Marissa Jackson
Social Media Content Creator / Social Media Manager / Project Manager
New York, NY
Cape Town, SA
Q What do you do?
“Help brands grow their online social presence by building out their brand identity and producing editorial and branded content for agencies and private clients.”
I am passionate about creating compelling content that resonates with consumers by breaking the boundaries of narrative storytelling. There are two sides to every story and my career has two aspects.
Digital Producer - I produce digital ads from concept through to final execution - managing talent, budgets, timelines, creative teams and the creative output to final launch. My most recent gig was a digital content producer at agencies including The Foundry @ Time Inc and M&C Saatchi Abel.
Freelance Social Media Manager - I began running and managing social media accounts in 2018 with 7 clients across the globe in the fashion and food industries. I work with brands to build their consumer base by working with influencers and engaging with existing and new audiences by creating original and compelling content. I photograph all original content on social feeds and build out creative decks to hone each brands identity. Creating a look and feel decks is a large part of what I do and my favorite part of the process.
I’ve worked with several companies and brands including POPSUGAR, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Lexus, WhoWhatWear, Byrdie, MyDomaine, Lancome, Smirnoff, Orbie, Heineken, Target, Nordstrom, The Foundry @ Time Inc and M&C Saatchi Abel.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My first step was moving to NYC to get my Bachelor of Art and Photography at The School of Visual Arts which allowed me to pursue my career today.
Lots of research, tutorials, and perseverance. Interned a lot. Learned from the people I worked with. Hustling and immersing myself in many different roles under the advertising umbrella afforded me a strong and broad skillset, a comprehensive understanding of the industry I love, and clarity on my career trajectory – social media management and content creation.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My experience and skill working with both editorial and branded campaigns. I have a solid understanding of these different creative approaches and processes and am able to be flexible and creative in producing a wide range of campaigns. I have a keen eye for detail and aesthetically pleasing design work. I also love collaboration and learning from others, and am able to create content for various brand aesthetics. Exceptional organizational, time management, communication, and people skills.
Q What are you working on right now?
Social media management and digital content creation. Finding emerging brands to collaborate with to build out their visual brand identity and online social presence. Expanding my knowledge in design through online courses and new software.
Q What’s your style?
@hereu
@thefrankieshop
@therivercafelondon
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Building the visual identity of brands (art direction) and social media management.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Social algorithms and cluttered feeds with untargeted sponsored ads.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Assisting with new client outreach by emailing brands on new business solutions. This would save me 5-8 hours a week.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
To not be so hard on myself…with experience and hard work comes success. Things don’t happen overnight. There are lots of highs and lows when starting a new business so don’t forget to always celebrate all the highs!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I am very curious about NFTs and eager to speak to someone experienced in the industry to learn more about them and eventually be able to own one and create one.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I love working with new and existing brands. This year I'd really like to work with start-ups to grow together as a collaborative team on building out their social presence and visual identity.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
One of my very first clients – a 20-year-old fashion brand that had zero social presence – approached me to develop their social media strategy and online presence/voice. 3 years later, I am still working with this brand, managing social media and influencer partnerships, creative director, and producer of all social content. Helping to make their vision a reality and watching their followers and sales expand so significantly has been incredibly rewarding and motivating – this client has become like family to me. I love to work with clients who have an open mind, believe in their brand, trust my vision, and want to collaborate.
Q: What is your rate?
Social media management client retainers range from $1,500 - $6,000 pm depending on the scope, timeline, and client. Producer rates vary depending on the scope and timeline of the project.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
The OG way - a simple email with their ask, scope of project, timeline, and budget.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Michael Oliver Love - His photographic work using body shapes and his use of colors and minimal image composition is SPOT ON for me. I reference his page often for color and design inspiration.
instagram @michaeloliverlove
Hailun Ma - Love how product placement is used in the most organic way to Hailun Ma’s aesthetic.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Creativity and inspiration is all around. In mundanity and newness it can be found. Exploring and capturing images of unique locations. Engaging with and appreciating other people’s creations. The world wide web and real life objects. All serve as inspiration for my creative projects.
This member profile was originally published in May 2022.