One aspect of her presentation that I respected a lot was the ability to get creative through a sector I hadn’t thought of before - movie previews. I think in our modern world where lots of people pull ideas and creations from similar areas, it makes her work even more innovative. This creative landscape she has created for herself, and her commitment to producing content that she loves, has given her the ability to work with brands she loves while formulating a portfolio. 

Often when we think of content creation and starting our careers we feel we dont have enough experience, recommendations, or the perfect internship, but she has proven that we don’t necessarily need that. Being able to create your portfolio from nothing is a skill I want to take with me into the future. Being able to use the resources you have around the house or in your bedroom can still captivate and motivate an audience when you create a story out of it. This is something that I want to remember as I embark on the future in marketing and storytelling, even for myself. Have the confidence to try, and keep the confidence even when you fail. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the presentation and I hope I can get an opportunity to use what I’ve learned today. Thank you Alex Kenealy!

One of the most impressive aspects of her presentation was her ability to align her work with the unique identities and target audiences of various brands, particularly those aimed at Gen Z. The beauty video she showcased was a prime example, combining visuals and modern aesthetics that resonated with younger viewers. It’s clear she has mastered the art of tailoring content to reflect the values and lifestyles of her audience, a crucial skill in today's brand-driven world.

The trailers and advertisements she shared highlighted her versatility and attention to detail. Each piece was visually captivating, dynamic, and well-suited to the specific brand identity. This level of precision and creativity is undoubtedly what makes her a sought-after collaborator for lifestyle and beauty brands.

Thank you, Alex, for sharing your incredible expertise, creative vision, and valuable insights about the future of social media content—it was truly inspiring and educational!

I was particularly inspired by how you began your career as a social media and influencer marketing assistant at JB Lashes, taking on every opportunity to enhance your skills and build a portfolio. Your approach to embracing roles in small startups to "get your hands on more things" is an amazing piece of advice that I, and many others, will remember.

Your creativity really stood out on how you transform simple shot lists into captivating stories, using everything from basic cameras to your $15 sunset lamp setup. The way you use everyday tools is extremely inspiring to me. It challenged my assumption that high-quality video production requires expensive equipment.

Furthermore, your commitment to reshaping the portrayal of women in media, focusing on their beauty rather than conforming to outdated stereotypes, is refreshing. It's clear that you not only possess a lot of skill but also a deep respect for the subjects you capture, which makes your work stand out even more.

The practical tips you shared, particularly about using royalty-free music libraries, are invaluable. I am grateful for the specific techniques you discussed, which offer direct applications for our own projects.

Truthfully, your talk was not only educational but also a powerful reminder that creativity and the right mindset can drive significant change. Thank you for the blend of practical advice and profound insights you shared.

I was truly captivated by Alex's inspiring story of her journey to success. Her authenticity shone through, and it's clear that this genuine quality has been key to her popularity.

One of Alex's most impactful insights was her advice on starting a career: "You don't need all the bells and whistles to get started; all you need is a vision." This simple yet profound statement resonated with me deeply.

Her emphasis on creating "evergreen" content was also enlightening. I hadn't considered this perspective before, but it makes perfect sense. Her passion for storytelling through video is incredibly inspiring and has opened my eyes to new possibilities.

I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to hear Alex speak to our class. Her wisdom and experience have left a lasting impression on me. Thank you, Alex!

Your advice about seeking internships at smaller companies made a lot of sense. It’s clear that those environments provide opportunities to grow and learn in ways larger companies might not. I was also amazed by how resourceful you are in creating your work. Using simple tools and focusing on creativity over expensive equipment is such a great reminder that passion and vision matter more than having the fanciest gear. Your use of short film videos to create ads is brilliant, the way you seamlessly blend storytelling with advertising makes your work stand out and feel so authentic. It’s inspiring to see how you craft ads that connect emotionally, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. I love how you draw inspiration from real-life moments and translate them into meaningful visuals. Your creativity and passion shine through in every frame, and it’s truly admirable how you turn advertising into an art form.

What stood out the most to me was your authenticity and willingness to share your process, tools, and even the inspiration behind your work. Not everyone is so open about their craft, and it’s something I truly admire. Seeing how much you love what you do has inspired me to lean into my own creativity and passion. Thank you again for sharing your story with us.

I want to thank Alex again for such a great informative presentation and being so real with us. Your authenticity and genuinity really stood out to me and made your presentation so much more enjoyable. I appreciated hearing about the real truth and the ins and outs that are the reality of your profession. I hope your dream partnerships come true soon! We’re all so thankful for you and can’t wait to see more success your way. Thank you so much!

I also thought that her advice about taking any small opportunity and not limiting yourself to already successful brands helps you to gain creative experience and have content for your portfolios. I think that doing internships and working for small businesses and startups allows for people to gain experience in new fields and provides them with an opportunity to figure out what they want to do career wise and just gain some professional experience. Her comments about only having limited time and materials/resources to shoot a campaign was really inspiring because it goes to show that a creative vision can be carried out rather quickly with limited software and production as long as it captures the brand's message and aesthetic well.

Thank you so much for sharing with our class about your personal experiences and content creation in the social media space!

Your practical tips, like coming prepared with a shot list and using simple tools like a sunset lamp, were so refreshing and actionable. It’s amazing how you’ve used these methods to create beautiful, impactful work while staying resourceful. Hearing how you draw inspiration from movie trailers and approach your campaigns with a sense of playfulness, especially at Kylie Cosmetics, showed me the value of infusing creativity into everything I do. Thank you for sharing your journey, your lessons, and your passion with us. It was so motivating to see how far you’ve come and to hear about the tools and mindset that helped you get there.

My biggest takeaway from your presentation was the ability to wear multiple hats. That is something I struggle with in my own job, so your advice was super helpful. Knowing that it is possible and useful to do everything, even if you have to learn it on your own, was really inspiring.

I also loved when you talked about doing the best you can with what you have. I really enjoyed hearing stories, such as the Kylie Cosmetics one, when you only had 5 minutes to shoot her, but produced incredible work. Sometimes it is so hard not get stressed when things go wrong, or timing is minimal. Is is nice knowing this happens in a professional setting as well, not just as students.

Thank you again, it is so inspiring to see your work and hear from you!

I also like how Alex's content consists of close-ups that showcase the product or celebrity in a very detailed manner, which I believe is very effective when it comes to social media marketing. Alex as a creative director is undeniably very talented and her content that she has done for brands showcases her unique ability to capture content in such a concise and effective way. Overall, Alex provided a lot of useful insights by answering questions through out her presentation. One of my favorite questions she answered for our class was about how to get started with building a portfolio as a college student looking to be a creative director. She emphasized the importance of networking with people and beginning to put yourself and what you can provide to brands and influencers out there to begin building your portfolio of content. Also, the more practice the better when it comes to making higher-quality content, and nothing is wrong with starting small like she did.

I would like to also thank Alex for speaking to our class and answering questions to allow us to gain knowledge into what it takes to be a successful content creator and how to create effective campaign strategies and build portfolios while being in college. This information was very useful, so I would like to just thank Alex for taking the time to provide this insight to us!

Thank you so much for the insightful session. Your journey as a creative director, videographer, and social media expert is incredibly inspiring, and I learned so much from your perspective on influencer marketing and content creation. I especially appreciated your point about the importance of understanding what brands need and how being involved in the background can help you scope the scene and approach the work with a fresh perspective. Your advice to not be elitist about internships and to embrace opportunities at smaller companies really resonated with me, and I plan to keep that in mind as I look for future experiences.

Your approach to storytelling in ads, thinking of them as movie trailers and creating worlds from the female gaze, was truly unique. I also found your tips on creating mood boards, staying organized, and focusing on authentic, not overproduced content incredibly valuable. I will definitely take this advice into my own creative process, ensuring that I bring my personal touch and focus on what feels real and engaging.

Lastly, your emphasis on building a portfolio, experimenting with different lighting angles, and staying true to a brand's identity gave me a fresh outlook on how to approach my own work. I am grateful for the motivation and actionable advice you provided, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to further my career. Thank you again for your time and generosity in sharing your expertise!

~ Dejanae

Last class we had the opportunity to learn from Alex, which I feel was really inspiring.

Although video creation and editing is not one of my main interests, I loved learning about her work and her journey to working with the biggest beauty brands there are in the industry.

The most interesting thing for me was learning about how she has her own style but still manages to show each brands identity through her videos. It made me realize you can have your own style but still customize it so that it fits with various brands.

Another tip that she shares was how you dont have to stress if you dont have the exact outcome in your head before a shoot, because once you start the process, ideas will just start flowing.

One of the key takeaways for me was her emphasis on leveraging the tools and resources available to us, whether it's a smartphone or simple setups, to create compelling content. Her advice on starting small—focusing on creativity rather than expensive equipment—felt incredibly empowering. It was a reminder that impactful storytelling is more about vision and adaptability than flashy tools.

I was also inspired by her ability to align her work with the unique identities of the brands she collaborates with, particularly those aimed at younger audiences like Gen Z. The examples she showcased, such as beauty campaigns and dynamic trailers, reflected her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to staying authentic to her audience.

Additionally, her insights on pursuing internships with smaller companies and startups resonated with me. This approach allows for greater creative freedom and hands-on learning opportunities—an invaluable piece of advice for anyone looking to build a strong portfolio early in their career.

Something that I wish to have when I find a job is the passion and dedication that she has for her different variety of jobs. It seems that she is an expert at what she does and it really inspired me. I noted the point she made about the importance of understanding what brands need. I think that that’s what makes the different and make you good in this kind of jobs.

The thing that I will consider the most when ill get a job is the size of the company. Since she emphasized the benefits of working with smaller companies that provide more opportunities to become in a better position in the firm and to learn and grow faster in this industry.

Thank you so much Alex. I want to express my gratitude for the time you took to present this lecture. Your words stayed with me, and I found myself contemplating them long after the session ended.

I really enjoyed hearing from Alex because I believe that a director's perspective is super unique and fascinating. What made her perspective so interesting is because of the questions that she says she asks her clients and the brands that she works with. It was also cool to see some of the brands that she has worked and partnered with. I really enjoyed her showing examples of her work, especially from her shoot with Kylie Cosmetics.

I really also enjoyed how you talked about taking advantage of social media to gain inspiration and ideas. I also liked how you talked about the uniqueness of getting to partner with a celeb-founded brand like Kylie Cosmetics. Overall, I found Alex's guest lecture really inspiring because of how she talked about utilizing social media for ideas while still finding ways to keep her work hers and original.

I really enjoyed Alex’s guest lecture, I learned so much! It was very interesting how Alex talked about shooting for the female gaze and wanting her work to feel empowering in a way that displays how she as a woman would want to be seen. There is a clear difference in comparison to advertising for the male gaze, and that is something that I really admired about her work as we were going through it. The way that she approaches each video as a mini film trailer with a storyline and a protagonist was also cool to hear about how that creative process goes.

I also appreciated Alex’s tips on how we can get started in this field and her encouragement of using what you have already and that you do not need to go out and buy expensive equipment TO start. Just start. The tips she offered from the softwares and apps we can utilize, to random hacks were super helpful. One of the hacks that I want to try out is putting a phone on top of a phone to film a more lo-fi vibe.

Another thing that I found interesting was her being inspired by movie trailers and seeing side-by-side the inspo trailer and what she created and how she made it her own but it still has the vibe of the trailer. Really informative and inspiring lecture, it made me want to experiment more with videos that I create for my social media! Thank you Alex :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to our class! I loved your energy and how you shared your journey working with different brands—so inspiring and, honestly, super cool. It was amazing to see how you’ve become a one-stop shop for creating such stunning, cohesive content that perfectly aligns with each brand while still keeping your personal touch.

What resonated with me the most was when you talked about just starting. Hearing how you said yes to every opportunity and built connections through networking really stuck with me. As a senior, I’m finally realizing how important networking is. It’s something people always talk about, but seeing how it opened doors for you made it so real and relatable.

I also loved how you emphasized making content with simple tools, like an iPhone or a sunset lamp from Amazon. It reminded me of when I used to DIY tripods and film on my sister’s iPod in elementary school! It’s easy to forget that creativity doesn’t need fancy equipment—it’s all about starting with what you have.

Thank you again for sharing your story and advice. It really inspired me to think differently and just dive in.

A piece of advice that I appreciated from her was, “If you’re looking for an internship, be open to applying to smaller companies.” Usually, smaller companies will provide you with more hands-on experience than bigger company names. When working for a big company, you usually just sit the majority of the time and complete one or two tasks. I agree with this because when I interned for a bigger company in the summer of 2023, I just sat most of the time and shadowed my supervisors. However, when I interned for a smaller company last semester, I realized I gained way more hands-on experience that I could actually apply in future roles and projects. Consequently, Alex Kim Kenealy got to where she is today thanks to the hands-on skills she gained from working at a smaller company, and I know I can too.

I also admired her work so much. I loved how each piece of content she showed us remained consistent with her style. I also appreciated her sharing which programs she utilized to edit her videos and to collect music. I’ve also been wanting to dedicate my time more to creating videos/TikToks/reels, so now I can practice my editing skills with those programs. I also liked how she emphasized that each video is like a story because, in reality, what makes content so compelling is its storytelling, and you can tell she tries to incorporate that in all of her work.

Overall, I really enjoyed Alex Kim Kenealy’s presentation, as I gained valuable insights on teaching yourself how to “do it all,” such as directing, video-graphing, photographing, and editing. When you teach yourself multiple skills, it allows you to have greater control over your projects and makes recruiters appreciate your flexibility and adaptability more.

I completely agree that focusing on more important, fundamental aspects of a project, like coming prepared with a shot-list or coming up with a storyline for an advertisement is much more important than fancy equipment and technology. I think being a minimalist in this sense is not only a more fun way of content creation and a way to challenge yourself but will also lead to a more genuine product.

Lastly, I really enjoyed listening to your take on internships and work experience and how taking any experience you can get, even if it is with a small company or start-up is much more beneficial than chasing a big-name brand. In fact, you stressed that working for a small company could be even more beneficial to college students because you will get bigger responsibilities and exposure to the entire creative process.

Again, thank you for speaking I really enjoyed the lecture!

One thing she mentioned that stood out to me was always to take any opportunity. She recommended taking small opportunities because you learn the most at these types of companies. You can wear many hats and take ownership of certain projects. However, she mentioned that larger corporate internships have more structure, and you don't have as much freedom learning whatever you want. I also felt encouraged when she said to take up any small project to add to your portfolio. As a creative with a portfolio, I'm always looking to expand my work and add to it.

Hearing Alex Kenealy talk about her journey in social media marketing was both inspiring and surprisingly relatable. She shared how she often uses just her iPhone or Canon G7X for content. This was super interesting to me because I also shoot on a Canon G7X Mark II and it is a surprisingly very powerful camera for its size. It is also super portable so I can have a cinematic camera with me at all times. It was awesome to be able to see her work with Summer Fridays and Youth To The People.  Knowing she draws inspiration from Sofia Coppola’s films also made her work feel fresh and artistic—she takes that cinematic influence and brings it into the world of social media. Her work is very similar to the work that I want to produce as a cinematic social media content creator so it was very inspiring to see her work. 

She also gave us a great look at what it takes to make content truly resonate with a brand’s identity. Her advice on making each video reflect a brand’s unique "world" while still keeping it distinct was a reminder of how much thought goes into each piece. I thought it was cool in the way she started to start with smaller clients, which is something that I did when first starting out as a creative and slowly developed larger and larger clients. Alex’s talk left me excited about the future and eager to put what I have learned into practice and reach the professional heights that Alex has reached in her career. 

Thank you Alex and thank you professor Elena for always inspiring us as students. 

One part I really enjoyed discussing was when we talked about the future of social media apps and marketing and how she talked about ghost posting where users are not able to see like count and comments or any other metrics and it is an environment where content is truly king. I also found it funny when we talked about only fans and she made me aware of the idea that it operates on a pyramid model and referrals are how the top content creators actually make their money. 

Overall I really enjoyed the talk and hearing Alex’s story and look forward to seeing what she's working on over the coming years.

She talked about the importance of creating work for yourself and how you can tell a story or evoke emotion through the content you create. She also stressed the importance of asking yourself how the photos you take reflect a brand’s identity. What really hit home for me was when she mentioned the "female gaze" and how it’s something we, as women, naturally have—and how it can be such a powerful edge in this field.

Overall, it was really inspiring to hear her story. Especially how she just followed her passion and it led to working with the big brands (summer fridays, kylie cosmetics, etc)

-Madeleine

Your insights into building a career in social media and content creation were incredibly inspiring.

Hearing about your start as a social media and influencer marketing assistant, it was clear how seizing each opportunity has been a cornerstone of your growth. Your advice about diving into roles with smaller businesses and startups to gain hands-on experience and develop a versatile skill set was particularly eye-opening and it really changed how I look at internships and early career opportunities.

One of the most memorable parts of your talk was learning how you approach content creation with minimal equipment, proving that creativity matters more than fancy tools. It reminded me of Steve Lacy, who had a very similar start in music using creativity rather than expensive tools.

It’s refreshing to see how your work prioritizes authenticity, making it not only beautiful but also meaningful.

Thank you, Alex, for sharing your journey and advice with us. I look forward to applying your insights as I continue my own journey!

Again, I think the coolest part of learning about your journey was that you aren’t afraid to be different with the techniques you use to film shots. While many people may go for top-notch cameras and props, your determination to make and perfectly execute shoots in random ways is so special. Thank you again.

Alex's unique perspective comes from her focus on the "female gaze," drawing inspiration from filmmakers like Sofia Coppola. She aims to present beauty in a way that makes people feel truly seen, rather than adhering to traditional, objectified standards. Her thoughtful approach and use of tools like Epidemic Sound for music highlight the care she puts into creating meaningful, impactful content. Alex's philosophy—to see every project as an opportunity for creative expression—was both insightful and motivating for aspiring creatives.

-Milly Ma

Alex elaborated on balancing brand identity and personal style and shared how harmonizing the two requires good stakeholder communication. She mentioned her experiences in previous works and collaborations with brands, such as her Khy short film for Kylie. These experiences have honed her ability to adapt while maintaining her unique directorial perspective. She emphasized the importance of understanding each brand's vision and developing a content strategy that meets the needs of their different channels while being cohesive and engaging. Alex's guest lecture provided me with a lot of valuable and professional information, thanks again for sharing.

I was very moved by her advice and thoughts on internships, based on her own experiences. Drawing from her own experiences, I learned that starting at small businesses is often overlooked because, with these smaller companies, you are able to gain more hands-on opportunities and broaden your skill set to be involved in multiple parts of the business. Compared to a larger company, sometimes they may not always have tasks for you to do and you do not learn as much. What I took away from her talk was that the smaller the company, the better, because that is when you are really learning. It made me realize that the size of a company does not determine the value of the experience and it is important to actively look for challenges, no matter how small or unglamorous the positions may seem. 

I was in awe of her creative projects and approach to storytelling in branding. It seemed that Alex’s way of creativity was heavily inspired by movie trailers, and her shots tell a quick story. She is able to sell specific energy and vibe through her work and lean into each brand’s unique identity, whether it is Summer Fridays, Kylie Cosmetics, or Youth to the People. A significant take away from Alex was her resourcefulness. She mentioned shooting multiple campaigns on an iPhone and using a sunset lamp on Amazon that cost $15. I thought it was important how Alex stressed the idea of always using what’s easily available to you. You do not need all the bells and whistles to get what you are going for; a strong vision is all you need. 

Her focus on the “female gaze” was meaningful and empowering and left me in awe. As someone who has worked in mainly male-dominated fields, it felt refreshing to see a creative set of different standards and representations to add a different length to her projects and redefine how women are portrayed in media. I loved how Alex’s intention, no matter who she worked with, was to always capture the subject in a way they hadn’t been seen before. She tries to put herself in the protagonist's shoes and show women to be more represented. Ultimately, Alex’s presentation was one of the best and most enlightening stories that I have heard and I learned a lot from her. She grounded me to always stay curious and be ready with new ideas. Her journey with a balance of creative passion, strategic thinking, adaptability, and women empowerment was an inspiring reminder of how to approach social media content creation with a purpose.

One aspect that stood out was her emphasis on creativity through simplicity, like using everyday tools to create compelling visuals. It was a reminder that storytelling and innovation don’t require expensive equipment, they require a vision and persistence. This insight reshaped my perspective on starting projects with what I have, rather than waiting for ideal resources.

Her focus on working with smaller companies to gain broader experiences was equally impactful. It emphasized the value of hands-on learning in environments where flexibility and creativity are essential. I admire her ability to craft content that aligns with a brand’s identity while maintaining originality. This adaptability is something I aim to incorporate into my own career.

Alex’s advice to build portfolios from scratch and take risks resonated with me. Her journey is a reminder to embrace confidence, even in the face of failure, and to view each opportunity as a step toward growth. Moving forward, I will carry her practical tips, creative mindset, and inspiring example as I pursue a future in marketing and storytelling. Thank you, Alex, for sharing your expertise and reminding us of the power of creativity and determination.

A significant takeaway that stook out to me was Alex suggesting to take an internship or job position for smaller companies compared to popular/big companies. It made me feel a sense of relief after hearing her journey working at a smaller company. I feel like now-a-days people tend to forget that a career is a process, and feel a lot of pressure if they didn't work at a well known company. After hearing Alex talk about your mindset and taking every chance to elevate yourself, it reminded me that I wasn't alone. It really caught my attention when seeing Kylie Cosmetics and Summer Friday's campaigns and her mindset being behind the scenes. I truly enjoyed all the knowledge and motivation Alex! Thank you so much.

Your work since the start was very beautiful and I really enjoyed seeing how it progressed within the years as styles began to shift and it is evident that you worked very hard to have every opportunity you work in. Hearing how you started your work in marketing and learning so much from the smaller brands was inspiring as I have yet to start but now knowing it is possible to work your way up and getting to know people who can help you work your way up, was great advice. 

I have always loved Kylie Cosmetics and knew their marketing was top tier so I am truly amazed to know you have had a great impact on the brand's success and I hope to one day have the same impact on a brand. Even the work you did for the smaller brands was very beautiful and seeing how you were inspired by movie trailers was very interesting. 

I now see trailers and grasp the marketing behind and will begin to get inspired and create work using the inspo. 

Thanks again for your time! 

What resonated with me most was your emphasis on creating work for yourself and using storytelling to evoke emotions through content. This approach really challenged me to think more deeply about the power of visual media and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. Your perspective on staying true to one's own voice and vision in the creative process was particularly motivating, reminding me of the importance of authenticity in storytelling.

Thank you once again for sharing your expertise and experience. I look forward to applying what I've learned from you to my own work, and I truly appreciate the inspiration you provided.

One of the best takeaways for me was your point that we don’t need fancy tech or expensive gear; all we need is a vision and the drive to make it happen. I was amazed by how you can take just five minutes of video and transform it into something completely new.

Your talk helped me see how success can come from using what we already have. I even started looking at my sun lamp in a new light! Thanks again, Alex, for being so genuine and sharing the real side of your profession. Your authenticity made the presentation enjoyable, and I hope you achieve all your dream partnerships soon! We're all rooting for you!

Hearing about your work and the many roles you’ve mastered was so inspiring.

It was fascinating to learn how you’ve approached everything from high production shoots to creating impactful iPhone and lo-fi content. You proved that the tools aren’t as necessary as the vision behind them. Your insight into how to create simple, raw content and make it resonate just as much as polished pieces was eye-opening and challenged a lot of beliefs I had about content creation.

I also appreciated your focus on lighting and how small, intentional adjustments can transform a project entirely. Your explanation of how to take a brand’s vision and elevate it to new heights was incredibly valuable and gave me so many ideas for approaching my own creative work.

Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise and experiences with us. Your advice and insights left me feeling more confident about experimenting with creative techniques and excited to push boundaries in content creation. I really appreciate you coming to talk to us.

Thank you so much for coming to speak with us. I really appreciate you opening up and sharing your journey with us and providing insight on our we can incorporate lessons you learned to our own lives. For example, I really enjoyed the advice of working with smaller companies because you get to be more personal with your work and really connect with the company/product more. Additionally, outside of your advice, i really appreciate you going through some of your techniques and explaining the behind the scenes of some one your work. For example, I thought it was really cool when you mentioned your shoot with Kylie and how you only had 5 minutes with her, so you made sure to just get a bunch of content to ensure that you will have something to create something amazing later. I always appreciate little behind the scenes and chaotic stories like that because it reminds me that everything is not going to be ideal, even for established professionals like yourself; however, you just have to make it work with what you have. So thank you for sharing your amazing story and reminding me to just keep working with what I have and that I can still make something great!