Marketing and Communications Portfolio

 

When I was little, my head was full of stories. I would often take notebooks with me on long car rides so I could write mysteries and fairy tales. I quickly came to the conclusion that I should be a writer. I liked the idea of creative writing ­– telling stories that would touch readers with their intense plots, imaginative scenes and relatable characters. But, journalism also appealed to me, with its fast pace and the possibility of interviewing truly fascinating people.

 

During my high school and middle school years, I developed my writing in both arenas. I was a member of my middle school yearbook staff, and in high school I was a writer and editor for the newspaper. In my spare time, I would work on the fantasy novels I wanted to write. When college came around, I decided to major in journalism (public relations track, to be precise). Not wanting to give up on my creative side, I took some composition and creative writing classes as electives for my own enjoyment.

 

In journalism, I didn’t expect to learn skills other than writing. My multimedia classes taught me photography and videography. My graphic design classes taught me about visual communications. I can now tell an important story in a number of ways on a number of platforms. My words, images, videos and designs can cooperate together to teach, inspire, inform and entertain other people. 

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I have gone on to use these skills in a variety of settings. My clients are often based in Indiana, where I am based, but I have worked with people and businesses in Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, Kentucky, Wyoming, and Utah. As the industries vary, the work varies, too, meeting the needs and goals of each client. Ultimately, each entity needs someone who can tell stories. I have come to realize that the more tools I have, the more effective my stories can be.

 

Now, because of my journalism degree and my various work experiences, I can express my creative side through writing, photography, design and video in strategic ways. My passion for the written word has not diminished as I continue to write articles, stories, blogs and press releases. I am still working on those fantasy novels, too. Plus, I now find joy in photography, graphic design, social media management and event planning!

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Careers highlights have so far included touring the state with former Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, playing cornhole in the Statehouse, breaking fundraising goals for an Iowa nonprofit, photographing an operational flower farm, creating an annual media training event for nonprofit professionals, and launching my own communications training course. I've assisted in launching hiring programs, supported youth councils, helped an indie author tell her story across news channels, created professional communications tools for nonprofits and small businesses, and so much more!

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Embracing public relations allowed me to see how both journalism and creativity can co-exist, and that communications work can be incredibly meaningful and rewarding. I have come to experience the true satisfaction comes from finding and telling stories, in whatever format best suits the situation. I am blessed that my skill set allows me to tell a compelling story from all perspectives while inviting audience members to experience the richness and fullness of the story. To me, this strong connection between creator and audience is the definition of communication. This is a great field of work, and I'm excited to be a part of it!

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Continue on to get a small glimpse of my work.