Ashleigh Rich-Bowles

I joked one day I would just be a 'Creative Consultant'.
The subject of how much I did for a living came up, as it often does, I decides then I am a 'Creative Consultant'. Sure I have to explain what I do still, but for once I actually feltI sounded interesting to myself, so occasionally roll with it.

Creativity is a part of me, of everything I do. My Mum told me when I was little that 'only unintelligent people get bored', that stuck with me. I am always busy, even if it doesn't look like it from the outside. I could stare at a floor for ages & not get bored. I would make faces, shapes & languages in the patterns I saw. Creativity is seeped into my life, be it in the kitchen making up a dish, in my studio photographing a beautiful model, customising a pair of shoes, designing a new website, painting a landscape or decorating a cake.

MENTAL HEALTH
I am unusual in such a way that many people know my story but not me... I am an ambassador for the Mental Health Campaign; Act, Belong, Commit. My story narrated by myself is used in a television advert to promote the campaign; I opened up & shared in order to show others it is ok to ask for help.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Since 2010 I have been doing my own photo shoots. I started my photography as a career option by capturing live bands. Over the years my photography has advanced & evolved, it is still evolving which is what I love about all things creative.

MUSIC
Music is a big part of my life, however I am unusual in the fact that I would rather photograph or be working backstage than be in crowd. Live Music is something that can never be replaced but without the efforts from musicians, & those behind the scenes, it could be lost. The experiences I have had working in the music scene have changed my life & I am so grateful. I pride myself on being able to say I helped with the success of shows; no matter how small, my efforts & determination helped; be for a small local gig or an international show like Marilyn Manson.

TO END
If you don't know, then ask me. If you don't agree, then argue with me. If you don't like, then say it to me but don't keep silent & judge me. For I'd rather you ask 100 questions & leave knowing what I'm talking about than you asking none & assuming something that isn't true.