From Account Manager to Copywriter: Being A Suit is Ellysia Burton’s “Secret Weapon”

Ellysia Burton didn’t follow the traditional path to becoming a copywriter – and that’s exactly what makes her the perfect fit in a creative department.

Since scoring the only Radio Best in Brief at AWARD School in 2023 for her ‘Red Cross’ script, the 303 MullenLowe copywriter has proven that her account management background is her greatest strength.

“Being a suit became my secret weapon,” she says. “It taught me how to dive deep into briefs, ask the right questions, and create work that truly resonates.”

Ellysia’s career is a testament to the power of curiosity and tenacity. Starting in account services, she built relationships with clients and managed projects across departments.

Though she enjoyed the role, the itch to create became too strong to ignore.

“I’ve always loved writing; I considered journalism but really wanted something more on the creative side,” she explains.

This drive led her to AWARD School, where her ‘Red Cross’ script earned her the only Radio Best in Brief – a significant achievement that marked a turning point in her career.

“I lost count of how many scripts I wrote, but it was worth the effort,” she recalls. “I wanted a unique way in, and in the end, it helped me believe in my own work.”

Ellysia also spent time in her early career as a studio manager, looking after teams and resourcing, and as an agency producer, overseeing productions and shoots.

Her experience in account management and production has since become a cornerstone of her creative process.

“Meeting so many different people from different businesses and industries has given me a base of knowledge that I pull from now as a creative,” she says.

This unique perspective has allowed her to tackle projects for well-known brands such as Lotterywest, Minderoo Foundation, and P&N Bank with confidence and creativity.

“I like to dive in headfirst with new challenges and learn on my feet,” she says. “This attitude is what gets me through the learning curves.”

She is also committed to making the industry more inclusive. Ellysia led the development of DE&I initiatives at her previous agency and now works with Shift 20, an initiative focused on increasing representations of disabilities in advertising.

“Given our world is so diverse, representation in our advertising and communications needs to reflect the communities we live in,” she says.

Her passion for mentorship is equally strong. Through her work with Curtin Women in Business and independent mentoring, she aims to support the next generation of creatives.

“People gave me a chance to get started in my career, so I’d like to give others a chance and continue that cycle,” she explains.

“I’d like to welcome people who don’t know how to crack into the industry because I didn’t know how to at the beginning either.”

For those considering an unconventional path into the industry, Ellysia offers straightforward advice.

“Take every opportunity that presents itself -- that’s how the doors keep opening,” she says. “Be curious, open-minded, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Being yourself is your greatest asset, especially as a creative.”