So Yun Um
So Yun Um
Digital Video Creator / Social Media Strategist & Manager
Los Angeles, CA
www.soyunum.com
instagram @ssoyunum
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I’m a digital video creator and social media manager.”
I want to tell intimate and unique stories through poetic visuals and/or poignant words.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I’ve always been a creator since I was young. Whether it’s been making video film reviews, brand content videos, short films, etc, I’ve been doing it all by myself from pre-production to post. But nowadays, it’s not just good enough that you know how to make videos but learn how to market them and share them on various platforms.
A few years ago, I thought I wanted to own my own MCN “Multi-channel Network” and went to work at a tech company called ZEFR as a YouTube Insight Analyst to figure out how to maximize audience retention and see what kind of analytics work. Although I learned a lot, I realize that despite all the numbers, it always came back to the content of the video. So, I went back to producing, creating short films, digital content for people and brands that needed it the most.
And like anyone nowadays, I’ve been doing my own social media for my own film blog and personal brand for several years. With that experience along with my film festival background, I begun doing social media for other companies and film festivals.
How do you stand out in your field?
I'm a one-woman show. I know how to do anything and everything on my own from videography to editing to marketing to social media.
Being personable and relatable has helped me throughout my career many times. For me, it's always been about the people. Providing, communication, catering to people about a message. Whether that be a brand message, I approach it with care, consideration, and intention.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
As of right now, I am working on various projects but I’m seeking other exciting opportunities whether it be creating exciting digital videos or consulting and growing brand’s social media.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Whether I’m telling a story through video or social media, my way of communicating is being deeply personal and relatable to the everyday person.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
As a multi-slashie, I would love to focus more on brand strategy and creation. For a while, I’ve been more focused on my own personal brand as a content creator and I would love to help other people out whether they are in non-profit, the film industry, or etc.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
The only thing frustrating about doing social media is people thinking that engagement and gaining followers will happen overnight. Building a brand or a following takes time and effort and some people just want to get famous without putting the work in.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
To be honest, I would love an assistant. That sounds so cliche but working with another person always brings me joy especially knowing that two people working together on one goal is always going to be stronger than me alone.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I would’ve wanted to tell my younger self to stop overthinking and to just do it. We tend to overthink about all the possibilities and not take enough action. Most of the things we worry about, never actually happen so I think that’s one of the main things.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would love to talk to a YouTube insider to talk about the future of content creation for their company. As of right now, they are not as friendly to new content creators and with IGTV on the rise, it seems like YouTube could be struggling to maintain their creators. Surely, it won’t replace YouTube but I’m wondering what they’re doing to counter this.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m seeking to work with any brands and companies that have a bold and humanistic stance on their product, events, and etc. I want to help people to connect with your brand and product no matter what it is. And I always feel that’s just easier when you have a real message and real people behind the brand’s story.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I loved being involved with Skid Row Coffee. Skid Row Coffee is a neighborhood pop-up coffee shop and job training program. 100% of their proceeds go towards helping people experiencing homelessness transition back into the housed community.
I’ve made videos and photographed their weekly events and being part of the community and a mission bigger than myself was incredibly rewarding. Being able to share their stories and de-stigmatize the Skid Row community in a palpable and relatable way to the public is always incredible.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
It really depends on the project. I would first like to discuss what you need, what your message is and your demographic and go from there.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Feel free to email me! I love meeting new people and talking about how we can change the world.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Engaging. Listening. Learning. Recharging.
This member profile was originally published in August 2018.