Raef Harrison
Raef Harrison
Copywriter / Editor / Storyteller
Los Angeles, CA
www.raefharrison.com
instagram @raffa87
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“When it comes down to it, I’m a storyteller.”
That means I'm a writer, editor, copywriter, content strategist, caption writer, video scripter, emailer, idea wrangler, and Google doc wiz.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I studied creative writing in college and digital publishing in grad school. I made the e-newsletter rounds in New York (Thrillist, DailyCandy, UrbanDaddy). I helped launch a new print magazine for the Hamptons. I interviewed and promoted local crafters and artisans as an editor at Scoutmob. I nerded out with users over great TV as a copywriter at Hulu.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Knowing the value of a good, collaborative, white boarding session.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm currently working on the re-brand of the Oxygen network, feeding people's true crime obsession by providing content strategy and copy for all social platforms.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Conversational, approachable, humorous. When starting to write just about anything, I stop to think about what I, as a consumer, would actually like to read. A little humor goes a long way.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I would love to do more long-form writing, reporting, or storytelling. I absolutely love copywriting and brand writing (and will do that 'till my fingers fall off), but getting to flex that story telling muscle or researching and crafting a full story arc is something I'd like to pursue more in the coming year.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Clients/co-workers thinking average copy is good copy.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
New business solicitation!
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
If someone had told me in 2005 that social media would be a major pillar of my career, I wouldn't have believed them. Today, I would tell that junior in college to start paying attention immediately.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would talk to Joan Didion about harnessing her powers of observation, and the team behind the MailChimp (KaleLimp???) experiences about harnessing their bold WTF-ness.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Brand writing and content strategy. Helping young companies solidify their voice, positioning, and story. Like I mentioned above, my eyes are peeled for any long form writing/reporting opportunities.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Ideal collaborators - magazines, websites, agencies that value the power of the written word.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Starting rate is $40/hr and scales from there depending on the project.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email is the best mode of contact - raef.harrison@gmail.com. A note with a hilarious animal GIF will always get a response.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Reading. Watching. Scrolling.
This member profile was originally published in January 2018.