Talent Showcase: Janay Cooper
Introducing the new ThinkNW talent showcase! We’ll be highlighting dynamic talent and job-seekers within the industry here on the blog. We hope you enjoy getting to know these inspiring folks as much as we have.
Meet Janay Cooper, art director, content creator, and visual party enthusiast. Learn more about Janay below.
Where did you grow up?
Southwest Washington State. Shout out to the ‘Couve!
Did you attend art school or get any special, industry-specific training? Yes, I studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA, where I received my B.F.A. in Fashion Marketing and Management and then later was accepted into ONE School, where I studied advertising as one of 15 in their first-ever West Coast class.
When did you know that you wanted to work in the advertising/marketing industry?
From a young age, I’ve always had an interest in the fashion business. Studying marketing in college opened up an array of career paths for me – that’s when I slowly started to gravitate toward the ad world.
What/Who inspires you?
More of a what than a who – when it comes to inspiration, I usually draw from many different art forms, but my top go-to’s are film, music, and motion media.
Have you had any allies or mentors who have helped you on your journey?
Yes, I’ve definitely had some impactful teachers and mentors in my lifetime. I’m a firm believer in being open to learning from anyone you’ll encounter along your life journey (not just your work-life journey).
The numbers vary depending on the source, but our industry is roughly 75% white. At the executive level, the number is even higher. How do you think this lack of diversity hurts the work we do?
Questions like this are interesting because it seems odd to me that we are still asking BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) industry individuals how they think the lack of diversity hurts the work that is produced. As if the answer, the information, the handbook, and the blueprint, hasn’t already been given a plethora of times. I don’t need to repeat the wisdom that has already been spoken time and time again. Those in power need to listen and take action.
What powers you?
Faith, family, friends, the BIPOC community, and my existence as a Black woman.
