Erna L. Adelson
Erna L. Adelson
Writer / Copywriter / Filmmaker
West Adams, Los Angeles, CA
www.ernaadelson.com
twitter @ELAdelson
instagram @ernadollar
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a writer, so often, my output is the written word.”
I’ve published both journalistic and nonfiction articles and as a copywriter I am responsible for scripts, headlines, print ads, articles, short stories, brochures, etc. What I really do is help build brands, through the words, the experiences, the interactions, the content, the things that compose a brand’s presence in both the digital and physical spaces.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I started my career in journalism but found copywriting through Twitter - I created voices for brands on social media and loved that I could create and cultivate communities with shared purpose. I worked for several years in agencies on the digital side, then went in-house to work on all aspects of communication for Jaguar / Land Rover, where I mastered the luxury space and a refined, witty brand tone. I’m back on the agency side now, working with clients like Honda and Southwest, so I’m getting to write in a very different style.
How do you stand out in your field?
I’m incredibly versatile as a writer and I love tackling a project from strategy to execution. I think big picture and love cracking a concept or strategic positioning and can also write engaging, but exacting, product copy. I’m a quick study and easily pick up a brand voice. I read a lot. I'm an advocate for empathy and diversity in my work.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’m refining a couple of short stories and film scripts, articles, a podcast...the usual.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Work that resonates with me is based on real insights.
This article I wrote for Shape Shift Report lists some of my favorite relatively recent campaigns and trends in marketing.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I’m chipping away at a collection of short stories and essays...I’d love to devote more time to that. I’d also love to work more on entertainment clients.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Keeping my own website updated, always. Finishing personal work and pitching stories.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would put that towards submitting writing samples to literary magazines and publications in a heartbeat!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told 22-year-old me that I didn't have to live in New York during the recession.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I need to know how to keep a mint plant alive in Los Angeles! Anyone?
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’d love to take on more magazine and editorial work right now. I also love writing people's "about" pages. I have a collection of them that I refer to as portraits.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
In an ideal world, I’m working on something ongoing, like a content series or a regular column.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
$65 / hour for concepts and copywriting. Freelance journalism on a per project basis.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
The easiest way is to email me but I love a good old fashioned phone call or in person meeting.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Read or write something every day. And be sure to get plenty of exercise.
This member profile was originally published in December 2018.