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How to Pitch

How to Pitch Motherwell: A Freelancer’s Guide

Motherwell editors are looking for parenting essays that focus on a wide range of issues

Amirah icon
By Dana Robinson
Dana Robinson is a freelance health, beauty, and culture writer with 20 years of experience creating content for publications including Shape, WeightWatchers, Wine Enthusiast, AARP, and Southwest: The Magazine. She holds a master's degree in mass communication from California State University-Northridge.
2 min read • Originally published March 11, 2019 / Updated March 19, 2026
Amirah icon
By Dana Robinson
Dana Robinson is a freelance health, beauty, and culture writer with 20 years of experience creating content for publications including Shape, WeightWatchers, Wine Enthusiast, AARP, and Southwest: The Magazine. She holds a master's degree in mass communication from California State University-Northridge.
2 min read • Originally published March 11, 2019 / Updated March 19, 2026

Background: Motherwell went live in 2016 and has become a resource for all things related to parenting and culture. The site covers a wide range of topics, ranging from pregnancy loss and educational issues to gender roles and the emotional fabric of parenthood.

“We want Motherwell to be a home of civilized debate on the parenting topics that matter most,” says Lauren Apfel, co-founder and executive editor. Editors don’t shy away from conflicting points of view because they know that parenting is important work and each family does it differently. They believe that modern parenting is a complicated entity and love to showcase a full spectrum of parenting experiences.

What to pitch: Editors are looking for crisp, thought-provoking writing on a particular slice of the parenting experience across a range of themes: culture, family life, obstacles, and the process of overcoming them.

Personal Essays: Editors want first-person narratives with a unique focus on an aspect of modern parenting. Word count: up to 1200.

Perspective Pieces: Hit editors up with first-person pieces that cover a newsy, topical or controversial issue. They’re looking for tight, well-argued pieces that weave anecdote and analysis to make a strong case for a particular point of view. Word count: up to 1200.

What not to pitch: Editors are interested in hearing about all sides of the parenting story.

Percentage of freelance content: About 90%

Percentage of freelance pitches accepted: About 5%

Recent stories submitted and published: Freelance writers pitched How to Rekindle Love After Kids? Try Fresh Limes, and Fighting the Patriarchy One Grandpa at a Time.

Etiquette:  Submit only fully written articles via Submittable. For time-sensitive pieces, writers are encouraged to include the word “timely” in all caps in the subject line.

Lead time: Variable, but usually within 2-3 weeks

Pay rate: $50 for selected featured essays

Payment schedule: On publication

Rights purchased: Writer retains rights, within a timeframe

Contact info:

Motherwell

Twitter handle: @motherwellmag | Facebook | Instagram
Email: motherwellmag@gmail.com

Direct all pitches to: Submittable.com

Topics:

Go Freelance, How to Pitch
Journalism Advice

3 Web Tools That Will Supercharge Your Idea Generation and Research

When you’re looking for a new freelancer, it’s often due to an emergency scenario. But even in a time crunch, you should never skip the formal interview.
By Chris Johnson
3 min read • Originally published May 19, 2020 / Updated March 19, 2026
By Chris Johnson
3 min read • Originally published May 19, 2020 / Updated March 19, 2026

3 Web Tools That Can Help in Idea Generation and Research

Every writer has their tricks for inspiration or getting unstuck. For some it’s reading, jogging, or engineering breaks into the day with a Pomodoro timer. Others recharge by playing games like solitaire or  table top games.

But the modern internet itself holds some newer tricks up its sleeve for us. Looking up internet search data might seem like the domain of a savvy online marketer–but a few of these tools can be surprisingly helpful for writers too. Here’s a quick round up of three that are simple, free, and often overlooked.

  1. Use Google trends to support your research

Google receives over 2 trillion searches a year. A mind-boggling sum. With that is valuable data on what people like and what’s happening in the world. It’s insightful for any journalist, and fortunately, Google does not make this information entirely private. 

You can access popularity trends on what people are searching on Google Search trends. You can view the data over time, and even drill into how it’s trending geographically.  

Let’s say you’re writing an article on vegan diets. By searching “vegan,” you’ll find that it has been continuing to rise in popularity for well over a decade, but over the last three years, it’s plateaued a bit. You can even compare the popularity of searches. By adding “vegetarian” as another search parameter, you’ll find that it’s searched much less than “vegan,” perhaps suggesting veganism is more culturally popular. 

  1. Get to know SimilarWeb

SimilarWeb is another overlooked tool for journalists. It allows you to understand website metrics, like how many visitors a website gets, and where they get their traffic from. 

For example, to continue with the vegan theme, you’ll find that the vegan restaurant recommendation site, Purple Cow, is quite popular according to SimilarWeb. That can be used to make suggestions on which restaurant aggregator you want to include in your article, or who you might want to reach out to for expert opinions. 

With SimilarWeb, you can also find similar sites. For Purple Cow, it shows a variety of Vegan related websites. If you want to understand the landscape of a particular space and who the players are, this is an excellent tool to quickly do that.

  1. Remember related searches

When starting an article, you are likely going to brainstorm all the different angles and areas you can cover for a particular topic. You’ll Google search a topic, and read the first few articles to start coming up with ideas. 

There’s is a much easier way to brainstorm. After searching for a term, when you scroll all the way down on the Google search  results, at the very bottom, you’ll see related search terms. For “Vegan,” you’ll see “vegan lifestyle” and “vegan benefits,” and if you drill in further from there, you’ll see “vegan benefits for skin.” You can easily see how this can give you a number of angles to consider.

Surprisingly, we’re so used to looking above the fold at the top Google search results, that this has become an easily forgotten, but powerful feature on Google.  

—

Modern writers can benefit from borrowing techniques from others working on the web, and adding a few tricks like these to the bag, might just land you that next article.

 

 

Topics:

Journalism Advice
Go Freelance

Ready to Go Full-Time Freelance? Here Are the Steps to Take

Stats show that more people are leaving their jobs to work for themselves

Ready to Go Full-Time Freelance? Here Are the Steps to Take
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
4 min read • Originally published November 30, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
4 min read • Originally published November 30, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026

It’s no secret that we’re living in a historical moment. This past year has shown that job-seekers’ patterns are changing with the current work landscape. As the flexibility of workers’ schedules adjusts with remote work and with people leaving their jobs in higher numbers than ever, stats show that more people are leaving their jobs to work for themselves. Long gone are the days when employees stayed at the same 9-to-5 job until retirement. In fact, 58% who didn’t freelance before the pandemic are now considering it. 

This data points to the fact that the move to full-time freelancing will most likely continue to be a trend in this “workers economy,” with people wanting more flexibility and freedom within their careers. If you’re currently a part-time freelancer or are looking to make the transition from working for someone to working for yourself, these tips should be helpful as you navigate your next steps. 

  1. Build A Network of Clients

One of the most crucial things one can do when making the jump from working for someone to working for yourself is building a network of clients. This can be gradual as you build your portfolio and clientele. Networking is important—even when you work for yourself. If you create a good name for yourself and your work through your current clients, you’ll be able to build on that. Get your name out there!

  1. Define Your Rate

Okay, you have some clients—now what? Defining your rate (and sticking to it) is crucial to making the jump to full-time freelance. Freelance rates are a heavily debated topic, as your experience level will depend on how much you should charge. With that being said, sometimes you’ll have to compromise with certain clients (especially starting out), but once you’ve become established, it will be easier to navigate and put your foot down with a set rate. Here’s an article that will help you calculate your rate. 

  1. Maintain A Regular Schedule 

Most people who work freelance prefer it because they’re able to have a flexible schedule—working when they choose. This appeals to many who want to work outside of a traditional 9-to-5. However, when you make the jump to full-time, it’s crucial to maintain some kind of regular schedule. As your work life and personal life become more blended, you should aim to maintain a sense of when you’re “in office” and “out of office” in order to create boundaries for yourself and your work. Sometimes this includes working on weekends. The good thing is that it’s up to you!

  1. Keep Track of Invoices & Costs

You’re building your clientele, you’ve set your rate, and you’re maintaining a regular schedule. The next thing you want to do is keep track of your invoices, as you (typically) are your own accountant. Using invoice tracking software can help you see your month-to-month income and stay organized when adding up fees. It’ll also be able to help you see how your negotiated rate can really add up!

  1. Maintain an Online Presence

Your online presence is more and more important these days for self-promoting your work, but it especially is if you work for yourself and need to meet new clients. Their impression of you is most likely to start by your online presence, whether it’s your Twitter, Instagram, website, or all of the above. This goes hand-in-hand with the service you’re providing too. If you’re solely a freelance photographer, Instagram may be the main route for you to showcase your work. If you’re a writer, you may want to have both a website of links to your writing and also stay active on Twitter so potential clients can immediately see your writing tone. 

  1. Prepare for Unpredictability 

The freelance world is one of flexibility—but also unpredictability. The economy’s changing landscape comes with perks like working from home and if you’re full-time freelance, working when you want and how you want. However, this goes hand in hand with some months being more fruitful than others. By nature, your workload and income can change each month. With that being said, you’ll have to be fully prepared for ebbs and flows, but that’s just part of the process. As you shape your own work days, prepare for freedom but also buck up, because now you are your own boss.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Business Basics, Go Freelance
Be Inspired

How to Become a Content Creator: Essential Skills You Need

Five tips to keep in mind as you embark on your content creation journey

How to Become a Content Creator: Essential Skills You Need
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published December 8, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published December 8, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026

In the world of smartphones and social media, it has become easier to be a content creator now that users have access to platforms they can use to connect and share information across the country—or even the world.

Additionally, people are consuming more and more content each day. The barriers that previously existed for content to be published are either gone or more flexible, creating the perfect opportunity for those who’d like to become content creators in this day and age. There’s no hiding that the creator economy is thriving.  

Who are content creators, exactly? Well, they wear many hats. They are videographers, writers, photographers, and graphic designers. At the end of the day, they are storytellers.

Does this sound like something you’d want to pursue? In the everchanging and exciting world of content creation, here are some tips for you as you embark on your journey as a content creator.

Produce Content That Is True to You

There’s a lot of noise in the world of scrolling, likes, and comments. The first step in becoming a content creator is making content true to you—and it will help you find your audience the most organically. While you’ll want to pay attention to trends from other content creators, you’ll also want to make content that stands apart and is unique to you.

Maintain A Strong Brand Identity

While you’re producing content that is true to you, you want to find that feeling, or brand identity that makes you unique and run with it. Your brand identity should be consistent throughout the platforms you’re active on.

Engage with Followers

Being a content creator isn’t just about creating—it’s also about maintaining a relationship with your followers and engaging with them as they interact with your content.

With that being said, it’s also crucial to interact with other content creators—not only to keep up with current trends but also to build a community with people who are doing the same thing as you. This will help spread your name and eventually reach a wider audience.

Try New Features

A large part of being a content creator is keeping up with current social media trends, as they are an ever-changing aspect of creating media in our very digital world. Instagram’s new reel’s feature has proven to be a driving component for a content creator to build their audience. In other words, the world of content creation is just becoming more video-focused.

Keep Track of What Performs the Best

Most social media platforms let you see your data: your impressions, likes, comments, retweets—you name it. This can motivate you to immediately pay attention to what resonates with your audience (and what doesn’t). While you should be focused on this data, don’t let the numbers get you down. Ultimately, they’ll just help you strive towards your goals.  

And while you’re here, check out our own class on content marketing and social media video strategy.

Topics:

Be Inspired
Career Transition

10 Creative Jobs Worth Exploring for Your Next Career Move

If you’re looking to switch career tracks and into something more creative, here are some jobs to consider

creative careers
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published December 14, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published December 14, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026

You may have heard of something called “The Great Resignation” recently. This term has been used to describe the large number of mid-career people leaving their jobs in search of something new. As workers are resigning in higher numbers than ever before, they’re also gravitating towards careers that fulfill their passions and creative desires. It’s clear that people are searching for a certain type of contentment within their day jobs that they may not have had before.

As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, “For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be…I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”

While creative and media careers can typically vary depending on the type of job, they almost always involve brainstorming, thinking outside of the box, and original thought. So if you’re looking to switch career tracks and into something more creative, you’ve come to the right place. Below are some creative careers to consider.

Copywriter

Copywriters typically work for businesses or advertising and marketing agencies. They…you guessed it…write copy! What does this entail, exactly? As a creative member of the marketing team, copywriters write advertising, website, blog, and even social media copy that aligns with the company.

See copywriting jobs here.

Creative Director

Creative directors are the leaders of a creative team, whether that be a group of artists, graphic designers, videographers, and more. They are involved in every aspect of executing creative branding and messaging from the company.

See creative director jobs here.

Editor

An editor’s role is to critically read or edit—whether that’s articles, stories, books, or any form of written text. The editor also works with writers by directly editing their work and collaborating with them to ensure their work is set for publication. There are a variety of types of editors—from newspaper editors, book editors, copyeditors, developmental editors, video editors, and more.

See editorial jobs here.

Photographer

Photographers are visually motivated people who document with cameras. There is a wide variety of types of photographers. They may specialize in people, landscapes, architecture, food, products/merchandise, or other subjects. Many photographers are freelancers, but if not, they usually work for a newspaper or magazine.

See photography jobs here.

Graphic Designer

The goal of a graphic designer is generally to captivate an audience with aesthetically-pleasing visuals that are in line with the company’s brand. Their job is to visually communicate with both the employees of the company along with clients or potential clients. They can be found across industries and can work on a variety of products depending on the company.

See graphic designer jobs here.

Web Designer

Web designers, also known as web developers, oversee the execution of a website’s appearance and layout. They typically work for companies or clients who want to launch or rebrand a site. Web designers do a lot of behind-the-scenes work with websites, including coding and programming.

See web designer jobs here.

Topics:

Career Transition
Get Hired

Why Your Holiday Break Is the Perfect Time to Job Hunt

From organizational spreadsheets to online courses to volunteering, here are some ways to utilize your holiday break while job searching.

holiday
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published December 16, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published December 16, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026

Many people think of the holidays as a time when employers are out of the office and aren’t actively seeking candidates. However, this isn’t entirely true as many companies use this time to hire, as they should. Not only that, but a candidate’s competition is low since this isn’t such a popular time to be job-hunting. Also, start dates may become more negotiable and flexible over this time period. And if you’re a freelancer, it could also be an ideal time to pitch.

This time of the year brings many things: more family time, travel, food, and more. Consider giving yourself the gift of a new job this holiday season.

Use downtime (and PTO) to update your resumes & portfolio

For most employees, the end of December through the new year is a time for rest and reflection. If you’re currently employed, use as much PTO (paid time off) as you can to focus on the two main components that will land you an interview in most creative fields: your resume and portfolio.

See the resume services we provide here.

Get organized

Now is the time to make up for all the procrastination surrounding getting organized—or the tasks you may have neglected in the midst of a challenging or hectic year. Sometimes life can feel too overwhelming (especially when job hunting) to spend time stepping back and assessing your actual job-hunting process.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you get organized:

  • Do I have a list of my top potential employers?
  • Have I created spreadsheets of jobs and where I’m at in each stage of them?
  • Have I set up daily job alerts?

Gain certifications

Is there a skill you’ve been wanting to add to your resume, but just haven’t yet? Your holiday break is an opportune time to polish up on those courses or credentials needed for your dream job. You may even be able to gain a few certifications, as places like LinkedIn Learning offer courses that span from two to four hours.

Volunteer

Lastly, if you’re wanting to fill your time with something other than sending out applications but still want to improve your resume and add value to yourself as a potential employee, you should consider volunteering in your community. Not only does recent volunteer work look stellar on a resume, but it also comes with other benefits like taking a step outside of yourself, and pushes you out of your comfort zone.

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search
Climb the Ladder

The Best Writing Tips and Resources to Sharpen Your Skills

Here are some principles to keep in mind that will make your writing stand out—and will help you become a better writer

The Best Writing Tips and Resources to Sharpen Your Skills
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published December 21, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published December 21, 2021 / Updated March 19, 2026

We live in a world of constant communication. Technology has made it easier to be in touch, whether it’s with people all over the world, your friends, your coworkers—the list goes on and on. A takeaway from this known fact is that most people are also writing constantly, even if they don’t consider themselves writers. Say you don’t spend hours a day working on a specific writing project, but you are most likely crafting a message in some way.

Regardless of it’s an article, a short story, or even simply a cover letter, it’s writing coming from you that you can sharpen with rules and standards that you set for yourself. In fact, within most creative fields, your writing is usually the first thing employers look at during the hiring process of potential employees. The first tool you’ll need is a pen, pencil, or a device to type on. With those things, you’re halfway there.

As Margaret Atwood said, “A word after a word after a word is power.”

Here are some other principles to keep in mind to make your writing stand out—and become more powerful.

Read more than you write

This rule goes back to the type of writing you’re doing, but writers typically all agree that the more they read, the better they get at writing. Read widely and diversely. Pick up books from authors you have never heard of. Read online articles that pique your interest. Read anything you can get your hands on. This will help broaden your vocabulary and will be a chance for you to gain exposure to many different types of writing styles.

Be direct

Beating around the bush does not go hand in hand with effective writing. To get your message across, you need to be as direct, clear, and concise as possible. Direct writing can take practice, but the more you practice it the more it will come by naturally to you.  Short sentences can sometimes be a lot more commanding and powerful than longer ones.

Find your authentic voice (and use it!)

Once you’ve gained exposure to many different types of work, it’s crucial for you to figure out what your voice and tone are, and then execute them with your writing to provide consistency. Like most lessons with writing, it takes practice to really hone these things. In fact, they may never be perfect, but they are both factors that will make your writing stand out in comparison to your peers’ writing.

Use unique words

Thanks to technology, there’s now free software you can use to ensure you’re broadening your vocabulary. Grammarly, for example, monitors your writing and gives you weekly reports on specific words used, along with giving you writing advice in real-time. This includes pop-ups of alternative words you could be using instead, creating a practice to help you learn in real-time.  

Have different people review your work

You should always double (or triple) check your own writing, especially depending on the formality level of it. However, it’s also best to have many different eyes as possible on it, which will bring you fresh perspectives and will ensure there aren’t typos or errors within your work. Don’t be shy to ask friends or family to review it. You can also seek professional editing help through different online services, like freelance copyeditors and proofreaders.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise
Be Inspired

Media Freelance Trends for 2022: What’s Changing and How to Adapt

Media Freelance Trends for 2022: What’s Changing and How to Adapt
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published January 4, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published January 4, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026

2021 was a record-breaking year for many reasons. As more employees got comfortable with working from home, we saw trends in companies becoming more flexible with remote work. With more flexibility came more change within the media world and beyond. 

If you’re looking for a creative or media job in the new year, here are some important takeaways from the past year and some predictions for 2022—and how you can take advantage of these trends. Below is what we predict in the new year ahead.

People will continue to freelance

People left their jobs in record-high numbers this past year, which led to what experts are calling The Great Resignation. Not only has work-from-home given employees the chance to branch out, but it has also allowed introspection time for people wanting a career change or to simply work for themselves.  

Statistics have shown that they’ve decided to make that leap in 2021, which we predict will stay in 2022. Freelancing allows more flexibility for one’s schedule and has proven to be the right move for those who want it. If you’re thinking about making the move to freelance in 2022, we have some tips for you.  

More merging for media companies

Numerous media companies merged in 2021, including (but not limited to) Buzzfeed acquiring Complex Media, Future acquiring Marie Claire, Axel Springer acquiring Politico, and more. We predict this trend will not go away anytime soon within the media world.

What does this mean for you if you’re looking for a job within the industry? Be prepared for change and consolidation at the company you start your job at, as media companies continue to evolve.

Workers will grow their digital skills  

Each year, our world becomes more digitally focused, specifically within the media and creative industry. Employees in the industry, or people who want to make the leap to work in the media industry, have taken notice. LinkedIn notes that the three most in-demand jobs from last year were digitally-focused.   

With that in mind, we predict that people will gain digital skills of all kinds: social media strategy, search engine marketing, adobe suite, and more.

Social media platforms will be just as important

Many creatives have taken to social media platforms to promote their talents and have ended up benefitting from it by gaining industry contacts or landing jobs. Whether it’s showcasing your writing, photography, or social media strategy, these platforms have made it possible for people to connect in new and more immediate ways than they had before.

We predict that one’s social media will continue to be able to be a platform for creative job searches—which will have an impact on one’s job search, and ultimately their career.

Video will be here to stay  

Due to the rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels, there’s no hiding that video-focused content is here to stay. Visual content will continue to make its mark in 2022, as more companies and outlets adapt to this trend.

All in all, the media and freelance industries are adapting to flexibility and a more digital, video-focused world. With the predictions above, you’ll be able to head into the new year prepared for exciting change ahead.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired
Be Inspired

25 Inspiring Quotes From Creative Leaders to Fuel Your Ambition

25 Inspiring Quotes From Creative Leaders to Fuel Your Ambition
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published January 12, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published January 12, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026

It’s a new year, which also means a clean slate and time to reflect and set goals for your journey ahead. If you’ve been wanting to be your best creative self but need an extra push of inspiration, you can start by taking advice from creative leaders who have made their mark by thinking outside the box. Here are some quotes on creativity, habit, determination, and the power of imagination.

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”

― Maya Angelou (writer, poet, performer, social activist, teacher)

“It’s very important to take risks. I think that research is very important, but in the end you have to work from your instinct and feeling and take those risks and be fearless.”

― Anna Wintour (editor-in-chief, American Vogue)

“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life. Living in this manner—continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you—is a fine art, in and of itself.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert (journalist and author)

“We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.”

― Ray Bradbury (writer)

“That’s the kind of movie that I like to make, where there is an invented reality and the audience is going to go someplace where hopefully they’ve never been before. The details, that’s what the world is made of.”

― Wes Anderson (filmmaker)

“I feel like, what’s the point of design and art if you’re not creating and thinking freely? It’s the duty of artists to dream out loud in a productive way. For me, it’s depressing if an industry based on creativity just makes decisions on a practical basis.”

― Virgil Abloh (fashion designer and entrepreneur)

“Odd how the creative power at once brings the whole universe to order”

― Virginia Woolf (writer)

“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”

― Andy Warhol (artist, film director, producer)

Topics:

Be Inspired
Get Hired

Do Cover Letters Still Matter? Tips to Make Yours Stand Out

Land your dream job with these tips to ensure your cover letter is flawless.

Do Cover Letters Still Matter? Tips to Make Yours Stand Out
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published January 18, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess icon
By Jess Focht
@jessfocht
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published January 18, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026

How necessary are cover letters these days? Research shows that more companies prefer you to have them more so than not.

Does that mean you should still include one? Most resources say yes. Think of it as a security blanket, or extra icing on a cake. If you’re applying to a job and their cover letter section is optional, it doesn’t hurt to include one. And there are even chances that it could help. To stand out in a sea of candidates, you’ll need to make a compelling case for yourself, past your résumé and general application—which is where your cover letter may play a significant role. We’ve already written about what every cover letter should have, but this time I’ll be outlining what they shouldn’t have. Be sure your cover letter is flawless with these tips.

Repeating your résumé

The point of a cover letter is not to simply repeat your résumé. You want to go above and beyond what your résumé says and provide the employer with more context of your previous roles and experience. This is your chance to expand on your résumé—and then add detail and examples that you couldn’t fit. This is also your chance to focus on your duties instead of achievements, adding information about how you’d fit into this company or workplace.

Copying & pasting

Applying for jobs is time-consuming. We get it. However, try to avoid copying and pasting a generic cover letter and simply changing a few words or phrases from another job you applied to. This is especially important because recruiters and hiring managers can usually see right through it. As I’ll outline below, a cover letter doesn’t need to be too long, and you can surely repeat similar things about yourself that you’d include in previous applications. However, copying and pasting a generic cover letter could also lead to typos—increasing the odds of the wrong company or name getting lost within the paragraphs.  

Overwriting

One rule to always remember when writing cover letters: keep it concise! Yes, this is a chance to showcase your writing and skills—things that will show how qualified you are for the role you’re applying to. But remember you don’t need to write a novel. Make sure your writing is straightforward, to the point, informative and enthusiastic, but also be sure not to bore your audience with too many words. Your cover letter is probably one of many in a sea of applicants; your goal is to grab the recruiter or hiring manager’s attention—and to keep it.

Bringing up salary expectations

While more companies are becoming transparent about expected salaries upfront, your cover letter is not the place to bring up the topic. It’s valid to want to know what you’ll be compensated for your potential new job, but it’s best to wait for the interview process to start before asking salary-related questions.

Typos

Last but certainly not least, review your cover letter with a fine-tooth comb. Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Read it a few times over and then out loud to yourself if you need to. An error-free cover letter is the first step to getting closer to your dream job. In fact, The Economist predicts that the written word will just gain prominence in the post-pandemic workplace.

Topics:

Get Hired, Resumes & Cover Letters

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