Donna Ko
Donna Ko
Creative Director / Copywriter / Art Director / Creator of #KOLLOQUIAL
Los Angeles, CA
www.donnako.com
instagram @donna_ko
linkedin
Youtube
twitter @ohh_donna
instagram @kolloquial
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“Copywriter by trade, art director by passion.”
I work in advertising coming up with ideas and big brand campaigns to help brands reach their goals. Yes, it's mostly sales goals, but my creative challenge is to communicate it in the most human way possible. I also moonlight as a small business owner for my tote bag company called #KOLLOQUIAL.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I studied Communication Arts and Advertising Design at Otis College of Art & Design, but converted to copywriting when an instructor told me I had "color anxiety". Despite a few hiccups along the way, I've been working as a copywriter ever since graduating in 2008. Some might say unfortunately (but I digress), it was during that time during recession where it allowed me to try different industries like web design, fashion, and even fitness/yoga.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
The motivation to keep going even when they fail.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I'm currently freelancing at various agencies as an associate creative director, while continuing to work on #KOLLOQUIAL and some other personal passion projects.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
All the work on my website represents me the best. From the design of it to the irreverent humor and pop culture references, it's what I'm most comfortable with and enjoy the most. There's also plenty of work that I've omitted merely because it's not something I want to be known for.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Although I've primarily worked in traditional ad agencies as a copywriter, I also love art directing and luckily I'm able to flex that muscle more with #KOLLOQUIAL.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I think sometimes we all struggle with self motivation.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Either my taxes, expense reports, or the dishes.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Color anxiety isn't a real thing, so don't give up on design.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
How do you know when a crazy idea is a bad idea and when a crazy idea is a great idea. No, seriously.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm open to all opportunities in and out of advertising.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
I love working on brands that either have a positive impact on society, like non-profit companies, or brands that dedicates funds and/or employee time in helping a cause/charity.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
Varies based on company/project.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Just reach out! Say hi, tell me how you found me (hope it's through ilovecreatives), and tell me what's good! Love meeting new people and helping whenever I can. Just do it over email (hellodonnako@gmail.com) and don't slide into my DMs. Actually, don't slide into anyones DMs for professional chats.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Solo adventures.
This member profile was originally published in March 2018.