In May 2010 I traveled to Europe for two media related jobs. Working as an editorial assistant for the World Wildlife Fund International in Switzerland, I bonded with brand managers, video producers, news writers, internal communicators and digital application designers. I spent part of my time in London and Geneva working on World Television’s production of Nestlé’s “Creating Shared Values.”

Closer to home, I came to oversee the media creation and co-management of the Frozen River Film Festival, an annual five-day environment and sustainability themed event in Winona Minnesota. My work over three years included creating banners, multi page programs, posters, websites, and tickets. I secured sponsorship dollars, and appeared on television and radio promoting the festival. In addition, I advised Theatre Du Mississippi, the non-profit theater organization, developed their website, collaborated with recording studios, and worked as a technical crew member.

Early on, my love for event production brought me to Total Sports Entertainment and Marketing in 1999. I was involved in performing, selling, and coordinating “The Blues Bros. Act” for audiences as large as 40,000 people. In this role I toured the nation helping to put on over 140 shows a year. I even drove the production’s 50 foot ten speed tour bus.

After two years on the road, I ventured out to Colorado to try my hand at concert production. Instead I ended up apprenticing with tile setters and flooring contractors. This job taught me how to make something out of nothing. Spending my wages on computers and time on acquiring graphic design software skills, I opened a recording and media studio, Rare Breed Recordings.

My experience promoting events, and self developed skills in print and web media landed me at Allied Vaughn, a media duplication and distribution company. There I managed and designed art files for print on assorted media, including web applications using media-on-demand systems.

I enjoy being on teams of committed, creative, and engaged professionals guided by wise leadership. I believe that a creative work culture trumps money and title. I have put my focus into academic life starting in 2006 and just graduated with a BA in Journalism / Strategic Communications from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Fall of 2011.

This last summer I lived in India for three months spending time with friends, built social media strategy, and considered the implications. Travel Blog Here

I can be reached at theStory@EzraFirkins.com