Jon Itkin is a strategist and copywriter.
Official Bio:
Jon Itkin writes and edits copy, develops creative concepts and contributes to strategic thinking at Brand Cool. Balancing passions for language, creativity and persuasion, Jon approaches his work with sharp-minded clarity and an unwavering dedication to clients’ objectives—spiked with a love of fun and well-placed em dashes.
Jon’s career path coincided neatly with the era of content marketing, which is auspicious since he has been writing and telling stories since long before he knew what marketing was. After earning a Journalism degree from the University of Oregon he took a headfirst dive into the industry, spending years as a freelance PR, web and traditional copywriter.
Jon eventually became a virtual staff member for a handful of agencies throughout the US, and expanded his skill set to include web content strategy, SEO writing, video production, scriptwriting and brand development. His freelance client list grew to include a national government, large public institutions of learning, major real estate firms and many more diverse and interesting marketing entities.
Jon left the freelance world to work as the staff writer for Rochester marketing firm Lichtenstein + Associates before joining Brand Cool in 2011. He lives in Rochester with his wife Alexa and daughter Liv.
Unofficial Bio:
Why did you choose this career?
Well, I always seemed to have a knack for using a handful of words to create an emotional effect (a skill I’ve been practicing for nearly 20 years by writing songs). Then I found myself with a journalism degree, but no desire to build a career in an industry that offered more dead ends than opportunities. I heard somewhere that copywriters actually get paid, and I said, “Sounds great. I’ll try it.” That I found the work rewarding, challenging and fascinating was a big plus. Now, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else.
What’s your favorite food?
BBQ. Slow and low. Cooked by me. On my smoker.
What’s your favorite song?
The Great American Folk Song
What’s your favorite movie?
If you pointed a gun at me, The Big Lebowski.
What’s your favorite movie?
Jesus’ Son, by Denis Johnson. With dozens of other titles tying for second place.
What’s your favorite recreational activity?
Spending time with my wife and daughter after playing my guitar with my band, writing original music and cooking delicious food. Outdoors.
The most profound thing you’ve ever heard or seen or experienced is:
(Cue the string section…)
The birth of my daughter, Liv. All clichés apply.
It would surprise people to know that you:
I can play my head like a xylophone. Really.
The web site you think everyone should have in their favorites file: