Alyssa Rae Natoci
Q What do you do?
“I’m a writer in every sense of the word.”
Not only am I a poet and a novelist, I write copy for brands, too. This is the fun part: taking a brand’s core identity, mission and message, and sharing its stories with concise and approachable copy. Before I pursued my Master’s in Creative Writing & Literature, I had a career in fashion as a stylist and studio manager. I learned to love the ins and outs of marketing. I find it fascinating. I truly found my calling creating written marketing assets for companies of all shapes, sizes and industries-- from fashion to wellness to food & wine to art and interiors, I’ve written for them all. The most exciting projects are the ones in which I get to utilize my skills as a trained creative writer. I have written poems describing the tasting notes of wines; poems about the sensation of sipping tea; short stories about the ritual of taking an herbal tincture every morning… I love being able to provide my extended knowledge and writing experience to my clients.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I have always been a writer, and I have always been writing for the people I’ve worked with and for the businesses in my community. I’m fortunate to have been recognized as a writer early in my life. It hasn’t been so much about “taking steps” as it has been about making myself available to those around me who need a writer. That being said, I went to the University of Michigan and studied English, Art History, and Communications. I also have a BFA from Kendall College of Art & Design in Fashion Studies & Art History (where I learned so much about marketing). Furthermore, I’m earning my MFA in Creative Writing & Literature from Bennington College. I have worked as a freelance copywriter for 6 years now, working for small agencies, large companies, startups, and mom & pop shops.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I think my diverse set of experiences has helped me to stand out. I have a background in art, fashion and textiles, but I also took a detour and learned all I could about wine, and hold a level 1 certification from the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust. I grew up working in cafés and restaurants that prioritized slow food and local, organic ingredients, so I have some expertise in food, coffee, nutrition and wellness as well. My motto is “everything is a study” and I really live by that. If I’m interested in something, I make sure to learn all that I can about it, and that translates to writing copy that is steeped in knowledge & experience, which makes the writing feel more effortless.
Q What are you working on right now?
I work with a couple of design studios who give me ongoing work as needed. I’m also working with a larger wine company at the moment, working on a top secret project as well as their evergreen marketing assets. I also take on one-off projects-- I just finished writing some very romantic copy for a seasonal mailer that a DTC fashion company will be releasing with their next collection.
Q What’s your style?
Thoughtful, approachable, refined. I have written for many different kinds of brands, but my sweet spot is for artistically-minded, rather dreamy, feminine and aspirational clients. A poetry project with Leaves & Flowers, a reading list I compiled for Shaina Mote and much of the work I do for Avaline comes to mind.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to focus more on creative direction. I am always happy to work from a simple brief, but when I can be in the room in the initial stages of a project coming to life, and help make major creative decisions, I think the messaging becomes stronger, and the project as a whole becomes more successful.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I’m a stickler about turning work in on time. Period. It’s something I always make time for. It can be frustrating when I’m working for a client that has a lengthy and specific bureaucratic hierarchy. I am very deadline driven, and sometimes it can be difficult to be patient when feedback takes many days to reach me because it has to pass through many hands.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Although I love fiddling with it myself, I would probably hire someone to work on my website. I’ve done what I can with my limited experience in web development, but to have someone who really knows their stuff get in there and make some magic would be pretty great.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I probably would have told 20-year-old me that the writing she was doing for local restaurants and businesses was worth a great deal of money, and to not accept trades. But honestly, I’m grateful for my strange, roundabout collection of experiences that got me to where I am today.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
It’s a goal of mine to learn everything I can about the financial side of running a business. I would love to learn more about bookkeeping, financial planning & management, and the ins and outs of taxes, of course.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Special one-off (or recurring but sporadic/seasonal) projects that require a romantic, artful, literary voice.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I was recently tapped to compile a reading list centered around the theme of “Home” which was such a lovely little project. I was able to work with some other very thoughtful, skilled designers and minds, and the project engaged different parts of my brain than basic marketing copywriting tends to do. I love working with companies-- especially fashion companies but I’m open to all sorts-- that follow a seasonal calendar and want to create something really thoughtful and special 4 to 6 times a year for their customers.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email me! hello@alyssanatoci.com Or use the contact form on my website - I take pride in being quite prompt with queries, so you don’t have to be very specific at all when you first reach out because I’ll get back to you quickly with more questions. Just something general about the project and your timeline would be helpful.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My friends and clients, Lauren & Tommy Greene of Trap - Studio (instagram @wearetrapstudio) helped me gain a lot of confidence to take the leap into full time freelance work. They run a full-service branding studio based in Michigan but have clients all over the world.
Of course I have to mention my friend Marlee Grace, who was one of my first clients seven years ago. She told me again and again that I was a writer and encouraged me to share my voice. Marlee continues to be an amazing resource and inspiration for artists, and taught me a lot about listening to my gut as a writer and asking for what I need (and deserve) from my clients.
I connected with a lot of inspiring creatives while I was working for Cookbook doing their wine program. That little grocery store was a true hub for like-minded creative business owners in Los Angeles. There are too many to name. They have all shaped me, motivated me and helped me get to where I am today. (Thanks, everybody!)
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I read fiction every single day!
This member profile was originally published in October 2021.