Grace Willson
A Game Designer and Filmmaker, I'm one of those people who doesn't quit when something gets tough. I'm a creative and adaptive problem solver, and I can work both with a team and solo to produce quality results.
Education
Miami University - Oxford Ohio - Sum cum laude graduate (GPA: 3.96)
BA, Interactive Media Studies with a focus in Game Design
Co-Major, Film Studies with a focus in Cinematography and Editing
Awarded Outstanding Games Senior Ambassador by Interactive Media Studies department for "being an outstanding proponent of gaming and the Interactive Media Studies Department at Miami University" in spring 2018.
Practical Experience
Streaming Room Manager | Miami University - Oxford, Ohio
August 2016-May 2018
Established professional streaming space for students, complete with green screen, multicam setup, 3-point lighting system, RODE microphone, and Alienware Aurora PC. Ran systems checks and tested equipment to ensure operability. Constructed green screen and chairs. Managed hard drive space to ensure availability. Resolved equipment and software-based issues. Educated users in use of space and equipment. Performed equipment troubleshooting. Maintained room functionality and cleanliness.
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Collaborated with supervisor to create streaming room from ground up, developing groundwork for room's functionality.
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Consulted on equipment and served as consultant/expert on film technology. Constructed green screen and lighting setup.
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Established room rules and created scheduling process using Google Drive to eliminate chances of conflicts.
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Engaged in public relations around campus to increase awareness of room and build interest in its use. Steadily increased bookings over course of year.
Production Assistant and Intern | Big Shoulders Digital Video Production - Chicago, Illinois
2014 & 2016
Edited topical slideshow reels that served as demo pieces and points of visual interest to works and visiting clients/talent. Made rough edits of professional client work to assist editors. Served as assistant camera and helped director of photography by coordinating shot setups. Chose cuts and timing of shots as part of creative design. Resolved transportation/logistics issues.
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Contributed to marketing of 2014 Budweiser concert series by curating social media presence and editing pictures/footage to ensure prominent featuring of Budweiser logo.
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Spliced together studio footage of subject in virtual reality (VR) headset with live footage of concert to give perception of concert footage being filmed in VR.
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Worked as assistant camera and director of photography's immediate assistant on short film that company was hired to produce, which was shot on location. Oversaw data transfer between company and client to facilitate sign-offs.
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Initiated work with team of interns on series of videos designed to train new interns, bringing project up to script writing phase before ending of position.
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Selected by company executive to conduct research of Bacon of the Month services for presentation to potential client as example of how company could help them be competitive in marketplace.
Undergradutate Teaching Assistant (Writing for Games) | Miami University - Oxford, Ohio
2016 - 2017.
University Organizations & Participation
President - League of Geeks
2017 - 2018
Managed student organization responsible for coordinating collaborations between 12 independant organizations that hosted various conventions, including RECON, a 3-day convention drawing over 600 attendees. Received Miami University Event of the Year award (2017-2018). Recognized with Senior Service Leadership award.
Vice President & Technology Manager - Miami Electronic Gaming Association
2016 - 2018
Served as mediator between organization leadership, members, and university. Forged relationships with Miami staff to facilitate organization operations and secured space for weekly MEGA events and meetings. Recognized with Senior Service Leadership Award.
Secretary & Technology Manager - Miami Association of Filmmakers and Independent Artists
2016 - 2017
Established Inventory system to track equipment and its use. Trained members in use of gear, including XLR cables and GH4 & GH5 cameras.
Additional Work History
Professional Bather & Stylist Apprentice | PetSmart - Columbus, Ohio
2020 - Present
Safety certified for dog grooming. Help dogs become and stay comfortable in the Petsmart salon, bathing them, trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and providing support to groomers throughout the pet’s stay.
Seasonal Sales Associate | Cost Plus World Market - Columbus, Ohio
2020
As a seasonal associate I delight shoppers with everything for extraordinary gift giving, entertaining and decorating. I am responsible for a variety of duties including providing exceptional customer service, cashiering, merchandising, stocking merchandise, maintaining visual standards and delivering curbside orders to our customers.
Meat Clerk & eCommerce Clerk | Kroger - Worthington, Ohio
2019 - 2020
Packaged and delivered food to customers in a safe and timely manner.
Developed teamwork and client management skills in a customer-service environment.
Pet Care Technician | PetSuites Pet Resort & Spa - Worthington, Ohio
2015 - 2016
Provided a clean and safe environment for boarded pets. Kept pets happy and healthy while waiting for their owners to reclaim them. Actively engaged pets in a variety of play activities to keep them energized and well socialized. Communicated individual pets needs to coworkers and updated owners on their pets' stay.
Swim Instructor | Goldfish Swim School - Dayton, Ohio
2014
Instructed children in a variety of swim skills, including floating, front and back stroke, and breath control. Developed trust and communication with children and parents alike. Followed Goldfish curriculum and helped maintain a clean and safe swimming environment.
Intern | PosiDog Canine Learning Center - Columbus, Ohio
2014
Educated clients and their dogs in positive reinforcement behavioral training. Ensured a clean and safe location for dogs and owners. Assembled agility courses for dogs of various sizes.
Camp Counselor & Kitchen Aid | Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland - Hillard, Ohio
2012
Supervised campers in a variety of actives, ranging from cookouts to camp songs. Prepared food and maintained a sanitary kitchen environment. Operated as a cohesive team member with other camp staff to provide an enjoyable summer experience for the kids.
Skills
Software
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Media Encoder, Adobe Flash, Maya Autodesk, zBrush, Substance Painter, Substance Designer, Substance Bitmap2Material, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, Audacity, Celtx, OBS, Unreal Engine 4, Unity
Hardware
Panasonic GH3/GH4/GH5, RHODE microphones, Yeti microphones, Logitech webcams, Panasonic DMC-GX85, Arri Lights, Zoom Audio Recorder, DSLRs/Mirrorless cameras, DJI Ronan Stabilizer, Lavalier microphones
Programming
HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery, Arduino, Processing