Athena Zhang Baker
Creative Portfolio - Writing, Acting, Modeling, and so much more!
For the ones crazy enough to want to learn how to understand the making of my complex mind, I invite you all to my humble abode! ;)
"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do"
Steve Jobs, Apple Founder
About Athena
Growing up as the daughter of a Chinese Computational Biologist and an American Freelancer, I have always been taught to be compassionate and inquisitive towards others. As a result, when it comes to my writing especially, many have complemented me for my honesty, humor and "outside-of-the-box" thinking.
In 2018, while I was starting out my career as a freelance content writer, my article, "Two Chinese Jokes to help you Master the Art of Smiling Talk" ranked #1 on Google for six months in the United States and Canada after it was first published. For this article, I took inspiration from classic, cheesy, 1970s English dubs for Kung Film Films and from my experiences breaking down Chinese characters into their literal meanings. For instance, in Chinese, the word for "joke" ( 笑话, xiàohuà) literally translates to "smiling talk." Combined with basic white-hat SEO tactics, the results of the article proved that my personal life and professional life are NOT mutually exclusive. I did not think that I would be able to write an article about jokes at the time since I had a hard time recognizing different types of humor.
In 2020, when covid-19 happened, I volunteered to model for (then) rising Mississippi photographer Joseph Dowdy. While modeling for him, I decided to make his experience worthwhile by "resting" alongside the monkey bars in Olive Branch City Park.
In one of his Instagram posts, he mentioned, "Completely natural. She chose this pose, and it speaks volumes. There's a comfort and peace. I see this, and I know that I did my job. She worked so hard, and this shows, it was not in vain." I wanted to capture the spirit of what Sun WuKong's daughter would've acted like if she were reincarnated into a human being.
All in all, whether it's leading book discussions, writing articles, or giving up and coming stars a chance to shine on and offscreen, I am a creative, open-minded, independent thinker who is able to go above and beyond any task that is given to me.
Update: At this time, I am working as a production assistant for ABC24/Local 24 Memphis while writing and performing on the side. So if there's a project that you would like for me to work with you on, please let me know. :)
"You're responsible for your own happiness, you know?"
Diane Nguyen, Bojack Horseman
Portfolio of Written Work
Poetry, Prose, and More!
The following is a collection of my latest and most meaningful writing projects. Each piece is unique in style and content and represents a distinct moment in my career. I hope you enjoy my work and I invite you to contact me with any questions.
Prose
This short story is a true, personal account of my father and I visiting a beloved Asian antique shop in Memphis called Mamiya before it finally closed for good during my high school years (approx. 2012).
While I mentioned in my original proposal that I wrote it in the spring of 2021, in truth, I wrote it in the Fall of 2018 as an assignment for Intro. to Fiction Writing class. During that class, we were supposed to write a short story centered around Memphis. Instead of sticking to the same old barbeque and blues types of stories, I instead decided to write one that is more dedicated to the Asian side of Memphis culture. In this case, Chinese.
Of course, I edited it in 2021 after a news reporter named Katina Rankin suggested that I should go to someone who is a huge advocate of "unknown authors."
Link to Story: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12ef0XNApTenugjj03KvIv5wKu0WphGIe/view
Story is on pg. 14, by the way!
Prose
During the summer of my upcoming junior year of college, my college’s anime club’s supervisor and her group of Otakuhokics decided to host a slogan contest.
To help the ground stand out and (indirectly) tell non-anime watchers the history of being an anime otaku, I wrote the phrase, “No one needs to know you’re one of us.” As such, I was awarded two Shōjo mangas, followed by a dvd of “Jing: King of Bandits”, a couple laughs down the road, and this test card.
I didn’t know what Alcoholics Anonymous was at the time so I didn’t get the humor of my own slogan until after college. #learnsomethingneweveryday
Link to Card: Athena Baker | LinkedIn
Prose
This short story won first place in the high school category of the Scholastic GO Art competition back in 2011. At the time, I didn't expect a GO player from Brazil would bother to read it two years after I won the contest, ha ha! Nevertheless, if you enjoy stories related to board games and Chinese culture, then I think that you might enjoy this one.
Link to story: A Grandfather's Love - Wattpad
SEO Article
I wanted to go beyond relying on freelance platforms like UpWork in order to get my voice out. So I decided to write for this company called Anime Feminist, whom I will admit wasn't the easiest company I've worked with. However, I appreciate their hard feedback.
I also appreciate the fact that people on Anime Feminist actually read the articles. Who would have guessed that at least four people on the site would care about something as old and "outdated" as sukebans?
It's hard for an American writer to get her voice out to the right people in this day and age. I can't thank Anime Feminist enough for this opportunity. :)
Link to Article: https://www.animefeminist.com/rage-mentors-and-rebellions-in-classic-vs-modern-sukeban-anime-girls/
Prose
At that time, I thought that my middle school's Friday news program, JAGTV, was pretty boring. Not to mention that a friend of mine had trouble getting along with one of her teachers. So I took it upon myself to write this script.
Unfortunately, because it made fun of a real-life teacher, the person whom I submitted the script to banned it. Nevertheless, it made my mom, friends, and a few others chuckle.
Whether or not I'll revamp it is still on the table.
Link to script: Mr. Writer's Secret Life - Wattpad
SEO Article
For six months, this article on was ranked #1 on Google for the keyword, "Chinese jokes" a month after it was published.
While it wasn't the highest ranking keyword, it did taught me that it pays to write good content, in more ways than one, that is. :)
Who would have guessed that my knowledge of poorly dubbed 1970s kung fu movies and my experiences learning Chinese would finally pay off? :D
Link to Article: https://www.lingq.com/blog/chinese-jokes/
SEO Article
Other than that this article was my first attempt to write about makerspaces in general, this article also happens to be my main gateway into learning about makerspace culture.
To solidify the argument better in my article and easily embed an article from one of my client's clients into it, I included both a "professional source" that I found on the web and a "primary source," who happens to be a maker from the Memphis area.
With that said, I am honored to have interviewed Renee Timbs from Memphis's Midsouth Makers in order to showcase why learning about makerspaces is useful for more than knowing how to "print" a keychain. Many thanks for your insights! :)
Link to Article: https://blog.sparkfuneducation.com/makerspaces-provide-skills-beyond-engineering?fbclid=IwAR3vnUay83v-cKkkscfnwy0ddiByFNRw_sjoAylfQduZ1_fIJvZAiwfjVnw
"Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly."
Charles Addams, The Addams Family comics
Portfolio of Visual Work
Acting, Modeling, and More!
The following is a collection of my latest and most meaningful visual projects. Each piece is unique in style and content and represents a distinct moment in my career. I hope you enjoy my work and I invite you to contact me with any questions.
Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention (MCFC) Video Appearance
Modeling/Cosplay
Because I wanted to continue being a model outside of working hours, I decided to take part in the annual cosplay video, which is something that my younger self would've been too shy to do because I can't make my cosplays by hand.
Using the tips and tricks that I've gathered from my time with Joseph Dowdy, I decided to give Josh Mason of Mason Studios a performance that I'm sure he greatly appreciated.
While I can't say that I'll be able to sew my own cosplays with a machine anytime soon, I can say that it was great to do the video without having anyone judge me for my lack of DIY skills.
Thank you Josh for not judging me too harshly because I decided to cosplay as my own version of Edward Elric from "Fullmetal Alchemist!"
By the way, I'm found in 1.55 if anyone is curious.
Link to Video: Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention 2021! - YouTube
Acting/Leadership Activities
I wanted to continue acting while working as a production assistant at a local news station. When I found out that Tim Scalita needed a woman who can scream like a banshee one day on the Memphis Film Facebook group page, I decided to take a chance and have him test out my vocals. Little did I expect for him to give a socially awkward Asian American woman like myself a chance to shine.
As a person with social anxiety disorder, I'm not the sort who's comfortable with making stuff up on the fly, especially when money and lives are on the line. When Scalita was unable to upload and share his script with everyone right before it was my time to act out on set, I had no choice, but to take his instructions and improv without having any "familiar objects" in the room to guide me as was the case with me playing with the stone bowl in "Oakley." Fortunately, his production manager, Timothy Allen, did a good job alleviating my anxiety before, during, and after production. Once I finally got my payment after the shoot, I was relieved and grateful that I took that chance.
While my role as the "undivine final girl" was unexpectedly challenging, it helped me discover that I can play more than the the quirky Asian American girl. I never thought that a white military director like Scalita would have the guts to have me on camera. Not to mention that out of all the male directors whom I've worked with in the past, Scalita had the biggest heart.
Thank you again everyone for your kindness and patience on and offset! I wish you all the best.
Link to Video: Goetia
Modeling/Cosplay
10 years ago, if anyone ever asked me if I would become a model, I would have said, "No!" The reason being that at the time, I was scared of being referred to as "shallow." However, after receiving so many compliments over the years from people whom I've interacted with in regards to my beauty, I decided to give modeling a chance.
During the covid19 epidemic, I modeled as a girl whom I classified as Sun WuKong's daughter. My Qi lolita dress was the only dress that I was comfortable modeling in during the hot summer months.
On location, I played around with a few poses since the photographer, Joseph Dowdy, originally wanted to do shoots that conveyed the sense of adventure. Out of all the poses that I've done with him, one of his favorites was me "resting" near the ladder of the monkey bars.
Never would I have expected that modeling and acting could go hand-in-hand sometimes. :)
Link to Photographer's Work: https://www.instagram.com/nice_shot_broseph/?hl=en
Acting/Leadership Activities
I wanted to continue acting after getting a full time job during the pandemic. So I decided to give this music video project a chance.
While it's not my best work to date, I am happy to have contributed. Lonnie, the lead band member, has been very kind to work with me and my schedule.
Link to Video: Hammer Down Hard - WORLDS GONE BLACK [Music Video] - YouTube
Acting/Leadership Activities
This is the first official film project that I've ever done as an actress. While it was a little excruciating to have to memorize my lines in less than a day, overall, I enjoyed working on this project. Plus it helped that T'Aaron Huddleston, the director, appreciated me for bringing in authentic kimonos and urasenke style tea ceremony tactics to make the film more authentic. :)
Link to "7th Samurai": https://video.wixstatic.com/video/c9cb7b_8afdceb1f8014e4a9370c39e9a8e28b5/1080p/mp4/file.mp4
Modeling/Cosplay
While some see modeling as a way to curry cheap favors from “attractive beings,” for me, it’s a way to step outside of my comfort zone so that I too could be more than what others perceive me to be on the surface.
⠀
With the case of these loosely inspired shots of Korean American pool player Jeanette Lee, I wanted to overcome my fear for anything that involved being physical and understanding the “technicalities” of something.
⠀
So I volunteered to be a model for Joseph Dowdy once more on Monday, August 17th, 2020.
⠀
I’m proud that I did. :)
Link to Work: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEavPUGH3fP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Acting/Leadership Activities
Because I missed acting at the time, I decided to try my hand out at being a zombie.
From my experience having to play one, Asian stomachs and gushes of red corn syrup in the mouth donʼt really go hand in hand.
So while I wonʼt see myself playing as a zombie in an episode of “The Walking Dead” anytime soon, I am glad that I did it. It was about time that I got out of the house.
Link to Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK--Hfi7ODk
Modeling/Cosplay
When I first applied to become a model, I didn't think that I'd have a shot of being chosen because my interests were more in the realm of 1960s counterculture movements as opposed to 1950s Memphis rockabilly culture. However, the moment that I got chosen, I was ecstatic.
As a token of appreciation, I brought homemade pistachio brownies, homemade Saudi Arabian Thai coconut milk pudding, and store bought mint Japanese kit-kats to the shoot. The shoot itself felt more like a party than an actual shoot.
Given that it was my first time shooting for a vintage fashion shop, being able to have the opportunity to go behind the scenes made me appreciate all of the hardwork that goes into running a shop like Mint Cream and how far clothes have become into being both fashionable and comfortable for women.
Link to Work: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFYDQbRA9op/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Acting/Leadership Activities
"Oakley: The Socially Awkward Club" was one of the first paid acting projects that I've ever done where I finally had a speaking role.
During my time on set, I noticed a stone bowl with coins inside sitting on top of a table. While on set, I picked up bowl and twirled it around. The director, Jessica Hurth, LOVED IT! I wanted to relive my Japanese tea ceremony days at the time, which was why I did it.
As for Savannah herself, I based her personality off of classic anime tropes such as the high school girl who spazzes out a lot and the best friend who encourages her friend to step outside of her comfort zone.
Little did I expect that "Anime Athena" would finally get her turn in the spotlight. :)
Link to Video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6OA0gggN_0
John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy" from Double Fantasy album
"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans"
Portfolio of Auditory Works
Voice Acting, Instrumental Performances, and More!
The following is a collection of my latest and most meaningful auditory projects. Each piece is unique in style and content and represents a distinct moment in my career. I hope you enjoy my work and I invite you to contact me with any questions.
Testimonials
Some Real Life Case Studies for All of You! :D
If you are looking for well-researched blog copy that is both SEO friendly and interesting for people, I recommend working with Athena. She wrote several blog posts for us and we were very happy with the quality and timeliness of her work.
Kim Garmon Hummel - Founder and CEO of Sauce Marketing
FAQ
Helpful Information
What Types of Writing Projects Do You Like to Do?
Anything that deals with the following:
Technology (especially women in tech and the history of technology)
Arts and Entertainment (Writing, Acting, Modeling, and so on)
Cultures (more specifically, Asian and Indigenous cultures) . However, I will be more than happy to work with you on any project that you need help with :)
I am generally very flexible. So please, let me know if there is a project that you would like to work with me on. :)
How Much Do You Charge for Content Writing Services?
For content writing services in general (social media, articles, blogs, and so on), I charge between $25 to $40 an hour or $600 to $1,200 a month (USD). This includes:
SEO optimization
Keyword Research
Interviews/Consultations
Putting Works in Final Form (i.e. WordPress blog)
Research on subject
Editing
Otherwise, I would be more than happy to work with you on a plan that's right for you. :)
What Sorts of Projects Do You Like to Do as an Actress/Model?
Generally speaking, I am open to anything that involves international fashions/themes, vintage fashions, and/or anything that allows me to go outside of my comfort zone.
The catch being that I need to see your portfolio beforehand (IMDB account, Instagram account, and so on). That way, I can make a good judgement as to whether or not we can work together on projects.
Are You Comfortable Doing Nude Shots, Lingerie Shots, and/or Sexually Explicit Themed Films?
Yes and no.
As long as these types of projects are for the purpose of either selling a product and/or expressing a theme that goes beyond admiring the human form and I'm guaranteed compensation (especially under a company name), I don't mind having my name associated with them.
However, if they're under either a single person's and/or a group that is not licensed to deal with these sorts of projects (especially if it's an unpaid project), then I do not feel comfortable doing these sorts of projects.
I am also NOT comfortable doing any projects that involve me having to sacrifice my safety whether it be physically, mentally, and/or spirtually.
This is for my protection and for the creator's protection as well down the road.
How Much Do You Charge for Acting and/or Modeling?
Depending on the project, I typically charge at least $25 an hour. This is so I can purchase the clothes and makeup needed in order to make your project the best that it can possibly be.
Not to mention that I also need to pay for travel and in some cases, medical and/or legal expenses. So unless if any of you can offer me a job that pays higher than $15 an hour (benefits included), I cannot work for free. My apologies!
As much as I enjoy helping newcomers, I need to be able to help myself out first. If this is a problem, please talk to me about it. I will listen! I can promise you that much.
Who Have You Worked With Thus Far?
For Content Writing:
TakeOverSEO - An SEO company in Memphis
Sauce Marketing - A marketing company in Memphis
LingQ - A Canadian language learning app company
Cooper Young Garden Walk - A Memphis-based nonprofit environmental organization
For Acting:
NBC's "Bluff City Law" - Episode 2 Diner Extra (Japanese exchange student praying)
Jessica Hurth's "Oakley: The Socially Awkward Club" - Savannah
Hammer Down Hard's "World's Gone Black" - Music Video Extra
Tim Scalita's "Goetia" - Girl who murders her kidnapper/"undivine final girl"
For Modeling:
Nice Shot Broseph - Nature Photography, Japanese Street Fashion, and sports shoot
JAST (Japanese American Society of Tennessee)- Traditional and Modern Japanese Fashion model during Memphis Japan Festival
Mint Cream Shop - Vintage modeling
