Spotlight on First Nations cover designer Jenna Lee
Fremantle Press is pleased to unveil our First Nations Classics series. Starting with Benang: From the Heart by Kim Scott, the Press has now added new editions of My Place by Sally Morgan and Kayang & Me by Kim Scott and Hazel Brown – all designed by First Nations artist Jenna Lee.
Jenna Lee is a mixed-race Larrakia, Wardaman and Karajarri artist and graphic designer who specialises in design for book covers, publications and exhibition identities.
Jenna said she is passionate about expanding what First Nations design can look like, creating covers that reflect the strength, diversity and complexity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories. She said, ‘Designing the covers for these new editions meant a lot to me. I grew up knowing many of these books as important stories, ones that had a place in homes and classrooms across the country. It was a real honour to reimagine them for new readers.’
With a love of storytelling and a strong connection to culture, Jenna brings care and thoughtfulness to each project.
She said, ‘My approach was to create something clean and bold – covers that would catch the eye and invite people in. At the same time, I wanted the illustrations to hold quiet details that reveal themselves slowly, rewarding those who take a closer look. The process was about balancing simplicity with depth, using visual language to reflect the richness of the stories inside. I hope the designs encourage people to pick up the books and discover something meaningful through them.’
Fremantle Press CEO Alex Allan said the First Nations Classics series formed part of Fremantle Press’s 50th anniversary celebrations. She said, ‘These books represent important West Australian stories that are as relevant to us today as they were when first published. We are excited about the potential for stories highlighting the diversity of Indigenous experience to reach new audiences.’
My Place, Benang and Kayang & Me will be followed by new editions of Under a Bilari Tree I Born by Alice Bilari Smith and When the Pelican Laughed by Alice Nannup – with covers designed by Jenna Lee – in 2026.
Fremantle Press will celebrate its 50th anniversary in April 2026.
My Place, Benang and Kayang & Me are available from all good bookstores and online.
