Creative Careers: Marketing with Ellen Hedley at Vida Creative

For students aspiring to enter the creative industry, marketing offers an exciting blend of creativity, and strategy. I had the opportunity to interview Ellen Hedley, co-founder and director of Vida Creative, a Newcastle-based digital agency, to discuss her career journey and advice for students looking to break into the field.

Founded in 2016, Vida Creative specializes in branding, website development, and organic content marketing, handling everything from social media and press releases to animation and bespoke WordPress sites. Notable clients include Soccer Aid for UNICEF and tech-orientated enterprises.

Working in marketing or at a company like Veda Creative offers students a dynamic mix of creative opportunities and organizational management experience. Whether contributing to a design team, focused on branding, or attending meetings to develop strategic plans, each day can present something new and exciting.

One of the more engaging aspects of the job, Ellen notes, is the opportunity to develop comprehensive marketing strategies with clients. “Some of our best days are when we have discovery workshops. We get the client in, ask them all about the company, and do exercises to understand their marketing needs and goals."

But the question is, when applying to a role like in Marketing, what are Creative Careers looking for when hiring?

For those looking to enter the marketing field, here are ways you can stand out:

• Gain hands-on experience through internships or personal projects.
• Build a portfolio showcasing creative work, even if it’s self-initiated.
• Be proactive—reach out to industry professionals and seek mentorship.
• Stay open-minded—marketing is a diverse field, and exploring different aspects can help students discover their strengths.

When asked about the key traits she looks for in new hires, Ellen suggested that her top priority as a employer, was enthusiasm. " If someone really wants the job and is excited to do the job then I’m interested. I think it's so underrated but if I see that you're really interested and even if you may not have the skills, you want to learn about them, then that stands out"

Communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team also appear to be crucial qualities to have. “You might have a really unique view on something, but if you're not speaking up, no one will know about it.” Ellen suggested. Project management skills, meeting deadlines, and creative problem-solving were also noted as essential attributes that help marketers thrive in the industry.

For students hoping to land a marketing role, gaining practical experience is also key. Being able to develop a portfolio and sharing this with a potential employer can help you stand out, showcasing your experience and passion for the industry, even if students haven’t had professional experience.

Have you got any last advice for students wanting to enter the industry?

"Marketing is so broad. For me it was useful doing an internship to see what it was about and learn what people actually do...you can go into anything within marketing so maybe have a think about what you want to do, try it out and don't be afraid to ask questions"

Last year, a Newcastle University student secured an internship at Veda Creative through the Newcastle Internship program and they have now been offered a permanent role as a Content and SEO Executive on the team.

Therefore, If you're interested in a career in marketing or joining a company like Veda Creative, don’t hesitate to reach out to industry professionals—people like Ellen— to ask questions and demonstrate your passion for the field!