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Hi, I’m Zane

I help brands develop their identity and express it through memorable concepts and copy.


Work



I’m a creative problem solver with over 10 years experience at big brands, small brands, tasty brands, inedible brands, super serious brands, sorta-funny brands.

Nowadays, I specialize in startups and market challengers.


Client quotes:
“Zane's ability to jump in and quickly create impactful, immediately usable work is every creative director's dream. Specifically how he helped us take dissonant insights and turn them into a solid, strategy-lead manifesto and multiple brand video scripts for performance marketing.” Reed Schmidt, Creative Director, Guava

“We hired Zane to help us reposition the brand with a new verbal identity and personality. He has a very thorough strategy process which really got to the essence of who we are as a brand. The collaboration and communication along the way was excellent. He truly exceeded expectations.” Gregg Hemphill, CEO, Nexbelt

“His ability to tie creative thinking to consumer insights, trends/culture, and our marketing objectives was unmatched by any creative I have ever worked with. It was always clear where an idea started and how he got to the final product.” Gina Colonette, Senior Social Media Manager, Philips 


My values:
Curiosity. The act of learning and unlearning is like sunshine for the mind. Curiosity keeps me aware, humble and open to new ideas.

Adaptability. I’m gonna let Lau Tzu take this one, “A tree that cannot bend will crack in the wind. The stiff will be broken; the soft will prevail.”

Belief. You can call me Ted Lasso because I believe in belief and that the customer notices said belief. Trickle down belief-onomics.

So, you want to learn about my copywriter mentorship?



There's more to it than beating writer’s block.

I’ve been a copywriter for over ten years. I’ve managed copywriters and art directors.

During that time I’ve had two mentors that've helped shape my career (and life).

If it wasn’t for their active involvement, I would've <gone back to being a stunt kid>. Can you imagine that? A grown man, auditioning for stunt kid roles. I’d be like the guy who graduates high school but doesn’t graduate high school parties.

I digress...

Copywriting is changing. Doing creative work is more challenging than ever before.

As a profession, the pressure to be creative and sell your work (without selling out) can mess with your sense of direction, money and emotions.

We started copywriting because we love ideas, words and making things. Not because we got a business degree, excel at negotiation and attained a monastic level of inner peace.

Whether you work at an agency, in-house at a brand or freelance, it’s good to have a plan. And someone (who isn’t your betrothed or your knuckle-headed friends) to nudge you along.

As a mentor, I impart my knowledge and experience in a personalized format. Career and creative advice that naturally extends to life advice.

Plus, I'm not your CD, so you can tell me to go fuck off.

And I’m not your therapist, either.

But. We will be getting real with each other.  

If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you've got to go deeper. -David Lynch

This is an opportunity for people who want more than the external awards our industry offers.  

They want to make their inner creative life a place that’s full of shiny objects with lasting value: consistency, courage, contentment and curiosity.

At this point you might be wondering, ‘what’s in it for you, Zane?’ I'll let you in on a secret...

Teaching is the highest form of learning. For me to reach my next level, it's time for me to share what I know.


Mentorship Requirements
You got 1-4 years of copywriting experience
You’ve decided to make copywriting a core career skill
You can commit to weekly check-ins for the first month


So, what’s next?

<Say “Hi”>



Education
Here are some of the resources that the mentorship is founded on. Other than my direct experience, these books and courses have shaped the way I write copy, think about marketing and live as a creative person.

I can’t emphasize this enough. Ongoing education is everything. Don’t stop!


<Hey Whipple Squeeze This>
  • I read this in my first year of copywriting. It covers the basics.

<Copywriting Examples>
  • Current copy and analysis that will inspire you (and it’s free).

<CopyWork>
  • The single best course I’ve taken on persuasive copywriting.

<American Marketing Association>
  • If you want to add a new skill. I’ve taken two helpful digital/SEO courses with Will Francis. 

<How Brands Grow>
  • Great copywriters are good marketers. Read this book. 

<Decoded>
  • Great copywriters are good marketers. Read this book, too.

<Never Split the Difference>
  • Learn how to think about language like a negotiator (and get what you want).

<The Tools>
  • Learn how to develop more of the four Cs: contentment, courage, curiosity and consistency.

<Improv and Public Speaking>
  • If you haven’t yet, invest time in one of these two areas. Or do both. I dare you. 

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