| In Creative Minds, we ask APAC creatives a long list of questions, from serious to silly, and ask them to pick 11 to answer. (Why 11? Just because.) Want to be featured? |
Name: Jessa Velasquez
Origin: Manila, Philippines
Places lived/worked: Manila, Philippines
Pronouns: She/her
CV:
- Copywriter, Ogilvy, Philippines (2023-Present)
- Copywriter, Dentsu, Philippines (2021-2023)
- Copywriter, Wavemaker, Philippines (2018-2021)
- Social Media Engagement Officer, Group M, Philippines (2016-2018)
1. How did you end up being a creative?
Growing up in a household where my dad worked in advertising, creativity runs in my blood. I remember him watching Cannes Lions ad compilations on our DVD player like they were blockbuster films. And whenever we were out driving, I’d find myself staring out the window, analysing every billboard we passed, imagining being part of the team that made them. That curiosity never left. I think that’s when I knew that I wanted to be part of something that makes people feel something the way those ads made me think.
2. What's your favourite piece of work in your portfolio?
One of my favourite projects is an internal competition entry we won at Dentsu Philippines for Nissin. The brief was to encourage Filipinos to choose Nissin Cup Noodles during their break time. We took a cheeky play on the well-known phrase 'NSFW'.
We flipped it from 'Not Safe For Work' to 'Noodles Suited For Watching', designing pixelated, playful packaging paired with exclusive, scan-to-watch content inside each cup.
It didn't get published, but it’s one of those ideas that reminds me why I love creative work—having the freedom to play with ideas and connect with people in unexpected ways.
3. What's your favourite piece of work created by someone else?
Non-Blinking Woman by Carre de Chocolat. It’s the kind that keeps your attention locked in without relying on big visuals or gimmicks.
When I watched it for the first time, I thought it was genius. It plays with tension, focus, and the very act of watching. It reminded me that great creative ideas don’t always need to be loud—sometimes they just need to be brave.
4. What/who are your key creative influences?
All the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with. From creative teammates to visionary creative leads, being surrounded by passionate minds constantly challenges and inspires me to push boundaries and see things from new perspectives.
5. What's on your bucket list?
To travel the world. Mainly France and Italy, where I can indulge in fantastic food, sip wine like a local, and pretend I’m an art critic at every museum I visit.
6. What career did you think you'd have when you were a kid?
An astronaut. When I was little, I was convinced I could ride the rings of Saturn—all because of one planet book I couldn't stop reading.
7. What advice would you give to a 10-year-old you, if you could?
Your life mission? To end revisions. Stay strong, little one.
8. What really motivates you?
I turn failures into fuel. To me, every rejection is just momentum for the next, stronger comeback.
9. How would your co-workers describe you?
'Energy ball' was the nickname a co-worker once gave me. I think it’s because I bring the chatter, the cheer, and the kind of pep that makes every project deadline a little less painful.
10. What would you do on your perfect day?
Turn my phone on DND. Soak in the sun, read a book, and indulge in some gelato in the afternoon.
11. What app could you absolutely not live without? What app do you wish you could delete?
I work as a content creator on the side, so Instagram. But honestly, it’s also the app I wish I could delete. Love it, can’t delete it!
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