SOPHIA KUSSEL

San Antonio, TX ● (210) 500-5677 ● skussel@mail.stmarytx.edu ● LinkedIn: Sophia Kussel ● Website: https://www.sophiakussel.com

I am an undergraduate student dedicated to learning and out-of-the-box thinking. I have 3+ years of experience in journalism,
content production, illustration, and graphic design. Additionally, I am a capable and motivated writer, utilizing my skills as the
managing editor for my school's publication, The Rattler. Currently, I'm the managing editor of the award-winning Rattler
student newspaper. As a motivated writer, I take a hands-on approach focusing on leadership and collaboration.

SKILLS
 Computer: Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign, Illustrator, Canva; competent in WordPress, Final
Cut Pro, After Effects, Adobe Animate; certified in Google Analytics.
 Proven ability to work in a group environment under tight production deadlines.
 3+ years’ experience in journalism and digital communications.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Communications/ Minor in Visual Communication Design. Expected Graduation: May 2024
St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
 Cumulative GPA: 3.80
Relevant Coursework: Technical Writing, Freelance Writing, Creative Writing Workshop, Media Production, Media Pre-
production, Photojournalism, Documentary Filmmaking, Graphic Design.
Future Coursework: Electronic Publishing and Presentations, Communications Laws and Ethics, Scriptwriting.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Social Media Management Intern March 2023 – December 2023
The Real Darius, Austin, TX (Remote)
 First intern to create and manage media for YouTube channel, creating a new platform presence.
 Designed 50+ custom thumbnails for podcast YouTube channel, creating a cohesive visual identity.
 Wrote multiple email templates and promotional articles to promote podcast, increasing viewership.
 Utilized YouTube SEO to boost podcast visibility for over 30+ videos and shorts, increasing views by 2.3K per month.
Communications Intern June 2023 – December 2023
Artpace, San Antonio, TX
 Designed 3+ social media posts per week, including editing long-form videos and reels, increasing visibility.
 Designed and published 3 website pages for the Artpace site, promoting events such as Chalk It Up.
 Wrote and drafted press releases for news media, promoting resident artists.
Freelance Graphic Designer October 2020 – January 2023
Craftpudding, Universal City, TX
 Produced over 40 high-quality designs tailored for stickers, shirts, packaging, and promotional material, showcasing a
keen understanding of market trends and client preferences.
 Spearheaded the modernization of designs and advertising strategies by refreshing aesthetics, refining color schemes,
and enhancing typography, resulting in a contemporary and impactful visual identity.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Managing Editor January 2023 – Present
The Rattler Newspaper, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
 Led newspaper team to become a finalist for the best periodic newspaper among small universities in the U.S
 Effectively managed and published high-quality newspapers on a monthly basis.
 Began video production for the paper's YouTube channel and podcast.
 Managed 9 paid editors and volunteer contributors in the creation of 5 newspapers, producing papers periodically
and 1 color magazine per year.
Arts and Culture Editor August 2022 – January 2023
The Rattler Newspaper, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
 Wrote and published stories about current events in entertainment and art while meeting tight deadlines in an
efficient and organized manner.
 Conducted research and interviews to ensure accurate reporting.
 Illustrated graphics and photographed visuals for spreads, increasing reader’s attention.