I’m a copywriter.

I don’t think I knew what I wanted to be when I was a child, but what came natural was inventing, creating, and ideating. I was given permission to dream, wildly.

My journey to becoming a freelance writer was rooted in a diabolical undermining of the creative itself. It only took a few bad creative directors and a few rude clients for me to realize I wanted the power to decide who I worked with, and what I worked on.

When I first started freelancing, I took work through Creative Circle and The Creative Group. But after word got out that I was freelancing, a number of my colleagues sent work my way. I also pitched myself to small businesses I thought I could help.

Don’t feel bad saying no. When you start freelancing, it can feel desperate at times. Like you need to take every project that comes your way. But there will always be more work. I promise.

Good question. I had a hard time with this when I first started working from home. And I realized I can’t work from the couch. I have to sit upright in a desk, at a coffee shop, at the kitchen table. I also wake up at 5am to workout, which really sets the tone for a productive day.

Right now, I’m working with some small local businesses on website content, social strategy, and marketing. I’m also working with some small fashion labels on branding and seasonal product copy. And I have some bigger retailers asking for more quick-turn production on highly segmented display campaigns.

My dream project probably doesn’t have a deadline, haha! I love branding, brainstorming, conceptualizing. Working with clients that let me dream big on their behalf. I’d probably have the most fun with something in the consumer VR space.

You finally have the power to choose. So choose wisely. Be very strategic about how much time you choose to work, who you’re working for, and what you’re working on. But never forget, you can choose. To say no, to say yes, to say when. Freedom to choose will be the greatest gift, and heaviest burden of freelancing.

The biggest struggle I have freelancing is when things get slow. When things get slow, I get desperate. I overcommit, overpromise, find myself taking on clients I wouldn’t normally, and I have to recognize when I’m doing these things because it never ends well.

A lot of what I listen to, read, and watch challenges me, but I wouldn’t say it necessarily inspires. What inspires me is talking to other creatives. I love going out one on one, talking about our dreams, our ambitions, ideas we have. Nothing gets me more fired up than that.

My favorite piece of clothing at the moment is a new leopard faux fur coat I bought from a boutique in my hometown. It’s an easy way to dress up and still feel cozy.

I loathe structure, but I thrive in it. Doesn’t make sense to me.

I would love to hear from my dear friend Kenny Paddock.

I have a portfolio, but out of the respect of my clients, it’s private. If you’d like to see some of my work, feel free to email me at darrahchristel@gmail.com.