SAM PRAGER
Résumé
EXPERIENCE
A quick precursor
To be fair, I understand that a lot of my experience is working for myself. But, if this experience taught me anything its that you're always working for someone, whether its your audience, your clients, your landlord, the government, your family or whatever you believe exists beyond the limitations of our earthly minds, you always have a boss.
I started working for myself to get experience because I couldn't get a job with one to three years of relevant experience. Well... how you get a job that requires experience without being about to get a job that gives you experience. Le sigh.
So, I started the magazine as a way to get experience, and now I have experience.
PAPERHOUSE PUBLISHING
FOUNDER
2018 - 2023
As the founder and director of Paperhouse Publishing I handled the financial and legal aspects of operating the business. From bookkeeping to license acquisition, copyright and trademarks, staffing and managing, to proofing, printing and distribution for the magazine, events and bar.
MEMPHIS CURRENT MAGAZINE + EVENTS
EDITOR + ART DIRECTOR + EVENT PLANNER
2018 - 2023
As editor I wrote much of the magazine’s written content while also coordinating with freelance photographers and writers within a tight deadline. Additionally, as Art Director I sourced artists from varying mediums across the mid-south, curating their work into the final layout design. Operating primarily on advertising revenue, I worked with a multitude of local and regional businesses to create and design advertising campaigns that would add to the magazine’s aesthetic while also serving our audience with locally based businesses across many sectors. Additionally, I organized the multi-disciplinary Release Parties that featured the artwork, music, food and drink that was highlighted in the past issue, entertaining hundreds of people at a variety of locations across the city.
current lounge + Bar
manager + event director
2021 - 2023
From interior design to menu activation I managed the entire process of opening and operating Current. Working with a shoe-string budget, I renovated the location, obtained all proper licenses and opened the location. I managed the staff and also developed the food + drink programs. I curated, executed and managed multiple events each week, ranging from Art Exhibitions, Concerts, DJ Nights, Comedy Showcases and a myriad of Private Events.
FREELANCER
WRITING + DESIGN + CONSULTING + BRANDING
2012 - Present
Starting while in college, I wrote and photographed for several local and regional publications and blogs, including the Commercial Appeal, Click Magazine, Choose 901, The University of Memphis Alumni Magazine and The Daily Helmsman. Aside from writing, I’ve worked as a photographer, marketing consultant and graphic designer for clients ranging from physical therapists, trade contractors, restaurants, retailers, realtors and an array of other industries.
SERVICE + HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
BARTENDING + SERVING + MANAGING
2011 - 2018
Prior to founding Memphis Current, I worked as a bartender and beverage director at a variety of restaurants and bars. Starting as a bartender for the James Beard nominated ENJOY AM group, before moving on to spearhead the cocktail program at the locally acclaimed ECCO restaurant group. Throughout those years I developed a passion for the hospitality industry, enriching myself in the history and culture of food, oenology, cocktails, and service etiquette. Additionally, I was introduced to the business aspects of the industry, including report filing, tax management, cost control, and menu curation.
SKILLS
Another quick precursor
Whether it was because I needed to learn something to save me money I didn't have or because it simply interested me, I've learned a lot of different things over the years. I'm not saying I'm the best at any of these, but I do understand and would say I'm generally proficient at the very least.
I'm also a quick learner, I know everybody says that, but I really am. I promise you that if you hire me for something I will dedicate myself to growing the skill set needed to excel at that position.
Coincidently, I know enough about all of these things to know I don't know everything, and hey... "acceptance is the final step in some circles.
I know I'm listing a lot of skills. But, honestly I'm applying to a bunch of different things and I'm not sure what you're considering me for. So to be safe, I'm listing most of my relevant ones. I'm not including landscape design, drywalling, cooking or my extensive knowledge of Koi fish because I doubt you care.
ART DIRECTION
DESIGN:
LAYOUT
GRAPHIC
WEB
Concept Development
Visual Storytelling
Branding and Identity
Print & Digital Production
Photography
Curation
Problem-Solving
Trend Awareness
MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM
Grammar & Style Proficiency
Content Planning
Communication
Digital Media
PRINTED MEDIA
Project + Team Management
Critical Thinking
Interpersonal Skills
Time Management
Budgeting
SALES + MARKETING
Communication
Client Relationship Management
Negotiation
Customer Service
Market Research
Sales Techniques
Data Analysis
Presentation Skills
Networking
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Goal-Oriented
Analytical Thinking
Marketing & Advertising
Programs + SOFTWARE
ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE:
INDESIGN
ILLUSTRATOR
PREMIERE
PHOTSHOP
ACROBAT?
Microsoft Office SUITE
wordpress
quickbookS
WIX
CANVA
IN SUMMARY
PLEASE HIRE ME!
C'mon give me a chance, I promise you won't regret it!
But, you will regret not hiring me if your competition does.