How I Became A Self-Taught Copywriter

I’ve come a long way in my nine years as a copywriter, and I've encountered countless inquiries on platforms like Reddit, articles, and blogs, all seeking guidance on how to break into copywriting without a writing background. The internet is flooded with self-proclaimed "gurus" promising foolproof solutions, but the truth be told - the landscape of copywriting, influenced by evolving artistry and heightened demand, has transformed dramatically over the years, especially with the rise of AI (yes, I'm looking at you, ChatGPT).

I'm not here to rain on anyone's parade. My aim is to shed light on the current state of the industry and share a glimpse into my own journey.

Fifteen years ago, during my university days pursuing a BA in fashion design (with a minor in marketing, as our American friends would say), I stumbled upon a revelation. While I wasn't thrilled about design, my passion for fashion (sorry) was unwavering.

This is where my minor in marketing came to the rescue. I created a blog, "The Style Connoisseur," where I dabbled in everything from fashion news to thought-provoking opinion pieces. My love for the industry shone through, resonating with experts and other “fashionistas” who appreciated my writing. It was the spark that ignited my desire to be a specialist rather than a generalist. So, I persisted in blogging, eventually landing a gig as a Personal Shopper for a Dutch fashion brand after university, allowing my devotion to fuel my fashion writing.

Fast forward to 2015, and I'm freelancing as a fashion content and copywriter for renowned brands like Net-A-Porter, Dorothy Perkins, Selfridges, and Matches Fashion. A pivot into lifestyle writing led me to a permanent role at Ann Summers in 2018, followed by a stint as the editorial writer at Dune London for almost two years. And now? My passion has evolved toward beauty and tech, prompting me to dive into writing for these industries, although fashion/ style remains my first love.

The golden ticket for aspiring writers without a writing degree? Find your niche. While creative writing and journalism alumni can explore as generalists, newcomers need to ask themselves: What excites me? What is my career trajectory? Trust me - your expertise is enough. Copywriting offers the flexibility to write about anything, so discover your niche and pour your heart into it. Keep practising, connect with like-minded individuals, and don't shy away from seeking mentors – many, like myself, are willing to guide you if you just ask. Then when you get your foot in the door, branch out if you want to.

Here's another truth bomb I can't ignore: not everyone reaches soaring heights in their copywriting career. Some hit senior roles with boundless success, while others find contentment where they are. The key to unlocking your full potential? Copywriting alone is no longer enough. Become a master of content editing. Dive into content strategy, explore other disciplines like content design and marketing, or social media. In today's digital landscape, copywriting intertwines with various forms of other content, so immerse yourself in those worlds. Personally, I'm currently delving into UX design, with plans to venture into tech and UX writing in addition to marketing/advertising.

The moral of the story is the journey to becoming a successful copywriter may not be a linear one, but with passion, dedication, and a willingness to evolve, you can carve your path in this dynamic and ever-changing field.

I hope this is helpful! If you need more guidance, hit me up for my copy career advice. I’ll kick things off with a laid-back virtual chat – an hour to dive into your story and career dreams. After that, I'll share some thoughts on how you can thrive professionally, and, if possible, I might even send some of marketing and advertising connections your way if you need them.