Ever wonder what our team members did before joining Uncanny Content? What the hardest part of our job is and why we love to do what we do? In this blog post and those to come, we’re introducing some of the excellent people who make up the Uncanny Content team!
If I (Jess) had to describe Ashton in three words after getting to know her at our retreat in Nashville, it would be: expressive, candid, and artistic. Three words isn’t enough, however, so read on below to learn more about Ashton, Head Swiftie and Lead Copywriter at Uncanny Content!
State your full name, for the record:
Ashton Nichole Hoot
Where do you live?
Dallas, TX, but soon to be Barcelona, Spain 😉
A note from Jess: Ashton was nervous to include Barcelona in her answer because it’s not “official” yet. We’re pretty sure it’s happening in September, but send her some good vibes, please!
Who do you live with?
I have a roommate — we’ve been friends since high school and she also has a dog (a German Shepherd!)
Don’t forget pets:
Meet Roxanne! She’s a Boxer/American Bulldog mix that always gets mistaken for a pit. Seventy-five pounds of crazy. She likes to cuddle, chew on ice, and chase the rabbits in the yard.
A note from Jess: Ashton shared photos and videos of Roxanne at the Uncanny Content team retreat and can confirm, she is freaking adorable.
What did you do before working with Uncanny?
I was a full-time freelancer, working on copy and web design. I actually got introduced to Uncanny through Erin on our ops team because we used to work together! I worked as a freelancer for like, six months, then Latasha asked me if I wanted to work part-time.
I was basically already putting in the hours, so I said yes! Then the opportunity came along to be a full-time lead, and it just happened at the right place/time. I’ve been doing that since August 2022, so I think as of now, I’ve been with UC for a little over a year and a half!
What’s your favorite movie? (Latasha let us pick two only)
The Dirt, a biopic of Mötley Crüe. This is my niche obsession, and it’s only about this band, not other 80s rock bands lol. Please don’t ask me why, because I don’t know either.
But the movie…the acting is pretty good, the depiction is accurate (the movie is actually based on the biography the band wrote together in 2002, AND they helped produce the movie), and the music is good. What’s not to like?
Also any rom-com from before 2010, or anything with Matthew McConaughey.
A note from Jess: Jumping in to say that rom-coms from late 90s to 2010s were top tier, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is one of the best.
What’s your favorite book?
Why are you making me choose? Lol I was an English major in college so this is tough. But, if I had to pick one, I would say The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
I know this is a pretty basic answer, but when you actually dig into the book, it has a lot of fascinating things to say about American culture that can still be said today. A lot of his books are that way, so I would even say he’s one of my favorite authors. Plus, when you lace a deep story with the glam of Art Deco and the mystique of the 1920s, it makes for a good story.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
I would love to see the Amalfi Coast in Italy!
Who was your first crush? How did that end for you?
I don’t want to talk about it…
Jk. I don’t remember, but my first boyfriend was at the age of 5. Legit. My mom has pics of us at each other’s birthday parties. I guess it worked out pretty well for me.
What’s your favorite part about your work with Uncanny?
The creative freedom! The projects are fun and interesting, and ideas are always welcome. I have grown a lot in my profession since working here.
What do you wish more people knew about the work you do?
There’s actually a lot of thinking involved LOL. And creative burnout is a real thing. I don’t think people really understand the gears that have to turn for creative ideas to be produced, plus all the backend work that goes into it too (like the strategy that happens before you even create anything).
Yes, our jobs are fun. But also, it takes a lot of brain power too. Creatives are allowed to be tired, okay?
What’s the hardest part of the work you do?
If something gets changed at the last minute. It usually creates gaps and mistakes. And I like to feel like I have enough room to fully flesh out the work, so if something gets flipped on its head in the middle of the project, that can feel stressful.
But part of working with an agency means rolling with the punches, so it’s not THAT bad honestly.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I like naps. I also teach ESL to Spanish speakers at my church on the weekends, which is super fun and rewarding!
When it’s not winter (which I hate), I spend a lot of time outside, doing whatever — kayaking, tennis, walking, laying out by the pool. I love the sunshine!
A note from Jess: It was MUCH colder in Nashville than we expected during our retreat, and we were all very concerned that our Texans, Ashton and Erin, were staying warm enough. And okay, we did poke a little fun at them from time to time.
What’s one goal you have for yourself in the next year (not related to work)?
Well, I’m in the process of trying to move to Spain so my goal would be for that to go well.
Do you have any secret talents or fun party tricks? (You will be asked to do these at a future team retreat.)
I can speak 4 languages — English, Spanish, and a little bit of Italian and German (using “speak” loosely for those last two lol, I’m not super proficient).
You can follow Ashton on Instagram at @ashtonwestdesignco! Keep an eye out for her on Uncanny’s Instagram @uncannycontent, too!
