Jeanie Mordukhay
Jeanie Mordukhay
Creative Director / Co-Founder of Mordukhay
Los Angeles, CA
www.mordukhay.com
instagram @mordukhay
instagram @jeaniemordukhay
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a freelance creative director who focuses on concepting, producing, and directing image and video based campaigns and editorials. ”
I also co-own a studio that focuses on branding, identity, and advertising.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I spent the last 8 years working both in-house and in agency settings — with clients spanning tech, fashion, entertainment, and lifestyle. I've also worked for magazines, art directing editorials and branded content. Spending time in each industry was a great way to get to know so many different types of projects, addressing the unique needs of each client, and learning how to best connect with a wide range of audiences.
I love the life cycle of a campaign; from concept to execution, and finally seeing your work connect with others in the wild. Collaborating with experts in each aspect of their field and watching the concept evolve through each step is incredibly rewarding.
How do you stand out in your field?
I am passionate about concepting, producing, and directing work that champions storytelling. Beautiful images are wonderful, but when they’re backed up with clear ideas that communicate something deeper or new to the viewer is when they become really special.
People want to connect with one another, and my favorite task is to see all the different elements of the concept come together visually to tell a story that sticks. I value diverse voices and perspectives and try to bring authenticity to the forefront of every project I work on.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm working on an advertising campaign for a fashion client, as well as a rebrand for a production company. I also have a few editorial shoots coming out in the next few weeks!
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Direct and conceptual.
Functional and engaging.
Natural and elevated.
I like to create thought provoking work by combining a raw, approachable aesthetic with the sense of something different and slightly surreal.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Something I love about my job is that I get to work with such a wide range of industries, solving creative problems and reaching audiences unique to each one. That being said, the fashion industry will always have my heart! I love finding ways to create unique focus around the product, while elevating and experimenting with all the other components of the image (hair, makeup, lighting, prop styling, and set design).
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Running a studio means handling finances, marketing, and operations on top of my creative work. I'd always rather be focusing on creative than handling paperwork.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I would have them spend time on operations and outreach. Taking time to organize all the things I want to do and people I want to meet with would help me clear my mind.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Change is inevitable, and you can’t plan for everything. That’s what makes life interesting. Have a plan and work towards your goals but remain open to what might come your way.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I’d love to learn about strategies for lead generation and how to better reach the clients I really want to work with.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm happiest creating and directing photo and video based campaigns. I would love opportunities that level up the work I've done, whether that is with larger productions, global campaigns, or projects spanning multiple platforms.
I love that my work opens me up to a broad range of industries. Right now I'm especially interested and excited about fashion and entertainment. I'd like to really take advantage of living in Los Angeles, and would love more opportunities creating unique content for the entertainment industry and the diverse talent that is based here.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client is committed to authenticity and forming a lasting connection with their audience. They want their content to feel approachable while also remaining unique and thought provoking.
In terms of creative look and feel, I love when the final work has an element of rawness to it, whatever that might be. I find that it helps the brand feel relatable and interesting.
My favorite projects are at the intersection of different, yet complementary mediums. I'm really drawn to exploring how analog and digital worlds can come together, and continuously work to merge the two.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My rate varies depending on scope, deliverables, and timeline for a project. I’m flexible to work at a day rate or project fee basis, honoring whatever works best for the client.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Shoot me an email at jeanie@mordukhay.com! I'd love to learn more about your brand and what you're looking to accomplish, so feel free to include that as well.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Ask myself “what if?”
This member profile was originally published in April 2020.