Technical writing and copywriting
As a technical writer, I am skilled in translating complex technical documents into a consumer-friendly tone of voice. In my most recent position as technical writer at Twofish, a creative agency based in Amsterdam, I worked mainly on projects for Yamaha Motor Europe and Canon inc.
The majority of the work I undertook was the writing and editing of ‘Standard English Copy’ – the master documents that form the basis for both companies’ communications on the web and in print.
For Canon, this meant learning everything there is to know about the technology of their digital cameras, camcorders and printers then communicating it in an appropriate way for their target markets, whether professional, enthusiast or amateur.
Similarly for Yamaha, this meant learning about Yamaha’s diverse range of motorcycles, outboard engines, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles; and the target markets for communications.
Here are a few examples of copy written for Yamaha:
- YZ250F Press release - This is an abridged version of press release written for the launch of Yamaha’s YZ250F motocross bike, the full version features a 6 page technical appendix which I rewrote from badly translated technical papers. View online
- Waverunner release – A more lifestyle-oriented (eg. less technical) release for the launch of the 2010 range of Yamaha WaveRunner personal watercraft View online
- Yamaha JogRR MotoGP – A short news story written for Yamaha on their sponsorship of the MotoGP series which was also featured on the official Dorna View online
Journalism
Here are a few examples of articles I wrote whilst working as deputy editor of Computer Arts magazine (For more details, check out my CV).
Computer Arts describe itself as, “the world’s best-selling magazine for digital artists and designers, boasting a strong line-up of tutorials every issue… and tonnes of tips and tricks for web design, typography, 3D, animation, motion graphics and multimedia. It’s the one-stop shop for professional advice.”
The articles vary in length from short news analysis pieces on design industry trends, interviews with well-known designers and creatives, and extended feature pieces.
Choose ‘Download PDF’ to view the article as it appeared in print and ‘View online’ to see the HTML version on www.computerarts.co.uk.
- Be a greener designer – Article for Computer Arts on how designers can be more environmentally friendly in their work. View online
- Behind the scenes: The Guardian – A news feature on the Guardian newspaper’s redesign including and interview with The Guardian’s creative director Mark Porter View online
- Suffering for Art – Another news analysis piece, this one on the high-levels of Repetitive Strain Injury amongst creatives View online
- North Kingdom Profile – Interview with an influential Swedish web design studio – Download PDF | View online
- Stay Fresh! – A feature tackling the tricky subject of cliches in design Download PDF | View online
- News QandA – Danny Yount – Short interview with influential movie title editor, Danny Yount View online
- Behind the scenes: La Famille Artois – Short feature on the rebranding of Artois beers View online
During my time Computer Arts, I also wrote articles for several of Future Publishing’s other titles including ImagineFX (www.imaginefX.com), WindowXP Magazine, .net magazine and Computer Arts’s sister title Computer Arts Projects.
