JOSEPH RUSS
[e] josephruss77@gmail.com
[w] josephruss.wordpress.com
PROFILE
Native-English writer and editor. Experienced in technical and commercial writing across a range of media for international business. Interested in films, music and travel, and a keen amateur photographer.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Content Editor (March 2010 – present)
Booking.com, Amsterdam, Netherlands (www.booking.com)
• Writing hotel descriptions for Booking.com’s web pages
• Proofreading and editing of copy from hoteliers
• Editing web pages to improve SEO and achieve higher conversion rates
• Working as part of a quality-focus group to improve web content standards
• Working with translators to ensure consistency across languages
Technical Writer (November 2008 – December 2009)
Twofish BV, Amsterdam, Netherlands (www.twofish.nl)
• Writing press releases and technical press briefings for Yamaha Motor Europe
• Writing, editing and proofing technical copy for Canon inc
• Concept development for print advertising for Yamaha
• Development of Yamaha brand strategy
• Presentations for Canon business-to-business
• Script development for Tommy Hilfiger video
Deputy Editor (January 2006 – August 2008)
Section Editor (April 2004 – January 2006)
Computer Arts magazine, Future Publishing, Bath, UK (www.computerarts.co.uk)
• Researching creative software and techniques and commissioning tutorials from external contributors
• Writing regular lead features, news and interviews
• Planning and writing the weekly Computer arts email newsletter for 40,000 readers
• Editing of magazine supplements for Adobe and Quark
• Proof-reading and approval of magazine pages prior to production
• Day-to-day management of the magazine in the editor’s absence
• Maintaining strong relations with the creative industry – agencies, freelancers, illustrators and software manufacturers
• Representing the magazine by attending events and tradeshows and product briefings
CD Editor (September 2002 – April 2004)
Future Publishing, Bath, UK
• Sourcing software and permissions for cover-mounted CD for Mac Format, Computer Arts and Digital Camera magazine
• Securing full products and other premium content in return for editorial or advertising coverage
• Design and maintenance of disc interfaces using HTML templates and Macromedia Director software
• Quality assurance of disc interfaces and software
• Commissioning pages to freelance staff and copywriting for disc interfaces and magazine CD pages
Freelance (August 2001 – August 2002)
Various Projects
• Training on web design and IT support at Positive Press.
• Design for Positive press catalogue
• Design and build of Quality Circle Time website including e-commerce elements
Web Designer (September 2000 – June 2001)
Reelscreen/Total Film Network, Future Publishing, London, UK
• Image design for www.reelscreen.com and www.totalfilm.com (sites no longer active)
• Digitisation and compression of short films, songs and music videos for broadcast on the web with consideration for media quality and bandwidth issues
• Day to day management of Reelscreen, including image design, updating editorial content and community management of hosted artists pages
• Assisting the project management of the design of Total Film Network
• Converting magazine layouts of Total Film magazine into Web pages
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
• High level of computer literacy, including familiarity with both Mac and Windows
• Design and layout using Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS and various content management systems
• Programming using Adobe Flash and Director
• Full UK driving licence and UK passport
EDUCATION
BSc (Hons) Medialab Arts (2nd Class Honours) (September 1996 – July 2000)
University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
• Experience of a wide range of software and technologies used in the production of interactive media
• Design and planning of multimedia projects from initial proposal and specification through to production
• History of interactive media, emerging platforms and possible new directions
• One-year industry placement at Ransom Publishing, an interactive CD-ROM publisher
Secondary Education
The John of Gaunt Comprehensive School, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, UK (September 1989 – July 1996)
A-Levels
Psychology B, Mathematics C, Physics D
9 GCSEs including 8 A-C grades
REFERENCES
Available on request.
