Lady Pink Creative has started a new Featured Artist series on young people creating waves in the creative industries. Our second interview is with Ash De La Plaza, a Collarts Entertainment Management graduate who is ready to take on the Melbourne music management industry.
At just 20 years of age, Ash has previously worked for the Falls Music & Arts Festival, Crown Melbourne and Konkrete Agency & Touring. She is now taking the next step in her career at 123 Agency, Melbourne.
We took the time to interview Ash on what being creative means to her. What advice she'd like to give to other young people looking to break into the music industry and what her hopes are for the future.
LPC: What was the defining moment in your life where you went ‘yep, this is it! This is what I want to do'?
AP: When I was in year 9 I was appointed middle school captain, which allowed me to start working on events and fundraisers. At that point I realised that music and business were my passions and by combining them, I had found what I loved.
LPC: What can’t you live without?
AP: My phone & chocolate
LPC: What’s your dream job?
AP: I have about 50 dream jobs but ultimately, I would like to own my own business.
LPC: Favourite time of the day
AP: When I get my emails to 0
LPC: Favourite time of the year
AP: Between November and February
LPC: How would you define work/life balance?
AP: Being able to switch off and remember that work isn’t everything. However you manage this, this is what I would call having the balance as having the balance allows you to see more then just work. This is something I am learning to do at the moment and told myself this year I would be more conscious of having that balance. It’s taking me a while to find but I think I’m getting there.
LPC: When things don’t go 100%, what gets you through?
AP: Knowing I gave it a shot and there is always another opportunity on its way.
LPC: Who are your mentors and what have you learnt from them?
AP: Lisa Christensen – this lady inspired me when I was 13 to do what I loved. She showed me the ropes, offered me all the opportunities under the sun and always tried her hardest to give me opportunities to learn. I will be forever thankful for the 3 years I got to work with Lisa, without her I would not be where I am today.
Emma Storey – this chick is an absolute legend. She offered me my first full time, corporate job and has always been there to support and guide me even when I wasn’t working for her full time. She is the strongest woman with the biggest drive and the hardest work ethic. She might be short but she’s such a gun at her job. I couldn’t have asked for a better boss, mentor and friend.
Gene Shill – from the moment I stepped through the doors at uni and met this guy I had this overwhelming feeling of comfort. He instantly felt like an older brother, so much knowledge yet so much youth. I have known Gene for 4 years now and no matter what, he is always there to help me work out options, suggest new paths and always makes me question what I am doing, why I am doing it, what I can do to become better at what I do.
Tim Dalton – if you don’t know who this man is, you should. Tim’s dedication to the industry, his passion, charisma and knack for making you fully engaged in everything he says to you is so incredibly fascinating.
LPC: What advice would you give to a young creative entrepreneur?
AP: Have a plan. Without a plan you wont be going anywhere.
LPC: What are the essential characteristics to make it in the Creative Industries?
AP:
Passion
Drive
A passion for organisation and planning
Love for computers & technology
Business skills
Ability to sell
Persistence
Hard skin
Knowledge
LPC: Best advice or quote that you live your life by?
AP: Everything happens for a reason.
LPC: If your work is what you love, what are your hobbies?
AP: Travelling and dining in new places (I love food!)
LPC: What does your workspace look like?
AP: A white desk with a computer screen, speakers, paperwork everywhere, stickynotes everywhere, my water bottle, sunnies and my iphone cable connected to my computer.
LPC: What do you love the most about your career?
AP: Working with so many talented people!
LPC: What is your (or your businesses’) mission statement?
AP: " Everything happens for a reason" and "Surround yourself with people who get it"
LPC: What is the best decision you’ve ever made?
AP: Moving out of home. It gave me such a clear view of the world and what I wanted out of life.
LPC: If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?
AP: I wouldn’t change a thing.
LPC: What creative values would you instil in your future children?
AP: Creativity is healthy. Without creativity, live would be so dull. If they have a passion for something, whatever that is, as long as it’s healthy for them then I will support them 100% of the way.
LPC: What does a typical day in your life look like?
AP: My days are always different. No such thing as typical in this industry haha!
My life till now…
Ash's little work history:
2009 Cairns Tanks Events Crew
Moved to St Andrews Catholic College
Started my Cert 3 in Media
Stated as an iMap Volunteer
2010 State of Origin Fundraiser Co-ordinator
Relay for Life Team LeadeR
Great Pyramid Race Stage Manager
2011 MOFO Pre-Roots Gig – Production Crew
Amazing Race & Sundown – Event Crew
T3 Entertainment – Event Crew
Changing Lanes – Production Crew & Stage Manager
Fiesta Cairns – Production Crew & Stage Manager
Careers Conference – Assistant Co-ordinator
Finished my Cert 3 in Media
Finished Year 12
2012 Started my BA in Creative Industries Management - Music Business at The Australian College of the Arts
COLLABORATION – Finance & Ticketing Manager
Parklife Festival – Art Department Local Crew
2013 Future Music Festival – Ticketing & Accreditation Assistant
Toy To The World – Event Crew
Crown Melbourne – Started as a Stage Manager
Media Creatures – Associate Director
Falls Music & Arts Festival - Assistant Production Coordinator
Crown Melbourne – Started as a the Entertainment Assistant
Finished my BA in Creative Industries Management - Music Business at The Australian College of the Arts
Graduated with the Academic Excellence Award for Creative Industries Management
2014 Left my position at Crown Melbourne as the Entertainment Assistant for the Entertainment Department and got a new job at Konkrete Agency as their Accounts Manager
Continued to Stage Manage at Crown Melbourne
Started working for 123 Agency Melbourne.
Connect with Ash via LinkedIn: /ashleydelaplaza
