Young Gun profiles takes a look at the young talent across the Australian advertising, adtech, marketing and media sector. Aiming to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Mitchell Coughlin, account manager at Town Square
Time in current role/time at the company:
I’ve been working at Town Square for just over three years now and have been working as an account manager for almost two years.
How long have you been in the industry?
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
In a strange turn of events via a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend type situation, I featured in a TVC produced by Town Square when I was at uni. After I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Business with no clear direction on where I was headed, I saw Town Square was hiring and reached out with only the credentials that I was ex-talent. They decided to hire me. I realised I’d actually fallen into something I loved. And three years later, here we are.
Who is your right hand person/who guides you day to day?
It’s tough to answer that with one specific person. I wouldn’t say I have one go-to, as much as many people to lean on at different times. I think one of the most important skills in this job is knowing who to pull into the room, at what time. Who will be able to help with a client issue and who else can step in with a tech issue? Who to speak to when you can’t make sense of a project scope and who will help you make sense of your horoscope (usually a copywriter).
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
100% the people.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
A creative director once said to me that advertising is the most perfect blend of art and commerce. Something only an ad person would say, but I don’t think he was far off. At the end of the day, our job is to make people feel something and then do something (ideally on budget), which I think is also the goal of any great film.
The fact that the brand or product is barely mentioned but sticks with you long after the ad break. The creation of a feeling, rather than a list of product features. The crazy idea that no one knew would even work until it was time to shoot. The bravery (of agency and client) to go for it anyway. The mesmerising beauty of a water balloon exploding in some guy’s face. And the soundtrack, 'To Build a Home' by The Cinematic Orchestra. Who knew carbonated water could bring a tear to the eye.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
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