned will help break down financial and geographic barriers, in turn adding to the richness and diversity of the creative workforce.

Of course, there are other initiatives working towards a similar goal, which Koto took inspiration from. However, Howard notes that they often focus on "elite programs or require significant commitment, which can feel intimidating and exclusive".

On the contrary, Seasoned is designed to be an approachable, noncommittal resource hub that is free and accessible to anyone seeking guidance on breaking into the industry. Users should come away from it with a clearer understanding of branding and how to succeed within it.

"Building Seasoned was a challenge, especially within a busy studio environment where client work often takes priority," says Howard. "However, the team's shared passion for this initiative drove it forward, and we overcame the time constraints through collaboration, dedication, and a collective belief in the project's potential."

He describes the project as "a true team effort, fuelled by the desire to create something meaningful and share our gained knowledge." Koto plans to expand the platform, making it even more practical, with portfolio reviews as a potential future offering.