So ... you want to see my résumé?

EXPERIENCE

Freelance Proofreader
Off and on since 1999

Self-employed as a freelance proofreader, copy editor and occasional copywriter.

The Client List?

Ogilvy & Mather
McCann-Erickson
Rapp Collins (now RAPP)
The Richards Group (now TRG)
Razor Competitive Edge
Sibley Peteet Design
The Focus Agency
Levenson & Hill
Eisenberg and Associates
Publicis Hawkeye
Spire
Freeman (Trade Shows, Exhibits and Events)
COX Enterprises
Tribe
Magna IV Communications
Johnson & Sekin
Essilor
Moroch
Pyro
RobbinsKersten Direct (now RKD Group)
Slingshot
AvreaFoster
Griffith Phillips Creative
MasonBaronet
Sonus
Concussion
Shelton Creative
TPN (The Promotion Network)
Wildwood Communications
Satama Interactive
Nokia

Dave & Buster’s via Magna IV
2012 to 2020

A recurring seasonal project, three times a year, to produce all their dining, beverage, kids and promotional menus for their 135 locations.

What’s It Like Making Menus?

I compiled, managed and monitored regional and international menu legal requirements for each market.

A lot of analysis and error correction of nutritional information (about 5,000 different numerical values each season) in compliance with Affordable Care Act regulations. Ditto for analysis of complicated pricing spreadsheets before they enter the layout stage.

I researched elusive beer, wine and liquor trademarks (including Cuban brands, which is a challenge because they lack a strong internet presence, if at all).

I created, maintained and enforced an ever-changing 15-page style guide and quality control checklist.

I also mentored and tutored young, inexperienced production artists on the nuances of kerning, leading and graphic quality control — which translates into me art directing behind the scenes.

All while expensive print personnel stand idle — waiting on my approval before running the presses.

The Yachts of Seabourn
via The Richards Group
2009 to 2011

I traveled the world (albeit from a cubicle) reading and correcting cruise line brochures.

How Did I Keep This Ship Upright?

For one thing, I researched information and specific details on tourist destinations and activities. Sometimes a writer sitting in an office cubicle has no idea what Rome is really like.

I also employed my graphic and geographic talents by accurately plotting and drawing over 600 route maps for the website and brochures, armed with the National Geographic Atlas of the World (some route destinations you couldn’t find on the internet in 2010). It was a fun challenge determining how a ship would get from point A to B to C ... to Z.

I created and updated a 26-page style manual and geographical glossary.

And if you are at all familiar with The Richards Group at that time, I was also tasked with enforcing their strict graphic and quality control standards. Sloppy kerning and inaccurate centering and alignment were definitely not tolerated.

TPN (The Promotion Network)
2002 to 2004

The freelance market was slow, so I became a staff proofreader for this promotional advertising agency. I also oriented new employees on proper typography, grammar and punctuation usage.

Who Were Their Clients?

Kraft
Nabisco
PepsiCo
Hershey’s
Gatorade
7-Eleven
ConAgra
Miller Beer
Jim Beam
Moët & Chandon
Dom Pérignon
Rand McNally
ESPN
Orbitz

The Richards Group (TRG)
1998 to 1999

Before I dove into freelancing, I gave this prestige agency a shot as a staffer. I also surprised them with my graphic eye and became their backup quality control person, tweaking kerning and leading.

Who Were Their Clients?

PrimeCo (regional wireless, my main focus)
Chick-fil-A
Motel 6
The Home Depot
Wyndham Hotels
Pergo Flooring

Levenson & Hill
1992 to 1997, also freelance 2006

One of my favorite agencies to work for, I was their staff proofreader — and also a copywriter who could draw pencil layouts and storyboards for creative concepts. I also faced the challenge of doing research before everyone had internet — remember libraries?

Who Were Their Clients?

Church’s Chicken
Gordon’s Jewelers
El Chico Restaurants
Fina Oil and Gas
Paramount Pictures
Dallas Burn Major League Soccer Team
Furr’s/Bishop’s Cafeterias
County Seat Jeans Stores
Baylor Health Care
Omni Hotels
Hard Rock Cafe
FirstPlus Financial

Tracy-Locke
1988 to 1991

I started as a proofreader for the typography department, but was soon promoted to copy editor for the traffic department. I saw the world go from electric typewriters and drafting boards to Macintosh computers and word processing. The hair was big back then, and the company parties were even bigger.

Who Were Their Clients?

Pepsi
Frito-Lay
Embassy Suites Hotels
Borden Milk
Phillips Petroleum
Budget Rent a Car
Imperial Sugar
Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce

Robert J. Hilton Typographers
1986 to 1987

This is where my proofreading journey started. Previously I was trained at UT Austin as an art director and production artist, but ironically was often hired for my copywriting skills ... apparently the headlines on my college layouts made an impression. However, I preferred having someone else fill in those scary blank pieces of paper and review them instead. Turned out I had a knack for it.

EDUCATION

The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art
1979 to 1984

Concentrations in advertising design and copywriting, graphic design, and commercial illustration. Taught by real-world professionals in the industry. I already had a solid background in English and grammar from elementary and high school, and learned the rest on my own while on the job.

Crunchyroll & Funimation
2020 to 2024

I started a remote contract gig with Funimation in early 2020, right before COVID rocked everyone’s world. Later, Sony bought Crunchyroll and merged the two. I went from Japanese anime novice to binge-watching expert in no time! I screened, tested, selected and trained my two replacements.

The Anime Life?

I proofread social media posts, mailing list emails, news blog posts about entertainment and culture, show synopses, videos, and other promotional materials for this anime streaming service and online store.

I also had a lot of fun editing closed captions for promotional videos using rev.com files, interpreting audio dialogue. It reminded me of dropping the needle on vinyl albums again and again to figure out the lyrics.

I developed a knack for finding accurate reference materials for show names, characters, production staff and voice actors. Sometimes on Japanese language websites!

I also hunted down English versions of Japanese product copyrights of anime merchandise for the online store.