We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaelyn Whiteside. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaelyn below.

Alright, Kaelyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

I graduated from Marquette University in 2019 with a B.A. in Digital Media and Advertising. Prior to this, I had been primarily focused on college sports and documentary production, along with some music and radio promotion projects. Advertising production was indeed my backup plan. I thought of and still think of it as corporate creative which has it’s constraints and is sometimes hard to feel passionate about due to client needs and wants. I found it ironic that I managed to land a production internship at Leo Burnett Chicago – a well-renowned creative advertising agency. The internship led to a freelance position at Arc Worldwide with word of a full-time role being open in early 2020. I was thrilled to be home and in the Chicagoland area, but still hopeful for what future would hold for me! In my mind, the possibilities were endless.

However, the pandemic threw the world for a loop, resulting in an untimely hiring freeze. There I was fresh out of school, jobless and facing unprecedented challenges. Despite the lock down, I did secure opportunities on small COVID-compliant sets for television shows shooting in Chicago. I found myself connecting with industry professionals and reaffirming my passion for a specific type of production work – television and film.

When those productions did inevitably halt, I was for sure unsure of my next steps. Then, unexpectedly, my full-time role became available. Despite my initial reservations due to knowing how different the work would be, I accepted the role. I was also very grateful for the opportunity! I’ve since managed to be exposed to the digital and print production processes for brands like Dunkin’, Arby’s, Hormel, Heineken, Samsung and more. It’s pretty cool and granular work, but I feel like I’ve learned a ton about consumerism and branding as whole which I find invaluable now! I touch and talk to almost every department at my agency in my role, and have produced a number of digital menu boards, displays, and signage as well as led product photo shoots, assisted on motion shoots, managed big brand creative budgets and more.

This unexpected shift into advertising production has inadvertently made me a well-rounded, sought-after integrated producer with a diverse and all-encompassing portfolio of production knowledge. It’s been a pleasant slight pivot!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi there! I’m Kaelyn Whiteside, an integrated production professional from the vibrant south suburbs of Chicago. Ever since I was a kid, I had a passion for production, especially television. I was that nerdy 10-year-old calling out continuity errors and choppy audio while watching my favorite shows! My love for capturing moments extended to my family, where I was always the one with a camera, ready to snap photos and videos for everyone to cherish.

I pursued my passion in college, studying Digital Media and Advertising. I honed my skills in editing, storytelling, and using professional cameras and equipment. Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of advertising, particularly in print and digital production. I’ve had the pleasure of creating digital motion assets, leading client photo and motion shoots, and producing eye-catching in-store displays and signage.

My role involves a mix of cost and logistics management, quality control, content creation, and audience targeting. I thrive on adaptability and speed, ensuring brand campaigns are always on point. What sets me apart is my expertise in print production, a niche that has a unique impact even in our digital age. While digital platforms offer vast reach and analytics, there’s something special about the tangible, lasting impression print materials leave.

In addition to this work, I’ve also always had a deep passion for music. I grew up in choirs and performing in shows and even assisted the promotions department at iHeartMedia Milwaukee during my college years. That opportunity opened my eyes to all of the parallels between entertainment, music, marketing and promotions, so when I was given the opportunity to work with Chicago-based music company, The Ghetto Flower, at the top of 2024 I was elated to have some passion projects I would tend to outside of my 9 to 5. I’ve been helping the agency-side of the company with a slew of creative engagement endeavors ranging from interview and performance coordination, securing blog placements, show promotion and the creation of artist rollout campaigns for promising independent artists in need.

I’m proud of the challenging yet rewarding nature of all of my work. It’s a blend of analytical and creative tasks, and mastering it feels incredibly fulfilling. I want potential clients and followers to know that my commitment to quality creative and innovation is unwavering. I’m here to help brands of all kinds stand out and create memorable experiences, whether it be through stunning visuals or strategic campaigns.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The ultimate goal driving my creative journey is to create and highlight opportunities that are outside the norm. When people think of production, they often overlook print and digital production, but these areas offer many creative roles that graphic designers, photographers, creative directors, and others should explore—especially creatives of color. I want the advertising industry to include more creatives who look like me because we are SO underrepresented. Many people aren’t even aware of the possibilities!

I’m in the process of starting a non-profit, Chiburbanite, aimed at educating, promoting and empowering young creative innovators from my community to address this gap. My goal is to show them that there are many alternative and accompanying paths within the creative industries that are available to them if they “think outside the box”. By providing an agency-like setting, I hope to give them hands-on experience in various roles that would mimic advertising, entertainment, brand and marketing professional environments.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I would definitely recommend the Holy Bible because it has helped me stay grounded and keep going, especially during the confusing years that are your early adulthood and post-collegiate career years. Read it and study it for yourself and take what you need when you need it. Simple.

Additionally, for analytical-type creatives like me, who often get stuck in their own heads, I highly recommend “The Courage to Be Disliked” by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi. This philosophy book offers profound insights on how to liberate and empower oneself. I’ve incorporated its teachings into my own mental health and well-being practices which in turn has fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. Navigating the world and its challenges (especially in your 20s) can be tough, but the deceptively simple lessons I’ve learned from this book have truly made me assess what being “happy” looks like for me, and I look forward to continuing to ingrain them within. Read it to see what I mean!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaelynwhiteside.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohitsjustkaelyn/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaelynwhiteside/
• Twitter: https://x.com/OhItsJustKaelyn
• Other: https://x.com/kaelynworks