CMedi People: Denise Strohsahl 

Over the next few months, we will be trialling an exciting new blog series called #CMedi People. This is our way of sharing the love and introducing you all digitally to the wonderful people who make up our CreativeMornings Edinburgh community.

First up is Denise Strohsahl from sandstonecastles in Edinburgh.

Denise, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself?

“I’m originally from Germany. In 2010, I sold my car and most of my belongings, got rid of my flat and quit my job as creative director – and moved to Edinburgh. I arrived here with two suitcases and a backpack and registered as a freelancer the very next day. Haven’t looked back once.”

What made you decide to come along to our CreativeMornings Edinburgh event last month?

“Since CreativeMornings Edinburgh had re-started in March, I was always busy with work on the last Friday of the month. In July, I finally managed to keep the day free. And the topic of Equality was a big draw for me, too!”

How did you find out about CreativeMornings? 

“Honestly, I don’t remember. Probably via Twitter. I only remember that I went to the very first one here in Edinburgh, at Summerhall. And I enjoyed it so much, it quickly became a fixed part of my schedule.” 

What’s your usual morning routine?

“Tea. Lots of it. I usually check the news and my social media feeds while slowly (!) waking up.”

What did you like best about our July event?

“Apart from the topic, I was quite excited to see the co-working space at The Melting Pot. I always wanted to check it out but somehow never managed. Loved it!”

What is your creative calling? 

“Copywriting. I am a marketing consultant now, helping other sole traders and small business owners to promote their products. But I still create campaigns and write copy for my clients. I couldn’t do without it!”

What or who inspires you? 

“I’m completely useless when it comes to drawing or any kind of visual creativity. (I couldn’t hold a candle to a bunch of four-year-olds armed with crayons and paper!). So, people who can turn a few simple lines into a work of art and express so much without using a single word fascinate me. I find that very inspiring!”

Can you list a few of your favourite creative resources? 

• Creative Boom is great for creatives and freelancers in general. 
  
• From a marketing point of view, Naomi Dunford from Ittybiz is always a great read. The focus of her blog has changed a bit over the years but it’s still great, down-to-earth advice. 
  
• And nothing is better than having Tom Fishburne’s cartoons to put the crazy marketing world into perspective.
  
• Apart from that, social media is so full of ideas and creative people, I take a lot of inspiration from that as well.
  

What do you do to take care of your creative soul? 

“That’s a tough one… I guess what keeps me sane is a mix of switching off and mingling with other creatives. I relax reading loads of books and watching movies as well as TV shows. Additionally, I try to surround myself with other freelancers, be that in real life or online. For example, I share an office with two other copywriters in a house full of creatives. I also follow a lot of blogs and connect with people on social media or at events like CreativeMornings.” 

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us, Denise. We really enjoyed meeting you and learning more!

If you’re interested in finding out more about Denise and her work, you can get in touch with her online here.

For those of you who would like an opportunity to take part in our #CMedi People blog series, come along to our next CreativeMornings Edinburgh event and find either of our team members Cilla Richards (Head of Social) or Ellie Morag (Photographer) and they’ll be able to hook you up.

We hope you enjoyed the first in many #CMedi People blog posts to come, and we look forward to seeing you at our next CreativeMornings Edinburgh event on Friday, 25 August 2017.