melanie masson

* Laid the foundation for a Google Arts & Culture exhibit with corresponding collections that expand access to the museum’s permanent collection to an online audience. * Organized artifact imagery in a new database with better browsing and editing capabilities * Color corrected and retouched images to improve quality and continuity of presentation * Worked with on site educators and off-site GAC contact to determine the direction of the narrative, make decisions regarding layout and design, and troubleshoot technical issues

Worked with Program Manager/curatorial lead, Exhibitions Coordinator, and several volunteers to install “Northern Exposure”, the inaugural art exhibition in the new Nordic Museum facility, featuring work by 29 Scandinavian artists. Independently tackled the math and measurements for plotting installation of complex artworks on museum walls and floors, then worked with the team to complete those installations Troubleshooting installation issues with staff stemming from building construction and art shipment delays Helped install track lighting, vinyl introductory text, and mount labels next to corresponding artworks

* Recruited a variety of local visual and performing artists for placement in a 360° panoramic image of Seattle, shot from a Belltown rooftop by the creators of Photosynth software at Microsoft Research. * Helped strategize artist placement within the overall landscape * Coordinated shoot times (accounting for photographer and artist availability, weather, etc.) * Worked on location to get artists into position and convey instructions from rooftop photographers * Shot behind-the-scenes footage of the project in action for social media * Helped plan project launch party at Seattle Art Museum

* Served as primary point of contact for select ad agency clients * Coordinated projects with designers, printers, etc. to ensure accurate and timely file delivery * Assisted the Business Manager and Account Executives as needed * Kept track of internal job traffic * Photographed finished projects for the company portfolio, and ad imagery per client request

* Coordinated commercial photography projects for our photography studio’s top client, and managed each project’s needs between staff photographers and post-production artists * Ensured that photographed prototypes and final images were delivered to clients on schedule * Calculated and prepared billing of completed projects * Helped write/proofread press releases, funding requests, and bids for work to potential clients

* Responsible for the set up and break down of photography sets each day * Made lighting adjustments and backdrop changes as needed * Solved image capture software and equipment issues * Ensured accuracy of file names and shot counts across multiple software systems * Filled in as Digital Tech for sets as needed * Served as studio point of contact for photo equipment reps * Managed inventory, color calibrations, and equipment repairs

* Tallied and analyzed shots counts, expenses, and level of productivity for three commercial fashion photography studios nationwide (approximately 425 web and print projects per year) * Coded related invoices for payment, and assisted contractors and agencies with payment issues * Photographed model castings on occasion, and assisted crews on set when needed

* Worked with a team of 6 curators to manage 32 installations and performances for the Lo Fi Arts Festival at Smoke Farm, a rustic 360-acre former dairy farm in Arlington, WA. * Independently managed 6 artist projects of the 32 accepted proposals (ranging from sculpture to opera) * Wrote promotional materials (RFP, press releases, and grant proposals for funding) * Helped facilitate Lo Fi’s first weeklong, on-site residency prior to the festival * Made website and social media updates * Shot photo documentation of the festival

* Worked with a graphic designer to rebrand the event, updating posters, quarterly maps, signage, and event website with the new look * Recruited and maintained regular communication with participating venues and sponsors * Copywriting of press releases, grant proposals, and monthly newsletter * Maintained event website and social media presence * General bookkeeping and coordination of volunteers * Regular meetings with the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and committees * Served on the Art Walk Consortium, a collective of art walk coordinators city-wide, to discuss event issues and explore potential collaborations and marketing opportunities

* Managed the membership program for an art museum serving more than 100,000 visitors per year. * Processed 2,000+ memberships and donations annually * Served as primary contact for membership and donation inquiries * Planned and implemented member-specific events * Facilitated partnerships with area businesses translating to new member benefits * Tracked grant and sponsorship compliance for exhibitions and educational programming * Proofreading/editing of grant proposals and exhibition credit lines * Managed redesign of printed collateral for membership (brochures, postcards, etc.) * Copywriting of member newsletters, board member speeches, and donor thank you letters * Conducted fundraising campaigns and member surveys * Helped facilitate exhibition opening night events

Activities and Societies: Photo Editor of The Tatler yearbook staff 1999-2000, Member of the Union of Student Artists (USA) 1998-2000, Photography Darkroom Monitor 1998-1999, Computer Lab Monitor 1997-2000