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It's all thanks to you.

As a part of my undergraduate experience, I have been given countless opportunities from people who have invested in me. As a thank you, I wrote a note.
It's all thanks to you.

Building a brand

The challenge I was presented with when I was hired was complex: improve our branded content on the web.

​After a totally redesigned mobile-first website complete with user-experience testing, several editorial photo essays, and the construction of a short form video brand, we began seeing significant success.

As a matter of fact, the results were astounding. I increased the open rate of our 141,000 person email list from 18.26% to over 20.85%. But, the impactful statistic lies in the click-rate within the email, which jumped from 6.01% to 14.45% by incorporating video into our promo campaigns.

Browse some of the content that I produced during my time as the Interactive Editorial Producer with Madison magazine.
  • 360° Video
  • Photo Essays
  • Video brand for social
  • New mobile-first website
  • Print pieces
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Students, faculty and community members converge at JMU X-Labs to develop uncommon ideas through uncommon partnerships. Bringing unique ideas from disparate disciplines, they collaborate to solve real problems in innovative ways.

​The virtual reality class, co-taught with George Mason University, increases access to industry-leading technology and curricula, giving students the chance to create and experience this upcoming field.
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This video was co-produced by two JMU students, Stuart Brazil ('17) and Chase Maszle ('17), who experienced the class in the spring of 2017.
Creating effective photo essays is difficult when you can't directly identify your subject with video. But, in both cases, our on-site photographer gathered audio interviews to be later used in a print story. Turns out the audio and photos--together--had the ability to cut through as a unique and impactful form of storytelling.

So, instead of letting the photo and audio interviews go to waste, we utilized them in these beautifully constructed stories. Each took only about 6-8 hours to create.
"How do we increase views to our online content," asked my senior editor, Jan Gillis.

I had an idea. To solve the problem, I developed an entire video brand for silently telling stories through words, photos, and quotes. It's similar to that which you see on major news sites like USA Today, New York Times, etc. The videos have tremendous engagement rates on social media due to the fact that the audience can watch and learn without playing audio. Below is an example of a video that we used to summarize the content of our latest print edition stories. It was used in our latest email campaign and featured on the campus' digital signage feed.

The resulting impact of integrated this tool more than doubled the click-rate to the Madison magazine website from 6.01% to 14.45%. These projects helped create statistics for a future increase in funding and attention towards video content.
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One of our emails with video incorporated. Click on the image to see how the user flow jumps the audience to the website upon click.
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A look at the technical side of the titling component of our video brand, which included templates for nearly every situation.
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A preview of what our redesigned site looked like for the desktop user. The site was designed using "Atomic Design" methodology and reverse S heat-mapping pattern. Over 4 different variations, the site ended up with a mobile-first priority.
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The updated visual brand on our website included this color scheme and design for our site's social link-preview thumbnail.
While my role within our team at Madison included promoting our content via the web, our team revolved mainly around producing beautiful publications for print. Take a look at the two print editions that were published during my time on the team. In between, we published two digital editions through our web app that is available for download in the App Store for Apple or Android. Want to see me in our publication's contributor area? Click here.

Spring 2017 edition: The true meaning of victory

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A preview layout of our "Bright Lights" column.

Winter 2017 edition: Advancing a culture of meaning

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A preview layout of our "Full Frame" column.
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Our November 2016 digital web edition. Click image to read. >
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Our February 2017 digital web edition. Click image to read. >

I challenge you: make magic for someone.

Read the full story about how I helped make some magic in my own backyard >>

My experience as a Disney intern.

For eight months in 2016, I had the opportunity to intern with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in Anaheim as digital media producer and as a park photographer. These are a few photos from my experience working, traveling, and playing in sunny California.

Showcasing the band's unique members.

For a recent project for JMU Athletic Bands, I had the opportunity to photograph a few of my fellow Dukes showcasing the connection between students' diverse academic focuses and the unique and positive assets they bring together as leaders of the Marching Royal Dukes.
​The Marching Royal Dukes is the official marching band of James Madison University.
​Thanks to Annie Franks, my mentee, for assisting on this project. ​
As seen with:

Clean, fresh, and real.

Effective and genuine imagery and communication is so important in this golden age of connectivity.

See My Portfolio >>

Original, and effective.

I identify the audience and the goal, then find a way to cut-through and make an impact.

Learn how I'm different >>

Environmentally caring.

Respecting the environment is important. And "being green"  is my kind gesture to mother nature.

My Green Commitment >>
Learn about me >>