Jessica Yoo
Q What do you do?
“I’m a senior copywriter and editor who loves to create work that begins with real empathy and ends in irresistible storytelling.”
A proud word nerd and grammar queen with 8+ years of experience, I'm all about marrying creativity with brand strategy to churn out the secret magical sauce of great content. With a predisposition to exceed expectations, I love collaborating with others to produce compelling work, whatever the ask or deadline. From creative concepting and drafting manifestos to writing for all forms of digital advertising and video scripts to QAing content and cleaning up pitch decks, I've got you covered. Some brands I've worked on include: HealthCare.gov, Bumble, Facebook, Capital One, Hamilton Beach, and Friendly's Restaurants & Ice Cream just to name a few.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English and Writing Seminars (AKA creative writing), I initially wanted to pursue a career in the publishing industry, but soon realized 1) it was too slow-paced for me and 2) I graduated during a recession and needed a job. So I ended up taking one in my native NYC, editing and processing press releases during swing shift hours where I’d end up home at 1 a.m. But of course, I soon realized I needed to change things up and do something more creative. And after moving to Philly and doing some internships at small agencies, I landed my first full-time copywriting gig. Since then, I’ve written copy for social, emails, websites, videos, and multichannel campaigns for brands across multiple industries, including restaurant, CPG, home appliances, jewelry, recruiting, and many more. As of 2021, I’ve been freelancing full-time.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
The truth is writing has always been my jam to everyone's jelly, and you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who takes the impact of words as seriously as I do. I’m also known for having a strategic mind, a meticulous eye, and a checklist in hand to the point where I’ve been told on multiple occasions by colleagues that I could’ve been a strategist or a project manager in another life. I’m also the type of copywriter who not only likes to ask a ton of questions and do research to fully immerse myself in a brand and their target audience, but also writes a ton of options to find the best one. In the end, with me, you get a critical and conceptual thinker; a meticulous editor with a decade of experience; and a collaborator who values humor, dependability, and humility.
Q What are you working on right now?
Currently reaching out to my networks to find more clients and projects. Beyond that, filling my creative cup with plenty of reading, writing, and cuddling with my dog.
Q What’s your style?
As mentioned earlier, I like to create work that begins with real empathy and understanding. Having a certain strategic insight about your product, your audience, or anything in between can make a world of difference when it comes to producing the final creative. And at the end of the day, the best advertising and marketing uses language that’s clear, concise, and engaging.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I really love helping brands build their overall strategy and messaging—whether from the get-go or in terms of refining and fine-tuning them. Creative platforms and manifestos specifically can be challenging, but really rewarding. I also enjoy working on digital video campaigns and commercials, so I’m always down to work on those. Other than that, I also hope to collaborate more with brands that align with my values and are doing some good in the world.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Currently, the slow freelance job market. And allergies.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Finding new gigs for me or maybe managing my emails.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell my younger self what I still tell myself today: 1) worrying may be our default, but things have a way of working themselves out eventually; 2) comparison is the thief of joy and it’s okay if your path doesn’t look like someone else’s; and 3) try to enjoy the moment.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
The secrets of the universe. And how to be a more productive and happy human.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m open to freelance opportunities with brands or agencies that are either in need of copy help for short-term projects or interested in building ongoing relationships. Whether you need help brainstorming creative concepts for a campaign, executing on deliverables, or putting together a pitch deck, I’m open to it all. I’m particularly interested in mission-driven projects for brands looking to make a positive impact.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Projects where I get to collaborate with smart, hard-working people for clients who are open-minded and trust everyone’s expertise. I’m definitely open to quick, small projects, but I’d love to work on longer campaign or retainer work as well. I also always appreciate people who understand the importance of good communication, a lack of egos, and set deadlines.
Q What is your rate?
My rate really depends on the type of project, its timeline and scope, as well as how you’d like to work together. But I’m always happy to chat so let’s talk about it!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email me at jessicayoo612@gmail.com with some details about your project, including any logistical details you may have like timeline and scope of work.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Reading and watching all the things. Listening to good music. And always asking questions.
This member profile was originally published in May 2023