Annie Russell

Senior Experience Content Strategist

Supported a broad team of engineers, web publishers, designers, and product managers in the creation of a design system + publishing platform that can expedite site updates while unifying our design language across three disparate product groups.

In this role, I created systems and materials that helped the builders and users of our product understand each other’s priorities and requirements, balancing stable efficiency with flexibility and ease of use.

I also set training and documentation strategies and conducted a series of system audits and analyses, tracking alignment across three significant platform migrations.

Lead Content Strategist

Used digital media platforms to understand and then foster fruitful relationships between businesses and their audiences.

I worked with strategic research, insights from data analysis, and a team of sharp designers and writers to create a wide range of communications. Always prioritizing clear, honest, and human connections within the digital landscape.

I lead a broad swath of business with Adobe, supporting a team of eight writers across several ongoing projects. We created a fresh set of email designs, guided email and paid media strategies, and built out a robust and successful SEO strategy.

Editorial Assistant, Writer

Learned the ins and outs of publishing a quarterly magazine, from writing heds and deks, to tracking down contributor photos, to researching exactly where to get the best caribou stew on Svalbard. Regular contributer to the magazine's Agenda section, covering events and exhibitions.

After leaving the staff to work in education, I stayed on as freelance writer, focused on international performances, until the magazine ceased publication in 2008. 

Studio Assistant

Started out ordering the right pens. (The very best pens.) Ended up writing copy for the website, establishing a studio archive, and editing client publications. Clients included Slate.com, Car and Driver Magazine, Jill Platner, and Capitol Records. We also created several large and magical exhibition catalogs for Nyehaus Gallery.

Editor in Chief

Ran the bi-annual literary journal published by the students of the University of Toronto's Graduate English Department. I oversaw editorial, marketing, and funding strategies. Our journal published work from both established and emerging writers in Canada.

Reviewer

Wrote concise book reviews for PW's website. I learned to read and assess quickly and to efficiently summarize relevant content. I developed strong relationships with my editors, stayed sharp on deadline, and gave enthusiastic stars to great reads. 

Research Assistant

Proofed transcriptions of Lowell's letters against facsimiles of the originals. His penmanship: almost legible. His loves: passing fair. His prose: all bright sparks and cold wells.