As part of an ongoing series highlighting young talent in the industry, Branding in Asia introduces “One Under 30: Young Creative Spotlight”, a new feature focusing on up-and-coming individuals in the ad world.
We kick things off with Colenso BBDO copywriter, Ellen Fromm.
Ellen told us that growing up on a farm in Australia was one of her early creative inspirations, saying that, “Boredom fuelled an overactive imagination.”
The Basics
Name: Ellen Fromm
Age: 26
Agency: Colenso BBDO
Position: Copywriter
Hometown: Warwick, a small town in rural Queensland. If you’ve heard of it, it’s probably because you drove through on the way to somewhere better…
Education: Bachelor of Communications at RMIT University, Melbourne. I graduated in 2013, but they didn’t let us throw our hats in the air… So, it was kind of a waste of money.
Seven Questions
How did you get your first break in the industry?
Tough one. I don’t see it as one break, but many minor fractures. RMIT fostered industry connections, break. Being awarded second place at AWARD School in Melbourne, break. Working really, really hard through internships, back-breaking break.
What is your personal mantra?
Don’t forget to be a human.
Advertising has a sneaky tendency to become all-consuming. Sometimes you go all day without standing up. Sometimes you forget real-life and work weekends. Sometimes you get really stressed and forget to breathe. Cool. But we need to prioritize our sleep, our mental and physical health, and our happiness. We need to be human to be our best creative selves.
From what person, place or thing have you drawn your greatest creative inspiration?
Netflix.
Kidding. Growing up on a farm helped. Boredom fuelled an overactive imagination.
What do you love about the job?
I love that I’m paid to be weird. That I’m paid to dream.
I love that I have the freedom to write every day. And that I’m surrounded by so many talented people.
I also love catering on shoots. That’s the real reason I do this job.
What about your job are you not so crazy about?
Respectively pass. There’s enough negativity in the world already.
What is some work you’ve done that you’re most proud of?
“Melanoma Likes Me”. It was a really hands-on project that had a real-world impact. That’s the kind of work I want to continue to make.
Also, the film we made for Heinz. I instantly fell in love with the 3D animation process. Watching your brainchild grow from words on a page to a beautifully rendered, moving little man is incredibly cool.
I feel lucky to have a folio of work I’m proud of this early in my career. And I’m incredibly proud of the teams of people who’ve helped me bring these ideas to life.
If you had to choose another career what would it be?
Well, I wanted to be a physiotherapist throughout high school. But about a month before graduating, I realized I don’t like touching strangers.
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