The dreaded self-written bio
I'm a strategist, writer, editor and creative consultant who’s interested in improving user experiences through content and content systems. I have unique experience building teams from scratch, growing content strategy/design practices and leading large teams that span disciplines, departments and product groups. I'm also a singer-songwriter and always have some music project on the back (or front) burner.
I currently work at Instagram, leading a suite of user experience-focused content strategy teams working on products like Live, Explore, Creator Monetization, Shopping, Ads & Business and IGTV. I have 15 years of experience in digital and have worked in-house, for agencies, with media outlets and embedded in start-ups, taking on primarily content strategy, UX, editorial, creative and branding work.
I grew up in an AP Style home and thus I hold controversial views regarding the Oxford comma. These views are expressed in abundance on this site, specifically here, here and right here.
I was mostly raised in New Jersey, having also been raised a little bit in New York City. For a short, unfortunate period of time I resided in the Greater Los Angeles area somewhat against my will. I then went to hang my hat (so to speak) in San Francisco, where other people have left their hearts on unspecified hills. I got out with my heart intact. Now, I'm back in New York and, goddamnit, I intend to stay here.
In college, I decided I wanted to start a record label with my friends. It basically failed. Shocker. I also had a very short-lived DJ career. It was exactly like that one sketch from Portlandia.
In addition to writing all kinds of things and playing the guitar in a decidedly middling fashion, from 2008 until 2010, I curated a series of magical events at my Brooklyn studio apartment, called The 50/50.
Sorry I just used the word “curated.” I'm well aware that the word has been over for nearly a decade. I am now curating a collection of apologies for you.