I write, therefore I am. Cheesy, right? But unfortunately, true. I’m stuck with it.
I’ve tried other things in my life: Media Assistant, Brand Design and Photo Producer for a vast sportswear corporation named after a Greek goddess. Tasks as diverse as scribbling poetry for tee shirts, to naming shoes, to helping build a small city at Portland Meadows race track for a national cross-country running event and taking it all down again in less than 24 hours so the horses could get back on the track.
But the best thing I ever did was to start listening to the nagging voice inside me that said: You are a writer, you must write.
Useless to resist what you are. And why would you? It’s pure heaven when you get there.
Resume
Creator/Writer/Manager: Over ten years experience managing creative teams and content, while crafting industry-leading storytelling in a corporate retail environment. Skills include creative ideation, branding, project management, copywriting, editing, and workflow tools. Fast learner with exceptional communication skills and work ethic.
My path:
Creative Manager, Columbia Sportswear eCommerce 2016 - Present
· Manage copywriters/designers in all aspects of creative content for site, marketing, email, SEO, UX-CX, etc.
· Create, present, and edit brand campaign design concepts/copy for global omni-channel use.
· Craft concise, pithy, engaging, on-brand messages that inspire customers to act.
· Oversee creation of seasonal PDP (descriptive product copy), including features and benefits.
· Supervise and mentor all aspects of creative team members’ performance and career growth.
Senior Copywriter, Columbia Sportswear eCommerce 2014 -2016
· Crafted omni-channel messaging for .com, email, media, in-store, and affiliate.
· Enhanced UX customer experience for columbia.com, sorel.com, and mountainhardwear.com.
· Wrote compelling, relevant, branded messages that motivate and inspire consumers.
· Specialized in ad/product copy, video scripts for products and technologies
Senior Photo Producer, Nike Photo Studio 2009-2012
· Managed footwear and apparel digital image creation while evolving workflow tools.
· Implemented new workflow for NFL Apparel Global Launch.
· Coordinated production of footwear and apparel photo imagery content.
Freelance Writer/Senior Copywriter Nike US Digital eCommerce 2007-2009
· Crafted timely, relevant messages for.com, email, video scripts, and brand promotions.
· Managed nike.com product copy workflow on a project basis.
· Developed mission statements, brand identity, and marketing concepts.
· Evolved SEO, copy editing, HTML language, Chicago/AP, and Nike Style Guide.
Graphics Producer, Nike Brand Design & Creative Management 2004-2007
· Managed all facets of retail and events graphics projects, including internal teams and external vendors.
· Saved 10% of annual production costs by implementing SPECS Program via BrandNETX.
Photo Producer, Nike Digital Product Imaging, Brand Design 2001-2004
· Managed footwear, apparel and equipment photo shoots from visual center through content delivery.
· Coordinated photographers, models, stylists, and digital asset distribution.
Media Assistant, Nike Advertising
· Collaborated with agencies (Wieden & Kennedy) on advertising initiatives/videos
· Acted as liaison between media buyers, TV, and print vendors
· Produced collateral training material for media buyers
· Managed global media library, archives, and content
Education
3 years Portland State University, Foothill College, PCC.
English Literature, Creative Writing, Marketing, Dance, Theater Arts. Seminars and classes. Wordstock,
Willamette Writer’s conferences, Situational Leadership, etc.
Tools
PC, MAC, MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe AEM, eCommerce: Demand Ware, JIRA, SSIP, interface. Nike: StudioTrak, PPS, Stadium, CRL, PIM, Merchman, BML, BrandNETX, Workfront, Etc.
Hobbies: Creative writing, reading, hiking, exploring the outdoors, cooking, gardening, community action
Author the novel Dancing in the Mouth of the Tiger:
https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Mouth-Tiger-Brook-Gerity-Miles/dp/1478746696