Anupa Otiv
Q What do you do?
“I am a strategist and writer working with brands across social, ecommerce, digital content, editorial, and copywriting. By night, I’m a humorist, culture writer, comedian, and teacher.”
Whether I’m collaborating with small businesses, global companies, or one person, I believe in the unlimited potential and power of ideas. Let me help you bring a voice to your vision!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I graduated college and had a series of marketing internships that varied from local businesses to internationally recognized advertising agencies before joining Scout Digital, a boutique digital agency in 2017.
I was the second official company employee at the time, and over the course of six years at Scout, I learned the in’s and out’s of digital strategy and creative, worked with a portfolio of global brands, and developed a diverse skill set that was rare for someone of my level. As the company grew, I moved up in the company and contributed in larger ways, developing robust digital strategies, collaborating on new business pitches, and leading my own small team as Director of Strategy.
When I chose to leave in early 2023, it was to reconnect with writing (my first love) and pursue work with a new portfolio of emerging brands and nonprofits
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I pride myself on bringing humor and personability to everything I do. Beyond strategy, I am a writer and comedian in New York City. I have performed improv, storytelling, and sketch comedy at Magnet Theater since 2017, contributed satirical headlines to Reductress since 2019, and have published cultural commentary in Electric Literature, Parade Magazine, and more. In many ways, performance and writing allow me to lead with empathy in my work and connect with clients on a deeper level.
Q What are you working on right now?
I love working with creative mediums that are new to me, so right now I’m developing my first podcast inspired by my Substack! The podcast chronicles the intersection of music and nostalgia by exploring a different band or musical genre through interviews, curated playlists, cultural commentary, and more. Beyond that, I am always working on freelance projects with brands and non-profits!
Q What’s your style?
My belief is that the shiniest idea is not always the best idea. Effective strategy does not require crazy budgets or unnecessary shock factor, but instead a deep understanding of one’s goals and audience. From there, the opportunities are endless to build something beautiful and true to the brand.
One project I worked on that did this was Supima Cotton’s #SupimaStrong campaign in 2020. Due to the nation-wide face covering shortage, we adapted the brand’s social strategy quickly to produce a meaningful campaign with tangible results. We conducted outreach to emerging designers and Supima’s global collective of brands to volunteer their time and create face masks using leftover Supima fabric. As a result, over 30,000 masks were created using Supima cotton and donated to frontline workers.
We amplified the campaign on social media and used our platforms as an opportunity to educate audiences on face coverings, share DIY face covering tutorials, and collaborate with influential designers and brands to cross-promote
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Writing was always my one true superpower! I would love to focus more on using it to work with brands across fashion, beauty, sustainability, music, and food.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Seeing “content” for the sake of content. So much online clutter these days!! I wish more people would think before they post, and realize its long-term impact on our world.
Also store-bought hummus. It’s just not very good.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would hire a produce expert to shop for the best fruits and veggies, wash and chop them, and keep them ready for me to cook!!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would tell my younger self not to box herself into one way of thinking or one career path too early on! The world is full of big opportunities, and I have learned so much about what I truly want by simply being open minded.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would talk to an AI expert. In a world that is changing rapidly, the best thing we can do is stay informed and highly adaptable. Also would go back in time to ask composer Ryuichi Sakamoto to explain his creative process to me in excruciating detail.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking for freelance and full-time brand and digital strategy opportunities with companies whose mission and values I align with. The best way to see your dreams become reality is to find people who believe in your dreams too!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal job is one where communication is open, collaborative, and creative. As a manager, I have always encouraged this among my team and believe that the best ideas are born when we come together.
Q What is your rate?
My rate is highly dependent on scope, however my hourly rate is approximately $60-80/hr.
Email me for day rates and packages for bigger projects.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email me at anupa.otiv@gmail.com with the project, deliverables, budget, and timeline. We’ll take it from there!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
For copy: Kassie Shanafelt
For illustration: Suerynn Lee
For creative direction: Victoria Lobos
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Long walks, time away, swimming, and family
This member profile was originally published in July 2023, updated August 2023