Celina Jimenez
Celina Jimenez
Copywriter / Blogger / Journalist
Phoenix, AZ
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a full-time freelance copywriter, journalist and poet currently based in Phoenix, Arizona”
I come across a lot of people who give me blank stares when I tell them I make a living as a copywriter. My go-to explanation is simply this: if it involves words, I’m your girl.
Most of my projects involve some blend of website copy, blogs, social media marketing, digital ad copy, whitepaper/case study copy and/or scripts. My work ethic is very collaborative and relational, and I believe stellar copywriting begins with a confident understanding of the creative vision and emotional drive of each client – that’s why I love working on projects that allow me to get my hands dirty and get involved with the strategizing, dreaming and celebrating.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I graduated from Arizona State University in 2016 with a B.S. in Business Entrepreneurship and a B.A. in Print Journalism. After graduation, I discovered copywriting as a sweet spot between those two skill sets, and began my career working in both agency and in-house settings. I’ve since worked with clients across a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, wellness/fitness, retail, real estate, transportation, non-profit and food/beverage.
But my passion for journalism and poignant long-form storytelling is one that has stuck with me through the years, and I consider myself to have a uniquely curious and journalistic approach to every piece of copy I create for my clients.
How do you stand out in your field?
When I say I’ve been in love with the power of words my entire life, I’m not exaggerating. I started creating poems and short stories as soon as I learned how to write, and that love of creative storytelling quickly evolved into a passion for meaningful, expressive journalism that has carried me through my entire career as a copywriter.
Why do I mention all this? I’ve picked up a unique collection of skills throughout my personal projects, journalistic pursuits and business ventures that allow me to approach all copywriting projects with an emotional edge that makes an impact. I know how to get to the heart of a matter and find unique angles that will help you (my future client – wink, wink) create the connections and messages you need to achieve your vision.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Now that I’m freelancing full-time, I’m spending most of my days checking off tasks in Notion, sending emails and learning everything I can about making my business the best it can be. I absolutely love being self-employed, and my priorities right now are making new connections, optimizing my portfolio and building my clientele.
I also just published a zine I’ve been creating since summer 2020. It’s been a long, transmutational slow burn – but I’ve found so many of the best things in life are. You can read it here.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
My foundational mission as a writer is to create work that stirs the human spirit and evokes meaningful feelings and actions. I believe in shining a light on stories that fall under the radar of the mainstream, and I especially believe in doing everything I can to create equitable, safe and intentional spaces for people in marginalized communities.
I just finished creating the first volume of a zine I call “Sana, Sana” – a selection of written + visual pieces on healing, by and for QTBIPOC. Though this was a personal project, this zine was an opportunity for me to create community and dialogue amongst people who may otherwise have a harder time finding a space for their voice to be heard.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I’ve always had a natural inclination for illustration and design – I actually used to write and illustrate my own Powerpuff Girls fan fiction as a kid!
I recently downloaded Adobe Illustrator and bought my first digital drawing tablet, so I’m super excited to start taking some courses now that I have a bit more free time.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I don’t really feel frustrated right now. Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by everything I want to do and learn, but I am learning to take little moments for my hobbies throughout the day.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would love to have a person in my life who could dedicate an hour or so each day to helping me find new freelance opportunities and put together a plan of action for how I can approach each one. Truthfully, I enjoy doing this myself, but as I continue to get busier with work, I’d love to have some help with these smaller steps.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
To my little 5-year-old Celina, handwriting and illustrating stories to give away to your loved ones: please don’t stop. I promise I’m going to make you proud one day. You’ll go through a season when you’ll fight your urge to write everything that’s on your mind, when you’ll convince yourself it’s not a valuable gift to have and decide to hide it away. But your ability to make people think, feel and act with your words is special, and it’s worth holding onto. Keep practicing, keep reading and keep trying.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I’d love to talk with a staff writer from the New Yorker and learn more about their creative process and journey as a writer. It’s always been a life goal of mine to have something published in the New Yorker – I think their pieces are timeless and poignant, and I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about how their writers view their stories and find such unorthodox angles.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Right now, I’m open to contract and part-time copywriting and editing work. I’d love to connect with brands and individuals who are looking to refresh their current copy/marketing strategies or build something new entirely. I thrive in situations where I’m able to help in the brainstorming/strategizing process, so if you’re looking for a self-starter who can lead and execute a vision, give me a call!
I’m open to any scope of work, whether you’re looking for help on a quick project or a long-term partnership.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I always love working on projects that allow me to combine my marketing knowledge with my instinct for journalistic storytelling. My ideal client right now would be one that is willing to dig deep and create something emotionally-driven that will make a positive impact on their community. For example, a blog and social media campaign for a jewelry brand looking to highlight the stories behind handmade pieces for their clients. Or perhaps a series of posts highlighting underrepresented artists in a community to help a real estate or vacation rental company draw attention a specific neighborhood. I love connecting with people and I miss interviewing!
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me at cljimenez27@yahoo.com or fill out the contact form on my website. If you found me through my profile here on ilovecreatives, be sure to let me know!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Be curious, be bold, be open!
This member profile was originally published in November 2018, Updated February 2021.