Vanessa Acosta
Social Video Strategist / TikTok & IG Reels
Los Angeles, CA / Remote
www.fromabolivian.com
instagram @fromabolivian
tiktok @fromabolivian
Q What do you do?
“I have worked in the creative industry for about 16 years now. I have a concentration and deep knowledge in fashion. I am currently a freelance social video strategist.”
I've been doing this for 4 years now and have worked with a diverse list of clients from DTC fashion brands, wedding clients, the event space, web 3, skincare and more. I have a unique long list of skills that allows me to excel in any creative field. For most of my career I have worked in fashion so I know all corners of the industry, from pre and post production, web design, social media, working on set, photography, graphic design and video editing. I blend all my skills to create eye catching videos that tell a story and inspire the viewer to engage. I strategize, produce, shoot and edit all social content for clients. I can direct others as well as be in front of the camera as well. You can see more of my phone native and specialty camera video work on my website.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
When I began to work in the fashion industry, most of my design jobs required multiple skills. What began as a design job ended up evolving into not just design but also web design, shooting campaigns, email blasting, running social media, inventory control etc. And that's usually how it goes, you gotta wear multiple hats and do 8 jobs in one. So having done all that, I acquired a lot of knowledge and skills that allowed me to run my own brand. After running my own business and learning more through there, I developed a knack for Tik Tok and that's what began my video content work. I began to do consultations for fellow small business friends to guide them on how to adapt to the new social media game and that expanded to working with other companies. Fast forward 4 years later, I have worked with clients of all shapes and sizes in UGC content, video strategy, community growth through Tik Tok, specializing in IG Reels and all video content across social media and offering high res specialty camera for the clients who need it.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I have a unique blend of experience and being chronically online that allows me to be good at what I do. I have the work ethic, I'm a go-getter, a self starter but I am also hyper aware of internet culture! I can easily apply internet trends for any client and make relevant content while informing audiences of company, product etc. I love what I do! And my turn around time is lightning fast.
Q What are you working on right now?
I just finished working with a client on an event job. I capture events as well and deliver both social and video content with the team I work with. We travel anywhere around the world and offer photography, social assets and web assets. Phone native shot content as well as high-res video content.
Q What’s your style?
I am a lover of color, textiles and art! So any projects that involve fashion and color represent me best. It's what I know like the back of my hand. I excel in fashion related work but adapt very well and can work in all different types of industries.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
My passion for interior design has grown a lot these past couple of years and I asked for a saw for Christmas one year to start making some little home decor accents but I got busy. So I would love to find more time to focus on that and make some home decor details with my hands whenever I can.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Don't know if this is a controversial take, but it may ruffle some feathers. To be completely honest, the job market. And I am not alone in that. I love freelance work, it never gets boring. But I have also opened myself up to the possibility of full time work. There have been some opportunities that have come my way and the process is months long, only to reach a final end of rejection. It's a story that many people share these days. A lot of companies that are hiring take advantage of creatives, ask for free work, string applicants along for months and then don't offer a job at the end of the process, or offer a job for very little pay. It's frustrating for a lot of people out there and I know I am not alone with these thoughts because I have had these conversations with so many creatives out there.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Assistant duties. Answering emails, and maybe some pre-production stuff for clients.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Don't be afraid to take the risk. Don't worry about what people will think. I look back at some of the choice I've made and I'm happy that I made them I just wish I had made them sooner. I was afraid of failing, or was being too careful at times. It all worked out in the end, I just decided to take a longer route.
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 an older person about life. An expert on life itself. I want to hear their stories of how many times they pivoted, how many careers they pursued, how many times they picked up a new hobby, or new skill. I love to hear about a person who has lived a long happy life pursuing the things they love and having no regrets.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking to work with more fashion, art, home brands.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
A celebrity/influencer collaboration with a brand. I love working with other influencers who you can bounce ideas off of. People who already understand social media and are open to wacky ideas when promoting a collection or campaign make the process so easy and fun.
Q: What is your rate?
Depending on what the client wants, I can do one off videos, do monthly retainers and also do hourly rates. I had a $2000 monthly retainers with one client in the past and had another client that had a $1200 monthly retainer with me. So each client is different depending on the scope of work. I work with all different times of budgets.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email is best: fromabolivian@gmail.com
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Sam Roberts, he is my husband and we work together for some of our bigger clients.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I craft, thrift and travel
This member profile was originally published in December 2022, Updated December 2024.