We are buzzing with excitement in the In/Visible Talks offices, as each day we learn more about what’s planned for the 2020 conference happening on January 16. One of the awesome people who will be helping us “Go Beyond” is speaker Joscelin Cooper. Nine to five-ish, Joscelin is a UX writer/designer at Google; 24/7, she’s the mom of a five-year-old daughter. It all comes together in a full and busy creative life that features listening to audiobooks, adventuring in the mountains, and going to bed on the early side.

Joscelin says she’s “delighted” her dual degrees in Comparative Literature and Spanish Language launched her on a career path with gainful employment. You’ll hear about the marriage of her content+design skills in her job at Google when she joins Kristen House on the mainstage to discuss “Content Strategy: A Transformational Lens”. They’ll talk about how content strategy is applied to product design and organizational communications, and they’ll explore how the right words and messages can transform critical moments in our personal lives.

Here are some of the what/where/who inspirations in Joscelin’s creative life. 

What is your relationship to the creative process?

“I am the mechanic or car savvy person trying to jump start the car. I’m often trying to overcome self-imposed limitations (lack of time/energy) and excuses (“but I’m a single mom!”) to just get to the starting line. For me, even a few lines on a scratchpad count, if I was relaxed and focused when I made them.”

How or where do you find inspiration?

“By paying attention. This is a deceptively difficult thing to do. Also by observing people who are bold and unapologetic in their work.”

What was one of your biggest creative challenges?

“Planning a meal that my five-year-old daughter will eat.”

When did you first realize you needed to be in a creative field?

“During my high school theatre ‘career’. I directed a really pretentious play and was in 16-year-old creative nirvana.”

Who are some of your heroes and why?

“Teachers, especially my daughter’s teacher. And all the caretakers and people doing underpaid or unpaid labor. They are holding society together.”