Carmen Rising
Q What do you do?
“I take complicated ideas and put them into clean phrases. ”
I create cache for brands and clients with ideas rooted in insights that make you go "hm, wow, never thought of that.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
A lot of left turns have made me the well-rounded and passionate creative that I am today. I've made coloring books, produced photo shoots and spent 5 years working in-house as a creative at Warner Music Group. I've been laid off, I've been promoted, I've studied in Paris, I've published essays, I've led 7-figure campaigns, I've taken time off to write a novel. All of my interests and life experiences have gotten me here.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I've been told I'm a real pleasure to work with – an undervalued skill! But, I also bring a literary taste and approach to my copy and brand work: I love deep research, moving stories, new perspectives on the world and the most artful, concise language that can communicate an idea.
Q What are you working on right now?
Mostly a novel – stay tuned. I've also been enjoying the pace of freelance life. Currently, I work with a non-profit based in Chicago that provides branding and communication services to minority-owned businesses at a sliding scale. I'm also busy writing a lot of fun product scripts for production companies. I've loved the change of scenery and stretching my skills in new ways.
Q What’s your style?
Artful, feminine, pop, a little bookish. My portfolio skews towards a male audience and mainstream (I can be a chameleon!) so, I'd love to dive into projects that are more resonant to my taste. This isn't to say that I haven't done a few things that brought my sensibilities to life. For example, I did a project for T-Mobile where we hosted acoustic performances in remote locations where the only cell service available was T-Mobile's 5G network. The videos were beautifully shot, the performances emotive, the design delicate and clean. It was both insightful and stylish.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Criticism. I'd love to be writing more essays and think pieces in my spare time. And pottery - I'd like to get back to taking pottery classes. In another life, I'd get a PHD in Art History.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
The Succession finale – it was boring!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Plan my wedding, plan my move, always keep my website updated. Please, go to the grocery store for me.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
To my 22 year old self: Say no. Walk away from whatever doesn't feel good. Boundaries don't hurt anyone, they keep you sane. Being a creative is a wonderful thing, it can also introduce you to complicated people and emotionally charged situations. Boundaries keep the good times rolling. Also buy Bitcoin in like 2013.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I want Massimo Bottura to tell me everything about parmesan while he makes pasta and I eat it.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
My schedule is opening up for some new work - I'd love to find retainer clients that I can be on call for copy and all your writing needs. While I'm flexible, categorically speaking, I'd love to find clients in fintech, luxury, food & bev, or art.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I'd love to write some sort of copy or work on a collaboration with my favorite bookstore in LA, Skylight Books. If your brand is artful and elevated (s/o wine brands, concept stores, art magazines, etc.) then you're my dream collab.
Q What is your rate?
I'm $100/hour or $650/day. But let's chat scope and needs and work something out!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Drop a line via email carmenerising@gmail.com.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I know a lot! Art directors, designers, writers, filmmakers, jewelry makers, software engineers who know better than to be a creative...hit me up and I'd be happy to chat about cool people for cool things.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By consuming things I love.
This member profile was originally published in June 2023