Shawn Binder
Q What do you do?
“I’m a freelance copywriter who loves helping brands and individuals hone in on their voice and messaging.”
I work on a wide variety of copywriting needs. From brand voice, strategy decks, social media, and email marketing copy — I got ‘chu.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I actually went to school at Florida State to get my degree in Editing, Writing, and Media. I just knew I really wanted to move to NYC and be taken seriously as a writer. I got a job at American Media (the company that owns THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER) right out of college — which was… an experience!
From there I worked at various publications as a freelance writer with bylines in VICE, GQ, and The Daily Dot. When I moved to LA I got a job at a digital marketing agency where I worked with content creators and as a photographer.
I landed on copywriting because it was a way to help brands tell their story in a way that felt authentic and tangible.
I have experience in video creation, art direction, and creative direction. All these things help me be able to tell stories with a lot of tools in my belt.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I think I’m pretty imaginative and unafraid to throw out jokes and ideas. Even if they don’t always land, I’m always wanting to experiment and push the boundaries of what a company or artist I’m working with can say.
I also think I’m pretty good vibes and can be adaptable.
Q What are you working on right now?
I’m currently building up my freelance copywriting client list.
In my free time, I’m working on making videos that are written by me and made for me! As much fun as I have on every video, I work on but I’m ready to show my perspective and voice.
I’m also working on a web series about internet culture and a script I’m pretty stoked about!
Q What’s your style?
My writing style is very adaptable, depending on a client’s needs. I have a questionnaire I walk them through so I can best assess their brand voice and needs. In my personal writing, I can be direct, conversational, and confessional.
I think at this point in my directing career I just want to get weird. I want to make things that show my sense of humor and how uniquely I see the world. Most recently I co-directed a music video that was part slasher/ part homage to The Twilight Zone. It’s really bonkers and I’m so happy I made it. Not only did I get to collaborate with some incredible artists who are my friends, It feels like you sort of get a peek into my humor with it.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Definitely would love to spend more time writing my own book and creating videos for myself!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Instagram Reels.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would have someone outreach to agencies and brands for copywriting work!
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Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Make writing a discipline… not something you wait for inspiration for.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love to talk to more authors about how they landed their literary agents. That entire process is so fascinating to me, and I’d love to learn about how published author’s approached their book proposal.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I would love to work with emerging brands that need help finding their voice. I love working with small business owners and giving a brand identity while telling it’s story.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A client who is down to be playful, and open to collaboration! I find that the best copy comes from people discussing how a brand would talk, and being open to exploring how a brand wouldn’t talk to really identify the tone of voice.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email at bindershawn@gmail.com or say hey on IG! 👋
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Turning off my phone, putting on some classical music
and getting lost in a good book.
This member profile was originally published in November 2018, Updated August 2021.