Lakecia Hammond
Q What do you do?
“I write for humans, not bots.”
I’m a word tinkerer for brands who love their products or services enough to want to see them reach the right people. As a creative consultant, I take ideas and concepts and make them palatable and people-friendly–with plenty of em-dashes.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
In 2015, I left a tired cycle of wasting away in a cubicle under the guise of management. I wanted the freedom to actually work, take rest and do what I love, wherever I please. From there, I pushed my baby LLC out of its nest, applied to gigs that were equity-driven. As a queer BIPOC, it was important for me to find projects that uplifted these communities. In 2019, I named and helped brand my first NPR Podcast, ‘White Lies’, available on Spotify and Apple. Since then, I’ve collaborated with brands to help them see and be seen through a fresh lens.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
When I take a project on, it means I know my perspective and skillset are a fit. Being authentic is a top priority for me. Brands have a mission to show people how their brand fits perfectly into someone’s life. Showing them gets tricky, which is where I come in.
Q What are you working on right now?
I just wrapped a big creative activation for Tupac Shakur’s Museum Experience with one of the dopest black-owned agencies in Chicago–Project Art Collective. It debuts in LA January 2022.
Q What’s your style?
I stick to clear, human-centered messaging that people truly resonate with. As they say, “words matter." So say what you mean. I work on programs for brands that want to communicate their goals with intention. If the goal is to uplift Black voices, that doesn’t mean replacing “Black” with “diverse”.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
All things that challenge antiquated methods and ideologies.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Honestly, pulling enough time away for rest.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Bookkeeping.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Stick with it. Your ideas are worth pursuing.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
When I'm not writing, I'm studying design. Knowing how to both write and design for an evolving digital is super important.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Projects that uplift Queer and BIPOC livelihood.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Working with people who work collaboratively, can give actionable feedback, and love their job.
Q: What is your rate?
$100+ per hour
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
I gladly welcome LinkedIn and email outreach. From there, we’ll set up time and figure out if there’s any synergy.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Keep learning.
This member profile was originally published in November 2021.