YNST (You're Not Seeing Things)
Letter from the
Editor
I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YNST Magazine, a grassroots media company amplifying the unseen and unsung creative voices of Appalachia’s arts & culture.
Our editorial team started as friends. We met at West Virginia University while collaborating on a student-led publication called Mirage Magazine. Years later, now media professionals, we are using our knack for storytelling to uplift our home.
For too long the media narrative and national perception surrounding West Virginia has been vastly negative, one-dimensional and stereotypical despite the abundance of incredible creatives and vibrant culture we saw thriving in every inch of the region.
We knew we had to create a vehicle to help reshape that narrative while giving an unprecedented platform for vital storytellers, unique designers, impactful photographers and dynamic artists to spotlight their work.
This mission is the undercurrent that colors every aspect of our strategic communications and marketing.
Editorial Design & Creative Direction
As the Editor-in-Chief, I oversee the visual and written narratives of each quarterly print publication. Each issue undergoes extensive editorial planning and a robust designing & editing period. Check out our most recent issues below.
Social Media
I design content and oversee strategic marketing campaigns on social media to generate engagement, build brand awareness and drive sales. Our social voice is carefully curated to feel youthful, artistic and unmistakably Appalachian. Check out our Instagram feed.
BY THE NUMBERS
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1,000,000+ impressions on social media
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5,500 monthly average website page visits in 2023
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55+ small businesses stocking YNST in 2023
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7,000 magazines distributed with 900+ mailed out across over 37 states
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700+ submissions to be in YNST
WV Public Theatre
Marketing Director
I spearhead the marketing strategy and digital presence for WV Public Theatre. I hire and oversee freelance photographers and videographers, launch advertising campaigns in print and online, and create original content for social media and newsletters. In addition, I manage the design and launch of consistent branded marketing collateral for each show including banners, posters, fliers, postcards, yard signs, social media branding and more.
Impactful Ad Campaigns
30,000+ reach 1,700+ clicks
Small budget, Big results
Black By God, The West Virginian
Social Media Consulting
As a social media consultant for Black By God The West Virginian I curated a cohesive brand voice and look, developed a new system for scheduling content, and created successful social media campaigns across 4 channels—organically generating over 175K impressions.
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WVU LAUNCHLAB
Social Media Design & Video
As the head of the visual marketing team, I created robust marketing campaigns for 10 annual events, designed content and managed accounts across 5 social media channels. On social media, I created creative promotional graphics, entertaining video content and impactful visuals.
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Event Marketing
2021-2022 School Year LaunchLab's event flier
Get My Drift Pitch Competition event flier
LaunchLab Open House announcement
2021-2022 School Year LaunchLab's event flier
LAUNCH is a an original marketing micro-magazine that I created, edited and designed for the WVU LaunchLab. In this edition I conducted interviews, directed photoshoots and designed a unique spread for each student entrepreneur. Scroll through the entire issue below!
DIGITAL MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
master's worK
GRINDR
("ReThink Grindr" Digital Marketing Campaign)
I created an original digital marketing campaign for the world's largest LGBTQ+ dating and networking app, Grindr. It features original design content, Situational Analysis, Objectives, Strategy, Tactics, Actions, and Evaluation.
The 40+ page digital marketing strategy can be found here:
PLAYBILL
(2022-23 Mobile Marketing Strategy)
I created a year-long mobile marketing strategy and campaign for the theatre media company Playbill. Formed into a pitch, this features Brand Observations and Improvements, Objectives, KPIS, Budgeting and Goal with strategy for Social Media, Mobile App and Online Advertising
Watch the presentation here: (14 Minutes)
IMPOSSIBLE BURGER
("RUMORS" TV Commercial Spot)
I created an original television spot that highlights a new plant-based meat delivery service created by Impossible that features musicians superstars Lizzo & Cardi B!
Below is an visual & audio mood board for the commercial. You can see the full pitch here:
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