Jenn Shreve, an accomplished writer, is drawn to visual arts that explore the medium of language. In fact, her favorite object in her Brooklyn apartment is a huge street sign that says “It Will End In Tears” by California artist, Anthony Discenza. Fittingly, Jenn combines her love of writing and visual arts everyday as an Associate Creative Director at advertising agency, Razorfish. From online and print advertisements to websites, apps, interactive kiosks, events, video, and social media, she has helped shape the interactive presence of global brands including Google, Old Navy, WaMu, and Ralph Lauren. To learn more from this masterful writer, check out the class she is currently teaching, “Breaking into Interactive Copywriting” and read her 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Innovative Storytelling
2. Who is your creative role model?
Great artists who work wonders in the medium of language, like Jenny Holzer, Yoko Ono (a la “Grapefruit”), Barbara Kruger, and the hilarious David Shrigley.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I would stare out a window with a glass of wine and notebook in front of me, writing down whatever comes to mind. I’ve found no better way to get the creative juices flowing.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
The ocean, because where else can you get such a clear glimpse the infinite, which in turn reminds you that you are finite, which means you should hurry on up and do something awesome with your life.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Interior designer/architect. I just designed and renovated my kitchen. Working with three dimensional space, exploring materials, and reshaping physical space was satisfying and impactful in a way that the work I do all day, which lives inside this screen you’re staring at, isn’t.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
A lovingly prepared meal.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
Right now it’s a huge street sign that says “It Will End In Tears.” It’s by a California artist named Anthony Discenza. Like the artists I mentioned in question 2, he works wonders with language. Every time I pass that sign, I think it’s one the truest statements I’ve ever encountered.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If someone shits on your lap, turn that crap into a beautiful sculpture. In other words, it’s not what you’re given to work with, but what you do with it that matters. This is not to be confused with putting lipstick on a pig; it’s more like turning the pig into delicious bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Don’t laugh. What’s said on Facebook is, as many have noted, boring. What isn’t said is fascinating. As a storyteller, I love to fill in the blanks with my imagination. And as someone who works in the digital space, I’m very interested helping people and, yes, brands tell more engaging stories about themselves online.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
When people are out there using it, playing with it, enjoying it.
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