Meet Gabrielle Eloy | Copywriter & Creative Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabrielle Eloy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabrielle, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The story of how I ended up choosing a creative career path is kind of funny, actually! When I was about to graduate high school, everything was pretty much set. I had a full-ride scholarship to a local, but great university literally down the street from my high school, and I was committed to studying business administration for the next few years of my life.

At the time, I hated putting myself out there and valued comfort above all. So even though the thought of staying in the same acre of land from elementary school all the way through college would freak others out, it actually made me feel happy! That was until one of my friends (who always thought I was cooler than I actually was) kindly told me I was wasting potential and started suggesting other universities to me every single time she saw me. Without fail.

The last one she ever suggested was SCAD, a school I had never even heard of at the time. An art school, at that. And even though I had literally failed the only art class I ever took in high school, I decided to humor her and myself by applying. I told myself that if I got accepted, it was a sign to go. Especially since I submitted the application on the very last day it was open. Because by that time, the idea of staying back while all of my friends left was starting to shake me up a bit. Her fear-mongering technique worked.

That should’ve been the first sign that I actually like to live with a bit of uncertainty. I think I find comfort in letting things play out. I genuinely believe whatever happens is meant to happen. I’m a bigger risk-taker than I gave myself credit for, I just didn’t see it at the time.

I got in, left my full ride, had a heated conversation with my parents about it, and spent ten minutes on the SCAD website deciding what to study. I randomly chose furniture design, not because I had a passion for it, but because it sounded like fun. Obviously that didn’t last long, but I did build a cool chair from it, one of my greatest achievements to date.

I’m so grateful for that friend, and I’m so grateful for the path I chose. Looking back now, if I had committed to that first school, I don’t think I would’ve seen nearly as much development or growth in my character and personality as I do now. This creative path has taught me to be bold, to stay curious, and to embrace the unknown, even when it’s scary. That mindset has led me to people and experiences I never could’ve planned, but that have shaped me into someone I’m really proud of becoming.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always say that my art isn’t real “art,” but I’m trying to get out of that habit. I think what sets me apart from others is that I genuinely need to understand who I’m talking to. In advertising, knowing your target audience is key if you want them to listen. I don’t take that part lightly. I want to know my audience’s families, their favorite drinks, their current relationship status… hell, whether they’re a cat or dog person. That curiosity extends beyond my creative work too. If you ever meet me in person, be prepared for a buttload of questions!

I will say that I’m still solidifying my creative style, so I try to create work in as many different fields and for as many different types of people as I can. I know I like my writing to be quick and simple, very tongue-in-cheek. But the form that writing is delivered (whether it’s a headline or a visual/audio script) is what I’m still exploring where the passion really lies.

It hasn’t been a straightforward path, but I don’t think I’d want it to be. Each twist has helped me learn more about how I communicate, what I care about, and the kind of storyteller I want to be. And I think that’s what I want people to know most: I’m not creating to impress, I’m creating to connect.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I personally have two different versions of myself depending on where I am. In Ft. Lauderdale, FL (my hometown), I’m a very lazy beach bum who just loves to eat and sign up for random free trial classes. But in Atlanta, I’m a whole different animal.

In Atlanta, I’m super active. I love to hike (try Stone Mountain, Cloudland Canyon, or Brasstown Bald if you’re up for a drive). I’m also always down to go dancing or to a rave (Posh will tell you where it’s at!) and on the weekends, I’m always stumbling into some random community event the city’s throwing (visit Discover Atlanta and you’ll find something happening almost every weekend).

I won’t lie and say I’m the best host (as you can probably tell), but when you’re in ATL, there’s always something to do, and if you’re with me, we’re definitely doing it all!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my family, both blood and chosen! The support, love, and value I’ve felt from my people is insane. I honestly feel like the luckiest girl in the world for what the family in my life (especially my dad and the women – my mom, grandma, aunts, sisters, cousins – again, blood or not) have taught me and pushed me to become.

They are truly the reason I have such a big head on my shoulders. I can’t stress enough how much I love and appreciate them.

And obviously God, the real reason I have been able to remain sane for this long. He has ben so gracious to me, I can go on and on!

Instagram: me: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyeloy/ my work: https://www.instagram.com/bygeloy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-eloy-bygeloy

Image Credits
Azalea Cox