Gatecrashing

Insider tips to break into creative careers—without the gatekeeping. Plus: our next mentoring sessions.

🚪 Welcome to GATECRASHING! 🚀

We’re launching a new series in our newsletter.

We’re launching a new series in our newsletter, bringing you honest insights and real strategies, connection to industry mentors and tips on how to advance your creative career.

🔥 No fluff, no jargon—just practical advice from pros who’ve been there.

Speaking of connecting 🔗 are you on LinkedIn?

This week’s edition:

✨ Cassi Young – Before moving to Singapore at her role of Global Fine Art Director, Cassi was a Senior Specialist, Head of Sales in the Post-War & Contemporary Art department at Bonhams. Before joining Bonhams, Cassi worked in the Post-War & Contemporary Art department at Christie's, London and also gained experience at Deutscher and Hackett, Sydney. Listen to our interview with Cassi here.

✨ Laura García – A Mexican multimedia storyteller based in London with a wide range of television and online experience. Currently she's part of the BBC World Service as a social media specialist helping teams launch and grow their vertical video strategy. She is a mentor for WINN Latam and the Refugee Journalism Project.

✨ Petra van den Houten – An independent arts & culture consultant, creative producer and founder of The Art PA, has over 25 years of experience in the art world. A former Associate Director of Christie’s and Deputy Director of Sotheby’s, Petra has worked extensively with emerging artists, commercial galleries, not-for-profit art organisations including Liverpool Biennial and Manchester Art Gallery, art collectors, and philanthropists in Europe, USA and the Middle East.

💬 Hear directly from them on our next Speed Mentoring Sessions

🔹 How did you get started in your career?
Laura: I started as a newspaper photographer in Mexico, but I’ve done everything—reading online bingo, babysitting, wedding photography, and even being a personal assistant!
Petra: I started in hospitality and PR before studying art history. Following that I joined Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
Cassi: After years of studying, I interned and volunteered a lot. That allowed me to step forward when an opportunity came up.

🔹 Top tips for getting a promotion?
Petra: Be kind, be helpful, be reliable—don’t throw colleagues under the bus.
Cassi: Let your manager know you’re aiming for a promotion. Show them you’re ready by taking initiative.
Laura: Career growth isn’t always vertical—it can be zigzaggy. Not all promotions come with a title change, so focus on what truly matters to you at work.

💬 If you could start over, what’s one thing you’d do differently?
Laura: I’d ask for more help.
Petra: Worry less about career progression and focus on what I enjoy. It’s lonely at the top, and you don’t get to do much of the fun stuff anymore.
Cassi: I’d take more calculated risks.

🔹 Best networking tip?
Laura: Take a buddy! Networking can be awkward, so bring someone to take turns introducing each other.
Cassi: Say hi—even if you’ve only met someone once or feel shy. Passionate people love meeting other passionate people.
Petra: Genuinely listen. Don’t just talk about yourself, no matter how much you want people to notice you. If you listen, you might actually learn how best to help them

PS : there are grants to support travel and accommodation costs for curators working at regional museums from across the UK to visit London Gallery Weekend, 6 – 8 June 2025.

💬 How do you talk about your work?
Laura: I focus on making journalism more human—telling stories that connect with underserved audiences.
Petra: I enjoy wearing different hats, and my skill set is easily transferable. I usually say that I connect people and culture in a meaningful way,
Cassi: I just share what I do and let my passion speak for itself.

🔹When you're hiring, what do you look for?
Laura: My pet peeve is gap in the CV (unless there's legit health or personal reasons)- doesn't matter if that gap is filled with something unrelated to your industry. All jobs teach you transferable skills. The bigger question is why is there a gap?
Cassi: Aside from the criteria listed, I’m looking for someone who stands out. It’s also about the right fit not only for the company but also for the applicant. My pet peeve is someone who hasn’t done their research on the company they’re interviewing at.
Petra: Hospitality or sales experience. And please—write and talk like a human!

Want to connect?
📍 Laura: lauragrb.com
📍 Petra: Find me on LinkedIn and IG
📍 Cassi: Find me on LinkedIn

💡 Want more tailored support? We offer 1:1 coaching to help you launch or grow your creative career, build a networking strategy, or refine your content and pitch. —