Eric Staggs : Writer

Eric’s been working professionally with the Internet and web-based media since 1998. Starting as a lowly HTML coder (hand coding web-pages in Notepad, then eventually revolutionary apps like Homesite) Eric was exposed to all aspects of commercial media, from IT infrastructure to graphic design, from concept to copy-writing. Some brief writing samples can be read here, and a small design portfolio can be seen here.

Below are some highlights of Eric’s career.

QBE/General Casualty
Sun Prairie, WI
Web Content Specialist

Responsibilities include formatting articles, memos, bulletins and graphics for distribution on corporate websites, intra- and extra-nets. Writing headlines, tickers and editing articles. Projects include planning and implementing integration and corporate standards compliance with acquired companies’ online media. Additional projects include corporate video production.

Volume One Magazine
Eau Claire, WI
Freelance Writer

Working closely with the magazine’s entertainment editor, I was assigned films to research and review, the final reviews in either a long or short version. Further, I wrote occasional feature articles about cultural events or restaurant reviews. My contributions were monthly topics on an as needed basis.

PESI Healthcare, LLC
Eau Claire, WI
Multi-Media Specialist

My responsibilities include recording and editing audio, CD/DVD duplication, hiring and coordinating freelancers and ordering materials for AV-Media department. I created web graphics and banners as well as designed/wrote copy for bulk email campaigns. I also wrote copy for the website with a specific emphasis on SEO and participated in print brochure review meetings.

Net Health Shops
Altoona, WI
Webmaster (part time) then Freelance Web Designer/Web Content Writer

At Net Health Shops, I maintained a large e-commerce website. Additionally, I designed and implemented bulk email campaigns, banners and performed photo image editing. I consulted with owners about hosting, shopping cart technologies, visual and structural design strategies. Also, I produced copy to enhance and maintain Search Engine Optimization of web site. I currently write product blogs and ad copy as a freelance web content writer.

The Core Organization
Elmhurst, IL
Internet Production Manager

In this position, I built and hired a small team of web professionals to best fit our clients needs. My responsibilities included overseeing production of online marketing and advertising efforts from start to finish. This included websites, sub-sites, enriched email campaigns, banners and more. I acted as an art director and copywriter for many, if not most of these projects. Further, I because of my cross-training in creative and technical fields, I helped translate between the various departments and the clients. My projects were recognized twice by the Chicago Association of Direct Marketing.

SD2 Interactive, Inc.
Aurora, IL
Independent Contractor: Web Animator/Designer

As a freelancer I traveled to many businesses and organizations in the greater Chicago area, working sometimes days or up to weeks for various clients in various web-related roles. Most often as front end wed designer using Dreaweaver and Photoshop to help craft a corporate online presence.

Program Productions, Inc.
Lombard, IL
Webmaster

In this role I managed a small network of computers (MACs and PCs) as well as worked to update various client sites. I also trained with the senior editor on the AVID video editing system, as well as designed and created various after effects animations, bumpers and on screen effects. I also compressed and optimized video for distribution on the internet and researched those various distribution technologies.

Education

Chippewa Valley Technical College ‘96-‘97
Eau Claire, WI
Major – Computer Information Systems

Courses included: Computer Hardware, Business Software, Internet Technologies

College of DuPage ‘98-‘02
Glen Ellyn, IL
Majors – Advertising/Design and Illustration, Multimedia Arts

Courses included: Video Production, Illustration and Life Drawing, Adobe: Illustrator, Photoshop, Video Editing, Video Animation, Studio Production, Graphic Design and Advertising Concepts.

Columbia College Chicago  ‘03-‘06 (graduated June ‘06)
Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Arts: Interdisciplinary – Fiction Writing and Film: Screenwriting

Courses included: Film and video production (production design, camera operation, editing), screenwriting, film language/analysis, teaching fiction writing, creative writing, instance writing, literary analysis and critique. Also completed many additional courses in philosophy and history.

Norwich Univeristy 3/09 to present
Master of Arts: Military History (expected graduation date 09/10)

Courses include: historical research techniques, as well as detailed seminars about the philosophy and politics motivating most major historical conflicts, as well as the evolution of military practice in the western world.