Kassie Shanafelt
Q What do you do?
“I write a lot of things.”
Being a Freelance Copywriter and Associate Creative Director can mean, well… a lot of things. If I were to describe it to someone with no experience (or my mom), I’d say, “I write a lot of things.”
But that’s not really true. The reality is I spend more time looking off into space, thinking about things, and scribbling ideas in my notebook. Then, I might actually open up my laptop to write.
The majority of what I do is think. Even when I am not working, there is always an idea lingering somewhere on a backburner in my brain. I am a conceptor, a creator, and lastly, a writer. Words are just my preferred medium.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My career began in Social Media. I thought writing captions would be a great practice for my personal writing—and it was. The very nature of social forces you to be quick (in both wit and time management).
From there, I started taking on freelance clients as a playground for different forms of writing: campaign messaging and taglines, tone and voice development, scripts, storyboarding, UX writing, and (still) the occasional social caption.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Don’t overthink. The simplest solution is usually the easiest way to stand out.
Q What are you working on right now?
Outside of the brand work I do, you might be shocked to find I am, still, writing.
I just self-published a book called, What’s Worse? Me or AI? By “book,” I mean it is a comparison between very REAL (i.e. embarrassing) texts I have sent and texts formulated by AI.
Q What’s your style?
Playful. Down-to-earth. Somewhat self-depricating. Chaotic. Real.
I like taking complex (or even not-so complex) topics and breaking them down into lines anyone can not only understand—but find it relatable. Maybe even smart, in a totally obvious-yet-understandable way.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Photography—the main problem is my lack of a studio space.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
My lack of a studio space.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Someone to run all my errands: pick up groceries, wash the dishes in the sink, drop off that package that’s been sitting in the hallway for weeks.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could go back and tell my 20-something self that there are no wrong decisions. I spent a lot of time worrying about things that, ultimately, did not matter (and still don’t!).
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Put me in a room with an accountant, please.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Projects that will keep me thinking about them when I'm not supposed to be thinking about them.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
The best clients are the ones who are honest and genuine. Oh, and having a laugh along the way is never a bad thing.
Q What is your rate?
My day rate is $850, but that doesn’t mean I always have to work on a day rate. The best part about being freelance? The flexibility to pick and choose the projects I want to work on and how much I get paid for them.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
I’m just an email away - kassie.shanafelt@gmail.com
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Living—life is always the best inspiration.
This member profile was originally published in January 2022, Updated January 2024.