CAREER PROFILE
Author
Two published illustrated books – Bony Yoga and Rats Incredible. Hundreds of columns and articles, thousands of poems, five illustrated chapbooks, illustrated children’s books, illustrated/photo humor books, ad, catalog and promotional copy, newsletters, press releases, thesis on folklore of NYC transit workers. Awards: First place Don Schellie Award for best feature column in Arizona, two first place awards for best humorous column in New Mexico and others for poetry, column and news articles. Featured in ad promoting newspaper.
Artist
Illustrations for columns, newspapers, promotional materials, tattoos, books; artist for nationwide Art-o-Mat project (artomat.org), president and designer for RYNdustries, which includes entire line of Lucky Voodoo Dolls.
Performer
Wrote and performed all own material on television, radio and stage. Column featured on weekly radio spot on KLPX. Featured both solo and with musical accompaniment; experience in stand-up comedy and theater. Hosted several poetry series, produce and host weekly radio show.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Master of Arts in English Literature, Brooklyn College
GPA: 3.7. Degree awarded: Feb. 2000; thesis on occupational folklore of NYC subway workers; major in folklore, French proficiency requirement met for degree.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, French, Brooklyn College
Major GPA: 4.0; overall GPA: 3.9. Degree awarded: Jan. 1996 Summa *** Laude, dean's honor list; scholarship from dept. of English; merit certificate for excellence in Latin; Donald G. Whiteside Poetry Award; French minor.
BCAT: Brooklyn Community Access Television
Certified producer – camera and editing; produced shows for NYS government.
SBNI: Summer Broadcast News Institute, Brooklyn College/BCAT
Trained as producer, director, writer, reporter, anchor and camera for broadcast news.
Study Abroad Program, Brooklyn College
Focus on drama and creative writing; study in both London and Paris.
Languages: French
Long-term study of French language, literature, translation, history and culture.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Writer, artist, performer, RYNdustries, 9/03 – Present
Freelance writer and artist with credits including New York Newsday, New York Press, Brooklyn Woman Newspaper, Voices: The Journal of NY Folklore, numerous websites, journals and anthologies. Created and manage online stores, including rynski.etsy.com and CafePress.com/ryndustries, design variety of original artwork for merchandise and line of “Lucky Voodoo Dolls.” Weekly radio show.
Writer, artist, Demand Media Studios, 10/07 – Present
Freelance writer artist with hundreds of articles for various properties.
Reporter, Writer, Columnist: Gannett, Arizona, 1/07 – 12/10
TucsonCitizen.com: award-winning weekly column, features, news, daily blog posts, photos, videos, artwork. Continue with website after print edition folded.
Reporter, Columnist: Western Communications, Oregon, 2/06 – 11/06
Curry Coastal Pilot: covered education beat, features, general assignments, photos, weekly column. The Daily Triplicate, Calif.: covered county, tribes and parks, weekly column. Wrote at least 10 stories per week, photos, illustrations.
Managing Editor, Reporter: Freedom Newspapers, New Mexico, 4/05 – 2/06
Quay County Sun, Clovis News Journal: wrote and edited all content, news, features, lifestyles, sports, photos, illustrations, award-winning weekly column.
Vice President of Administration: Synergistic Plans, Inc., NYC, 7/02 – 3/05
Focus on presentations, marketing, promotional endeavors, initiated radio show.
Director of Public Affairs: New York State Senate, Brooklyn, NY, 1/00 – 7/02
Public relations, wrote and edited press releases, newsletters, produced TV show.
Columnist, Artist: Brooklyn Woman, Brooklyn, NY, 12/01 – 12/03
Contributed weekly column with accompanying illustrations.
Regional Editor, Artist: Medicinal Purposes Lit. Review, NYC, 2001 – 2006
Edited, contributed art; host and coordinate poetry series.
Writer, Artist: 12-Gauge Review, Brooklyn, NY, 1996 – 2000
Columnist, poet and cartoonist for online literary magazine at www.12gauge.com.
Instructor: Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn, NY, 1997 - 2002
Taught basic drawing, TV studio, theater and chemistry classes (ongoing).
Assistant Editor, Reporter: Courier-Life Publications, Bklyn, NY, 1996 – 1999
Edited, researched, supervised reporters, wrote news, features, subway beat.
Reporter, Columnist, Artist: Brooklyn College Excelsior, 1991 – 1995
Wrote news and feature articles, weekly column, cartoons.
REFERENCES
Available upon request.