Abby DeBruine
Writer. Editor. Instructional designer. Ex-girlfriend of the Oxford comma. Mistress of the semicolon. Unapologetic user of air quotes.
H
SKILLS
ere are some things at which I've become adept over the years. This list is not exhaustive. (For example, after the better part of a decade, I have finally perfected the unofficial dessert
of the Midwest--the humble,yet hard-to-master apple crisp.) Nor does this list include natural talents and abilities..
Some of my natural talents that have served
me well throughout my career include the ability to talk--and relate--to anyone;
to demonstrate hunger, hustle and humility; and to keep consistent. I don't rest on my skills, nor do I rely solely on my talents. I strive to learn and get better--be better--every day.
Copyediting &
Content Editing
Copywriting &
Technical Writing
Instructional Design
E- & M-Learning
Brand Identity & Consistency
Voiceover Acting
T
PORTFOLIO
he following work samples represent my range as a writer, editor and instructional designer, from "insta-worthy" copy, to technical guides and catalogs to engaging, mobile-first learning experiences. These work products are proprietary and not to be distributed.
This is a video featuring three Instagram posts for which I concepted and provided art direction and caption copy. Each post was intended to generate excitement for the global launch of Aveda's Full Spectrum Permanent™ Vegan Treatment Hair Color in a way that incorporated current social media trends with aspects of the product line.
This is a video for which I wrote the script and assisted in directing model talent. It's one of seven videos produced as part of Aveda's Full Spectrum Vibrants™ hair color campaign. Each model choose which Full Spectrum Vibrants™ shade she wanted her Aveda colorist to apply her hair, and I was tasked with interviewing her and helping share her color story on film. The Full Spectrum Vibrants™ "I am vibrant" video series is shown in Aveda salons around the world.
I can send pink, fuchsia, green, blue, teal and violet videos upon request.
This is an e-learning module I created in partnership with Dashe & Thomson, a company that creates custom corporate learning solutions. It's the first of nine modules that comprise the mobile-first Hair Color Systems Online program we developed to introduce hair colorists to the world of Aveda Hair Color.
The program received the Gold Award, Mobile Apps Category, Education Sub-Category at the April 2019 Horizon Interactive Awards, a leading international competition that highlights the best of the best in interactive media solutions.
For the purpose of viewing, I exported the file as a video, which means you won't be able to participate in the interactions. I can send a link to the actual module upon request.
This is an educator guide I created for an in-person, facilitator-led hair color certification training. The PowerPoint slides, inserted into the guide as JPEGs, were also written and designed by me.
This is an e-learning module I created using Articulate Storyline. For the purpose of viewing, I exported the file as a video, which means you won't be able to participate in the interactions. E-learning module link available upon request.
These are some of the posts I wrote for the Aveda Congress 2018 app. Aveda Congress is the brand's biggest event, held every two years. 2018 was the first year we offered an app for the event's 4,000 attendees. The posts were intended to inform, educate and delight attendees in a lighthearted, fun tone.
I also wrote all of the copy for the Aveda Congress 2018 website.
This is a video for which I wrote the script and served as voiceover talent to educate Aveda employees about the science used to create the aroma for the brand's
best-selling Cherry Almond family of products. The video was so well-received, it was distributed globally.
This is a 10-minute burst of education I wrote to accompany one of Aveda's newest product launches. It was distributed to retail and salon employees to increase product knowledge, enhance service skills and support sell-through.
This is a video for which I wrote the script, provided art direction and served as voiceover talent to engage Aveda employees with the reformulation and relaunch of the brand's family of essential oils.
This is a technical guide for a seasonal Aveda collection. It includes inspiring imagery and copy and technical instructions for creating all of the collection's hair cut, color, style and makeup looks.
These are collateral pieces created for an annual meeting held for all Aveda retail employees. All pieces must reflect the theme and inspire them to attend.
This is a profile I wrote for Capella University's Learner Success Story marketing campaign, the goal of which was to celebrate its students and increase enrollments.
This is Capella University's University Catalog, which during my tenure with the university, was published bi-annually (January and July) with addenda published April and October. It includes university policies; degree, specialization and course descriptions; and other important information. I wrote or edited every word and produced it from start to finish with the help of a team of 30 people.
This is a profile I wrote for Curb, a lifestyle magazine produced by 20 faculty-selected University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism Students and distributed to 10,000 readers across the state. The profile was awarded first place at the Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence Awards in the Best Non-Fiction Magazine Article category.
This is the cover story I wrote for Eden Prairie Magazine, which profiles four student athletes in the community.
This is the cover and one spread of The Zebulon Pike Expedition, a non-fiction children's book for which I served as lead editor. It is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Hard copy available upon request.
I
ABOUT
am a writer, editor and instructional designer who has passion for the pithy and lust for the long-form. My devotion to grammar and punctuation is borderline cultish. I catch things others may not notice, and I know when to stet, walk away and have a snack. I want to work for a company that appreciates an opportune pun, upholds the marriage of copy and design and believes in putting beauty back into the world the best way it knows how.
Want to ring, write or connect with me? Tap the contact information above my Glamour Shot or the social icons in the jaunty teal footer below.
Visit My Brown Study for extracurricular ramblings.
1.757.784.3357
