La Tecia D. Sykes
Freelance Fashion Copywriter
DENVER, COLORADO
Contact: lateciadsykes@icloud.com
5 favorite musical artists of all time?
Mary J. Blige
Michelle Branch
Aaliyah
Anita Baker
Janet Jackson
What inspires you?
My style has always been firmly rooted in a Tomboy aesthetic. As a kid, I wanted to be cute but comfortable, and fortunately for me that look has become more widely embraced. A dope pair of shoes and a graphic tee was and still is my go-to outfit!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
With age comes some clarity, so I think I would tell her that all her goals are achievable but she may find them fulfilled in unexpected ways. That her best friend won't always be her best friend but she'll still cherish those memories made together and being comfortable with yourself will always lead you to new opportunities.
What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?
I am VERY new to podcasts but a few of my current faves are: Women of Marvel, Switch Pivot or Quit, and The Sh*t No One Tells You About Writing. Each of those taps into an interest of mine: comics, career and of course, what do I need to know to finish this novel in under a decade!
What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries?
I think despite all the challenges we have faced and STILL face, that people of color have always been creative, have always found innovative ways to express ourselves when others tried to stop us so we are uniquely qualified to think outside the box. And that is something that companies need as we move deeper into a more digital way of living.
“ Identify what it is that drives you at the moment and recognize that it CAN and will change as you grow. ”
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be to own a Copywriting firm that works with a plethora of clients from a variety of fields and spend each day helping them find the right words to communicate their personal visions.
What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time?
I would definitely love to take more time to focus on personal projects both within visual arts and my writing.
What is the last thing you learned?
I learned that it's okay to return to a previous opportunity. There's no shame in recognizing when you took a risk...and lost. It happens! To everyone! If you still feel as if you can grow somewhere that you couldn't previously, reach out, go back if the offer still stands. Many times what was missing there before was a mere matter of perspective.
What are you working on right now?
By day, I'm currently working with a major online department store (launching brands and writing engaging copy) and by night I'm working on my first original work of fiction that I hope to shop to publishing houses in the next year or so.
If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be? Why?
I would love to have a conversation with Shonda Rhimes. She's been able to create these complex, endearing characters that have become a part of Pop culture in an industry that's notorious for growing tired of things quickly. Her ability to create and sustain such a long-lived narrative is an inspiration to writers everywhere who are struggling just to get a basic outline together! And to do so as a black woman in an industry saturated with white men truly speaks to the undeniable skill of her writing.
What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?
I think you really need to identify what it is that drives you at the moment and recognize that it CAN and will change as you grow. Initially, I thought my passion was art, then fashion, and ultimately I ended up working in a fusion of the two within various occupations. What you're passionate about will evolve throughout your career and you just need to be open to new ways of expressing it. A lot of being a successful creative is recognizing where your passion lies, who else has that passion with whom you can connect, and then expressing it in a manner that's unique to you.
How do you keep your creative drip going?
I read CONSTANTLY! Anything and everything, mostly fiction, but I have an ever-growing list of fan fictions that I keep for a rainy day. You never know when a line or scene or a bit of dialogue will spark something creative within you.
Contact: lateciadsykes@icloud.com