Gabriella Holmes joined movie and TV manufacturing firm Chief as advertising and communications director final 12 months.
With a wealthy historical past spanning over 25 years, Chief specialises within the manufacturing of TV adverts, social content material, documentaries and music promos, offering work for manufacturers together with Paddy Energy, Footasylum, Poundland, M&S, and Hisense.
Headquartered in MediaCity with a ten,000 sq ft pictures and movie studio, a boutique post-production facility and a manufacturing workplace, the corporate additionally operates on a worldwide scale, filming on location the world over.
Previous to her position at Chief, Holmes held the place of selling supervisor at Uniform Group, a household of inventive businesses in Liverpool.
Right here, she shares an perception into her profession, ideas and recommendation.
How did you first get into your trade?
I started my journey in advertising by way of Agent Academy, a superb social enterprise devoted to inspiring and motivating aspiring expertise to pursue careers in rising fields. The programme launched me to inventive firms within the North West. Throughout this time, I had the chance to go to a Liverpool-based inventive company referred to as Uniform, the place I used to be provided a place as a digital advertising intern.
This invaluable expertise supplied me with insights into inventive firms and allowed me to discover numerous roles inside the trade. Previous to venturing into advertising, I had returned to Liverpool after a 12 months of travelling, was working in pensions, and co-running a sustainable meals CIC facet hustle.
What do you like about your job?
I like being a part of a sector the place creativeness and concepts maintain vital worth. I thrive in an setting that celebrates and admires creativity and exploration, the place standing out and embracing uniqueness is rewarded. The facility of content material to evoke emotion, foster connection, affect and encourage is actually fascinating to me. Movie is such a robust medium and I really feel grateful each day that I get to work inside this trade.
My job isn’t confined to a 9-5 workplace setting. I’m chargeable for selling the distinctive work produced by Chief and showcasing the gifted groups behind every venture. I discover nice pleasure in assembly new individuals and potential shoppers, visiting movie shoots to seize behind-the-scenes footage, and even working from residence with a cup of tea and candles lit whereas writing press releases, information articles or award entries. The range and suppleness in my days preserve me impressed and remind me of my real ardour for working within the manufacturing sector.
Who – or what – has impressed you in your profession?
All through my profession, I’ve been lucky to have unimaginable mentors who’ve supplied steering and inspiration. Having somebody to debate concepts, challenges, and alternatives with—a trusted exterior sounding board—has been invaluable. Through the years, my mentors have validated my emotions and provided contemporary views. Sue Benson, a superb feminine chief whom I vastly admire has mentored me for a number of years now. She pushes me by asking powerful questions, encouraging me to do the work required to seek out options and make plans for the longer term.
My dad and mom additionally encourage me vastly. They’re my largest cheerleaders, at all times encouraging me to work laborious, recognise my value, and be type.
I additionally draw inspiration from observing the world round me. I possess a pure curiosity and empathy, which proves to be immensely useful in an trade centred round individuals.
What are the largest challenges about your job?
One of many vital challenges in my job is the perceived worth of selling. Generally it’s undervalued or misunderstood, which will be irritating. However, I’ve constantly advocated for the significance of the advertising perform in all of my roles. At present, there’s intense competitors in securing new enterprise, as budgets have tightened and extra work is stored in-house. At Chief, we not solely compete with bigger London-based firms, but additionally with newer, smaller manufacturing firms for initiatives. Personally, I discover that staying optimistic and chronic can typically be difficult, particularly with regards to new enterprise work.
What expertise have been essentially the most essential to you succeeding in your profession thus far?
Curiosity, consistency, persistence and being good (the latter being very underrated for my part!)
What was your first wage and what may somebody entering into the trade anticipate to earn these days?
Once I started as a digital advertising intern, my beginning wage was £14k p/a. I imagine somebody coming into the trade can anticipate to earn round £18 to £20k p/a now.
What training or coaching can be most helpful for somebody seeking to comply with your profession path?
My profession path has not adopted a traditional route. I don’t imagine there’s a “regular” strategy to enter a profession in at this time’s world. I didn’t research advertising initially; as a substitute, I studied English Literature and Theology research on the College of Leeds. Nevertheless, I discover that these topics nonetheless proved related – I’ve at all times been keen on understanding individuals’s ideas, beliefs and actions, in addition to storytelling.
I’m a robust advocate for self-teaching and recognise the worth of studying on the job and from others. Nevertheless, my CIM qualification has been helpful in increasing my conventional advertising data. I extremely suggest attending Advertising and marketing Meetup occasions, each in-person and on-line, as they supply priceless networking alternatives and an opportunity to be taught from trade consultants. Studying advertising books can be useful in gaining new views, though more often than not I’d fairly learn a non-work associated guide!
What recommendation would you could have for somebody seeking to comply with your path?
Perceive your worth and goal. Recognise your distinctive strengths and align them along with your skilled aspirations.
Search out a mentor. Having a mentor can present steering, help and a distinct perspective. Take a look at Kerning the Hole for mentorship alternatives!
Should you’re not completely happy in your present position, don’t be afraid to maneuver on. Your profession ought to convey you fulfilment and satisfaction. Take the required steps to discover a place that aligns along with your targets and values.
Make an apology fairly than permission. Embrace autonomy and take possession of your work. Be proactive and belief your instincts.
Everybody’s profession path is exclusive, and there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. Keep open to studying, embrace new alternatives, and stay resilient within the face of challenges. And naturally…personal your weirdness!
