Jasmin Shim
Q What do you do?
“I coordinate and organize creative projects from inception to execution for boutique agencies and brands.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
The Hills is the blueprint to my career trajectory. The Teen Vogue internships to People's Revolution opened the door to my PR degree and many client relations jobs ahead. As an immigrant, I knew I had to rely on my own network to make the right connections. I made a list of brands/agencies I wanted to work for and didn’t let the lack of an open job posting discourage me from sending a cold email for an opportunity and put myself out there. This approach has allowed me to get 100% of the job opportunities I have, as well as a few failed Tinder dates that turned into successful job connections.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Be proactive! As a project manager, you have a unique POV into the business by having multiple touch points throughout the project. This allows for having firsthand look at inefficiencies, roadblocks or best practices that can help the team. Being proactive in speaking up to suggest a new workflow or sharing an article you read that is relevant to a project another team is working on helps increase your visibility and ability to take initiative.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m working with boutique agencies that bring me on for project based or long-term project/account management support. Projects vary from branding, marketing strategy, web/ecomm dev, product dev to experiential events.
Q What’s your style?
I’m always in awe of projects that excellently (?) executed an original POV or the perfect combination of internet and cultural trends. I could easily make a powerpoint presentation on why the Rhode Phone Case nailed this. Another Roman empire project is Soft Services Theraplush packaging design. When you think of a bedside table hand moisturizer, you traditionally think of an oversized Cerave type tub where you twist off the lid. Soft Service took this barrier and transformed the packaging design to dispense by pushing down, which eliminates the dreadful slippery fingers twisting back the lid AND it looks like a beautiful catch-all tray you’d be happy to have out in the open! Branding 🤝🏻 innovation 🤝🏻 thoughtful design is key!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I’ve been attempting to teach myself how to be an expert in Klayvio and let’s just say it hasn’t gotten checked off my to-do list just yet. I see email marketing as one of the most stable marketing tactics where I’d love to learn how to offer this skillset as an additional service to brands.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
The looming, teasing recession. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to confirm projects with budget reconstruction with clients.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Sort my expenses on a monthly basis so I don’t have to cry every tax season.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Believe in yourself! My imposter syndrome hit me hard during the beginning of my freelancing journey. I find that the ‘project manager’ title can mean a variety of things depending on the type of services an agency or brand offers. This didn’t necessarily mean I wasn’t a good project manager but I would get discouraged that I didn’t have the right skills but I just needed to reframe and identify what I can offer vs trying to fit into every project manager's need.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
The art of always keeping opportunities open. I find that once I have secured a project for 3 - 6 months, I don’t think about looking for the next project until I’m nearing the end of the contract. When in fact, you’re never guaranteed to complete the initial contract term and could be in a position to look for new work sooner than anticipated. I’d love to learn from seasoned veterans on how to have a healthy pipeline of work coming in consistently.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’d love to be part of a project where it combines branding, innovation and pop/internet culture where you can tangible see the fruit of the team’s labor. It can be a digital marketing campaign to a physical product that disrupts the industry, something that I can proudly say I had a hand in executing would be a huge win.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A team environment where there is no ego, mutual respect and having fun goes a long way. I find that I work best when there is natural curiosity in each other's well being and willingness to be stretched to support one another is a great combination for success. I love where you are encouraged to share your thoughts in client or strategy meetings where you might not be the subject matter expert but your input is highly valued.
Q What is your rate?
I work on an hourly/monthly, project basis or long-term contracts. Very flexible in finding the right fee for the support your needs.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
I’m just an email away! I’m always down for an intro call for a future potential opportunity, SOS emergency support on a current scope of work or even to discuss the latest HBO show we’re all watching.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
I love creatives who celebrate their heritage with a modern twist. As well as someone who has a clear and unique take on a trend or interest. I’m constantly getting inspired and increasingly growing my girl crush on the creatives below!
Sandy Liang
Rebecca Zhou
Suea
The Digi Fairy
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Trying new things! Challenge yourself to learn a new skill!
This member profile was originally published in May 2024.