Olivia Land
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am New York-based writer and content creator with a zest for storytelling. ”
My work is driven by a desire to create mindful and compelling conversations around issues that matter. I am also a student with an insatiable appetite for learning; whether it's dabbling in a new genre of writing or trying my hand at graphic design and social media, I am always on the hunt for a new, challenging project.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I started writing (read: scribbling) before I could talk and have not stopped since. Childhood short “stories” gave way to school essays and newspaper work; at age 15, I launched a blog, A Style Study. The blog not only helped me escape from high school, but also served as a self-taught crash course in digital content creation and social media promotion. Publishing three-to-five posts per week also gave me heaps of essential writing practice. When I look back at the content I published three or four years ago, I am deeply proud of how much I’ve grown as a creative.
I stopped blogging when I entered college but continued to write by contributing to campus publications and outside platforms. This ongoing work along with my academic writing keeps me on my toes- I am lucky to say that I am equally if not more passionate about writing and creating today than I was at five and fifteen.
HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?
As both a freelance creative and a full-time student, I offer a unique blend of professionalism and experience coupled with a refreshing perspective on topics ranging from fashion and lifestyle to politics and mental wellness. With that said, my voice is always uniquely my own. I write about topics that interest me and touch my life in some way, and I bring a level of depth, authenticity, and wryness to my writing that is distinct from most online content. For me, writing is a form of catharsis- I want my readers to feel the same way when the encounter my work.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Right now, I am conceptualizing a project titled ‘This I Know for Now,’ which centers around excerpts from my journals.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
As mentioned above, my work strives to be authentic and relatable with a twist. A lot of my work is informed by my interest in academia, spirituality, and pop culture; it’s not unheard of for me to reference Lindsay Lohan and Joan Didion in the same paragraph. I enjoy reading work that is deeply personal but also comments on a larger theme or issue (Roxane Gay, Anne Lamott, and the aforementioned Didion are favorite examples), and I strive to recreate this experience in my own writing.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
Definitely graphic design. I learned the basics in a class in high school, but I’m very rusty and want to refresh and keep going! I’d love to one day create custom graphics for all of my writing.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Imposter syndrome, for sure! I still struggle to own my passion and identity as a creator. I’ve grown in leaps and bounds and hope to continue to do so as I pursue more challenging and inspiring projects.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Probably all the small but essential chores that keep me away from my work, like dishes and tidying up!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
If I had a time machine, I would probably rewind to last summer. I was going through a difficult personal transition, and I could have used a pep talk from future me to know that everything was going to fall into place. I am so grateful for everything I learned during that period, but a little pick-me-up can’t hurt!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I am currently seeking freelance writing opportunities. I would love to write guest posts or one-off articles, create an ongoing content series, write website copy, and collaborate with other creatives!
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I am currently seeking freelance writing opportunities. I would love to write guest posts or one-off articles, create an ongoing content series, write website copy, and collaborate with other creatives!
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I prioritize working with platforms that are womxn-run/owned and take a conscious approach to online content. I am interested in working with publications that are pushing the needle and creating a diverse community.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
This varies based on the client/ project and industry. For branding projects I charge upwards of £800 and for Art Direction projects I charge upwards of £1000. My hourly fee is £60 and I occasionally take on smaller/ pro bono projects if it’s for a brand or cause that I can get behind.
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
I am lucky to have worked with many creatives who inspire me on a daily basis. Two in particular are Erin Bagwell the founder of Feminist Wednesday and director of the film “Dream, Girl,” and Maura Sheedy , the founder of Make Muse.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Reach out to me via email or messenger pigeon- okay, maybe just email. I would love to know more about your vision and how I can be a part of it.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Reading, journaling, podcasts, & walks/runs.
This member profile was originally published in August 2019.