21 Questions!

Over the past few months, Lieu has proven to be one of our most popular and most requested copywriters. Take a moment to read over her A-List and you'll quickly get a grasp on why so many of Artisan's clients are keen to get their hands on Lieu.

What sparked your passion for writing?
As a child, I abated my boredom with reading. I found books to be a great way of having an adventure anywhere, anytime. I loved reading because the possibilities were endless - in reality, you can only live one life whereas in books you can have a multitude. Writing was a natural progression from this. I've always had a willing ear for a good story and I found writing to be a great way in conveying these stories.

How creative were you as a youngster?
I had (and still do) a 'D.I.Y' approach to my creative projects. I was caught making a fast-buck in my own make-shift casino when I was 10 (mum wasn't very impressed) and I also created my own newspaper, the originally titled 'Daily News' which reported on hard-hitting stories like 'Lucky' the missing dog.
 
Do you come from a creative family?
My grandfather is a notable opera script writer and my grandmother is an international dancer.  My mother is a social worker and father, a business man. So I guess I'm a bit of all the above.

Were they supportive of your desire to be a writer?
I was raised by my mother and she didn't care what work path - only that I was happy. This made it easier for me since I was an obstinate child and predictably always did everything the opposite of what she wanted. So I guess her lack of interest in what I did professionally worked in my favour. 
 
What sort of education and training have you had?
I studied history and literature as part of an Arts degree at Melbourne Uni. I then went on to do a more 'practical' course and completed my Master of Arts (Media and Communications) at RMIT University.

Who did you want to work for when you first entered the industry?
For myself. I never wanted to work for the one person or publication.

Tell us about your first project and what do you feel about it now?
Besides the locally loved 'Daily News', my first editorial project was creating a school magazine in Year 12. We didn't have one so I created my own editorial team, got funding and learnt the challenges and setbacks of being an editor. My first copywriting project was working for a guy running a web hosting business. He wanted me to write all these articles with keywords - my first introduction to SEO (search engine optimisation) writing!

What is your preferred software to work with and what has been the greatest advancement in technology over the past 5 years? As I'm a killer typist, I prefer PC to pen because I prefer to get everything on screen and then edit my work. Working with pen and paper can get messy with someone like me who has no internal dialogue. But I've heard that you can now get get pens with 'erasers' now - wow technology. I love using indesign for editing and copywriting when it's not 'work' related I like using my typewriter for that rustic feel.
 
Whose work do you really admire and why?
This may sound cliched but I admire the work of passionate and intelligent people who do what they do for the sheer love of it.

Who has been the greatest person that you’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and what have they taught you? I can't single out anyone but I am motivated by learning so anyone who can assist me with this has my thumbs up. I was working for a lovely woman called Catherine Fenton at a London newspaper/magazine for two years and she taught me a lot about how the meaning of things could change so dramatically with only a subtle copy edit. On the copywriting/business side of things, I have learnt a great deal from my recent experience working with communications consultant David Commins on bids, proposals and submissions. Both Catherine and David were fun to work with and were good at what they did. I have a lot of respect for them.

How would you describe your work?
Versatile. I am a writing chameleon and unless it's my own fiction writing, I will always write to project brief or for the intended target reader. My copywriting is not a reflection of me, it's a reflection of the client, product or brand. I don't think you can have an 'ego' when it comes to copywriting, it's not about you, it's about the message you're trying to relay.

What are your plans for the future?
I want to continue to learn working across a variety of projects. I plan to be a jack of all trades and a master at all. I am looking at working on more collaborative projects, perhaps with other designers, illustrators and specialists.

What sort of company would you like to work with next?
A company that has services/products that I know nothing about - that way I can broaden my knowledge base.
 
What is your opinion of Australian writing?
I haven't read much 'Australian' writing so can't comment.

What is the best/worst thing about being a writer in Australia?
You can only go so far with your work here because it's not a big industry like New York or London. On the flipside, if you have the contacts, you don't have to really chase work, it usually finds you.

In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the Australian copywriting industry has to face in the near future? I think like most industries, our increasing globalisation means that clients can use any copywriter anywhere in the world. Australian copywriters may not be the cheapest option. But it works both ways. We now have acess to working for clients all over the world.

What is your creative outlet outside of writing?
Playing piano, dancing and CD mixology.

What is the best designed bar in Melbourne?
You're asking a writer? (Ed: C'mon, everyone loves a great looking bar!) I like bars that are understated - I like the Wine Bar, the European and Von Haus - all in stumbling distances of my house.

What are your top 5 websites at the moment?
http://somethoughtusdead.blogspot.com/
http://marriedtothesea.com/
http://ask.metafilter.com/
http://earth.google.com/
http://theonion.com/

What CD are you currently listening to and is it any good?
I'm listening to the new Bat for Lashes, it's aces.


Do you need an A-List Artisan like Lieu in your studio? Would you like to know more? Contact Erica NOW!