Hi Liv, it’s great to catch up. Since you’re not a classic PR pro, let’s start with your job title. What does it actually mean to be a copywriter for someone who isn’t in the know?
It usually causes confusion. Lots of people assume I’m involved in copyright law, which is very far from the truth. I write copy, which used to mean text intended for print, but nowadays, it’s evolved to mean any kind of written content digital, print or otherwise. Essentially, I write, proofread, or edit anything written on behalf of a brand. That could be website copy, social media captions, brochures, industry whitepapers, blogs, press releases, spokesperson comments, op-eds – the list goes on.
I’m constantly trying my hand at new formats and kinds of writing for a diverse range of clients with completely different audiences and tones of voice, which keeps the job interesting. Every work day involves at least five hours of writing, the odd meeting, sometimes content planning or helping with content audits, and the odd bit of admin.
So you’re a busy bee – have you got any productivity hacks that keep your workload in check?
It’s not really a hack, but set your boundaries and keep to them. If you find a certain way of working really disruptive (for example, deskbombing) communicate that to your colleagues in a respectful way and let them know what you prefer. Ultimately, ensuring we can all work the way that’s best for us boosts efficiency. Aside from that, just use all the tools you have to your benefit – I like a combination of digital tools like my Teams planner and good old-fashioned written ‘to-do’ lists.
Communication is key! What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
The first one is reliable – if I say I’ll do something, I will. The second is organised. It keeps me from getting stressed out – I’m the type of person who packs and repacks their suitcase at least three times before a holiday! And finally, I’d say wry. My sense of humour sometimes catches people off-guard.
So we know how you work, but what about the environment you work in? What’s on your desk right now?
A cup of peppermint tea, a big water bottle (hydration essentials), my noise-cancelling headphones, a notebook and pen, hand cream, lip balm, and a book I lent to a colleague ages ago.
It’s hard for the GOLD79 team to see you as anything other than a copywriter, but if you weren’t in content, where would you be?
I think I’d be a costume designer for period pieces and fantasy films and shows. I loved textiles at school, and I still have a massive love for all things fashion, history, and crafts. Fantasy is my favourite genre to read. Because there are no limits to the fictional worlds authors create, the potential for costumes is endless, so when they’re turned into films or shows, every character can be so visually interesting and whimsical.
Wow, that sounds like such a cool career. Have you got any hobbies that relate now?
Not directly, but I crochet in my spare time. I taught myself during lockdown using YouTube and it took a lot of time and concentration to learn, but now it’s like muscle memory. I can do it while I watch TV so it’s a great way to still feel productive in your downtime. Now every time someone in my life has a baby, I’m the go-to blanket maker!
Lots of the GOLD79 team are keen travellers. Is that something you’re into too?
I love to travel, but I also have a very accident-prone travel history full of holiday mishaps. At the time they were all quite stressful, but they make for really good stories to tell.
In 2011, my family got stranded in Florida when the Icelandic volcano erupted. We got a free week of Disney passes, so that was a score! On a less fun note, I once had a major cycling mishap in Italy. We still had ten days of our holiday left and the medical treatment I got while there wasn’t the best. By the time I got home, the wound was turning green. The doctor called a load of students into the room to use me as an example of an advanced-stage infection that you’d rarely see in the UK – I felt like a medical marvel, and not in a good way.
None of it has put me off though – my boyfriend and I are about to embark on a ten-week backpacking trip around Thailand and Vietnam – hopefully accident-free!
That sounds amazing – fingers crossed it all goes to plan! Let’s chat about home now. Have you got any pets?
I’ve got a dog – well, she’s technically my parents’ dog, but she’s part of the whole family. Her name is Nelly and she’s a 13-year-old black lab who’s going grey around the edges. She’s the sweetest dog ever, super gentle and calm and has an enviable lifestyle that includes about 16 hours of sleep per day. She loves carrots and hoovering up crumbs off the floor.
So you must be more of a dog person? Would your dream home include a pet?
Definitely – once you’ve had a dog, a house doesn’t feel like home without one. My dream house has loads of period features and cosy spots to curl up and read. Natural light is a must, and a wood burner or open fire for when it’s cold. I’d be happy in a house of any size, as long as it has plenty of character and some outdoor space.
Finally, what’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
I’ve been told that I give good advice, but that I’m also hard to read. It’s a strange combination, but it made me feel mysterious and powerful…
Thanks for the chat Liv!
Keep your eyes peeled for more instalments of Getting to Know GOLD. Follow us on LinkedIn for frequent updates.