Thatcher Jensen
Copywriter / Creative Lead / Brand Strategist
Los Angeles, CA
www.languagearts.studio
instagram @thatcher_jensen
Q What do you do?
“I’m a freelance copywriter and creative lead. I help brands sound more like people and less like marketing departments. I also occasionally write for The New Yorker and McSweeney’s.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started my career in Minneapolis as a copywriter. I eventually moved to New York, where I landed a job at Ogilvy, and the rest is history.
I met the Recess team shortly after it launched and fell in love with the brand and vision. I joined and eventually became the Creative Lead.
The experience of working brand-side at a startup led me to go freelance and eventually start my own brand studio, where I’m able to work with a range of founders on all different kinds of projects.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Here’s what a past colleague was kind enough to say about me:
“Beyond his ability to write copy with speed and ingenuity for all channels and formats, Thatcher brings thoughtfulness, consistency, and good humor to everything from daily Slack chats, to executive level strategy decks. Plus, having weathered several high-pressure projects together, I can vouch that his kind, composed demeanor makes him a delight to work with.”
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m working closely with Notion's creative team to evolve the brand's persona as we enter the era of AI. I just finished a campaign for Bero, Tom Holland’s new nonalcoholic beer company. And I’m still working with Recess on an ongoing basis.
Q What’s your style?
People are smarter than we give them credit for. The best way to connect with consumer as a brand is to invite them into the joke/conversation/world. This requires a certain trust in their ability to “get it,” and that can be scary, but it’s usually rewarded. The Recess brand voice was built on the idea that we’re speaking to someone who’s one of us, not an outsider we’re trying to impress. I think this adds a warmth and realness that feels more like talking to a friend than a brand.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I’ve been making music since high school, and part of my reason for moving to Los Angeles from the East Coast was to be closer to the music industry. I’ve been able to produce for a number of artists and push my own projects forward. Balancing creative pursuits and work can be challenging, but I always find that time spent on one benefits the other.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
It’s a frustrating time to be alive for many reasons, but I’m trying my best to take some small positive action every day.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I’d hire someone to be the plant dad I could never be.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I’d tell my high school self that it’s okay to go all-in on your creative pursuits. Fear is a good sign we’re moving in the right direction, but that can be hard to see in the moment.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Bill Murray. At age 74, he seems to be living life with a carefree, childlike joy that most of us only strive for. I’d love to talk about his philosophy on life.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I’m looking for interesting startups/brands/VCs that need help with brand identity, creative strategy, naming, campaign concepting, and copywriting. I also collaborate with design studios and internal creative teams that need copywriting support.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
One where there’s a shared vision and an equal commitment to reach great work.
Q: What is your rate?
My hourly rate is $125. I also work on a project and retainer basis with some clients, which varies based on scope.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Feel free to reach out if you have a project in mind or just want to connect for the future. My email is thatcher.jensen@gmail.com.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Amina Farias is a great copywriter, creative strategist, and collaborator.
Grant Gulla is an art director/graphic designer who’s a joy to work with.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Just keep making things.
This member profile was originally published in February 2025.