Life & Work with Ashley Von Helsing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Von Helsing. 

Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my career very early as a traditional painter, gradually leading me towards experimenting with anything and everything visual from photography to small-scale set-making, to overall world-building within 2D imagery. Originally from a tiny town in New England, I felt myself longing to escape the stigmas of being overly creative in my slow sleepy home state, so I devised a plan to leave and eventually landed in Los Angeles. I currently work with brands, musicians, and fellow creatives to breathe life into their companies and visions. In general, most of my moves in life have been on a whim with no real plan, but more an underlying idea that any risk will result in a reward whether it’s an achievement, a lesson from failure, or a pivot in the overall goal. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a bumpy little road to say the least. Mentally I was always trying to escape my hometown when I was younger, which led to my art being entirely based on creating new worlds, ironically. When I finally moved to the West Coast it was a brief relief but an instant “oh shite” I need to make moves to make this worth it. In reality, everyone has ups and downs, and as artists we are hyper-emotional because we are ultimately releasing our raw feelings into the world visually on the regular. That takes a toll whether you are on top of the world or at rock bottom. It wasn’t until I moved to LA specifically that it really tested me. It’s a content city. Everyone is a brand, and everyone is a vending machine of images, visuals, and stimulus. It made me realize how quickly people digest art, and though a hard pill to swallow, it made me realize that the integrity of my own vision is worth more that the viral factor everyone cares about. What it does regardless, is burns artists out trying to stay relevant. But I’d say to answer your question fully, I’ve been on the verge of quitting, on the verge of creating 4 more businesses, on the verge of not being able to pay rent, and on the verge of changing my entire trajectory within the span of 4 years. Smooth roads aren’t real, most people just hide the bumps with a filter and witty caption. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most known for my very dark atmospheric photography work. I’ve been drawn to dark visuals since I was pretty young, so being known for it and hired for it is truly a blessing. I specialize in portraiture and editorial work with a distinct cinematic lighting technique. Sounds so sterile when I say it like that but think a dark rainbow of jewel tones wrapping a face or body in a bizarre location, and that’s essentially my work. By day I am a designer in tequila and mezcal, and then I’ve recently ventured into interior design for private clients, so I guess you could say I don’t sleep. Lately, I’m most proud of my interior work, partly because I see a home as a sanctuary, so when people invite me to design that aspect of their lives, I get the greatest sense of accomplishment. Shooting will always be a powerful tool of mine as well. The power of knowing I make people feel beautiful behind my lens is a gift. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Never let anyone steal your power or your voice. A boss, a significant other, a client, a friend, whoever it is, stand in your ability to be a force. I’ve had too many people try to dull my flame because of their own insecurity, and it’s the ability to exit a situation and know what you deserve that will get you through this weird world we live in. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Ashleyvonhelsing.com
• Instagram: Ashleyvonhlesing

Image Credits
Jane Doe Latex
Lorysun Artistry