Jessica Murnane
Creative Director / Writer / Brand Consultant
Charleston, SC
www.jessicamurnane.com
instagram @jessicamurnane
Q What do you do?
“So many things! ”
For over a decade I worked as a designer/creative director/brand consultant working in fashion, paper goods, and lifestyle brands. And then took some time off to write some books (a cookbook and a women’s health book published by HarperCollins and Penguin Random House) and do a podcast (it ran for eight years).
Now I want to get back into brand consulting and creative direction with some big writing chops and a deeper sense of brand building to go along with it.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
Lots and lots of talking to people/word of mouth. Every job I’ve ever gotten is from a friend of friend or meeting someone at a party or a wild idea I shared that someone gave a chance. There’s been less parties these days…so thought this would be a cool platform to connect with future clients/collaborators.
When I think back on my career, every single project or interaction has been a building block to lead me here – which is pretty cool.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I’m pretty well-rounded in terms of my experience. I have a design degree, but can also write. I can get super granular, and also can see the big picture. I've worked with big brands and small brands. I can quietly work behind the scenes, and can also lead.
My resume is awesomely random in terms of the things I've done...I've helped open a bar in Barcelona. Creative directed a celeb clothing line. Wrote some books. Trend spotted for magazines. Consulted on a big assortment of lifestyle brands. And so many more things. It's a wide range of projects and they've all taught me so much.
Also thank you notes. Handwritten thank you notes help people remember you.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently ghost writing and designing a book proposal for an author (and getting really excited about how I can merge creative direction and writing more.) Also consulting on a new podcast about to launch.
Q What’s your style?
I love clean, minimal, and timeless design (with a little kook to it). It's important to tap into trends, but more important to make sure that whatever you're creating won't look dated in 6 months-end of time. Professionally, I create a lot of work that it is approachable and sell-able. Personally, I want to live in a world of Paul Klee puppets and not-so-approachable found art. If I could find a client that wants to live in that world too...a dream!
It's interesting, because when you write books – a lot of the design/style is out of your control, but I'm really proud of my cookbook cover/photos (I did the production and creative direction of photography). I'm also incredibly proud of the research and writing I did for my second book, Know Your Endo. And for a personal project love is this giant head I made!
jessicamurnane.com/one-part-plant
.jessicamurnane.com/know-your-endo
@B7EtNbrpvjt
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Working on more projects that go deeper into research and strategy. I truly love creative direction and brand consulting - taking someone's vision and translating it for them in ways they might not have thought of.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Like so many of us, I'm burnt on social. I'd love more projects that are behind the scenes and are more tactile and immersive vs a quick hit of content.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Clean my juicer.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
My old self wouldn't have listened...so not sure it would have mattered! But if she would have, I'd say "keep doing what you're doing even when it seems you're not getting anywhere, keep asking lots of questions to everyone you meet, practicing writing WILL make you better at it, and never stop following up.”
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Investments
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I love taking someone's idea and making it happen! I love the logistics, the nitty gritty, and all the details from concept to completion. Creative projects in food, design, books, and interiors are always my sweet spot. I'd really love an opportunity to work on something big (or small) that's making a difference, too.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
The project I'm currently working on (designing and ghost writing/editing a book proposal for an author) has been such a great experience. The client is super passionate about her work, but needs a nudge and accountability to complete the project. It's in her...she just needs help! She trusts my design aesthetic and editing, but I also don't force it on her – by truly listening to what she wants (and delivering on that). It's always really exciting to work on a project where I'm able to take someone's idea and make it a reality for them – working as a team, while respecting their vision.
Q What is your rate?
$125-$150 an hour depending on the project. I'm also always open to charge a project fee instead of an hourly rate.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
jess@onepartplant.com
Please include why you're excited about the project and the ideal turnaround time to complete it.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Heather Crosby. She is the founder of a Good Food Cooking school. She created the entire site and all of the recipes. Super inspired by her vast amount of work.
Rose Lazar of Cosmic Peace Studio. Always making so much and nailing it.
Bari Zipperstein. Obsessed with her ceramics and work.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I'm always trying new things.
This member profile was originally published in November 2022.