Hi! I’m Katie Cutcher,
Welcome to my portfolio!
I'm a versatile media and communications specialist with an interest in how media shapes culture. With a BFA and double major in Media & Communications, and Film & Television Production, I bring a unique blend of strategic and technical skills to the table. This allows me to craft compelling messages that resonate with various audiences, helping you achieve your goals. Whether it's driving sales, strengthening client relationships, or influencing public opinion, I'm excited to see how my passion for exceptional communication can help enhance your project or organization.
About My Work
Like many in my generation, I have interacted with digital media my entire life, building a literacy from childhood that has impacted my own world view. Media is consistently intertwined with our perceptions of the world around us. The representations we see displayed are important influences on opinion, conversation, and therefore action. Whether in increments or milestones, narratives have always had the power to ignite change. At the core of my work, you will find a deep respect for this influential power and a dedication to the craft of ethical media creation.
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My work as a filmmaker primarily focuses on the phase of post-production, which encompasses all aspects of production that occurs after capturing the raw footage. This phase is an umbrella term for a wide range of tasks aimed at enhancing and refining footage into the polished, cohesive style you are most familiar with viewing. These tasks include editing, color correction and grading, visual effects, graphics, audio design and mixing, and finishing.
I have educational training and maintain practical experience in all areas of post-production, often working as a full-service video editor. I am proficient in Adobe Premiere, Media Encoder, Davinci Resolve, and have a working understanding of Avid Media Composer, After Effects, and Pro Tools. My ability to learn new software and employ it effectively allows me to bring clients' creative visions to reality.
Creative collaboration is a foundational aspect of filmmaking. Within my experience in post-production, I have been fortunate to work with others in the position of a post-production supervisor. This role allowed me to manage timelines, control quality, problem-solve, and communicate with clients.
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In my role as a Sales Associate at a hand-crafted fragrance boutique, I've gained appreciation for the importance of communicating our brand's story and reputation to drive sales. My approach is centered around actively listening, and treating each interaction as a unique opening to meet our customers' specific needs and desires. This strategy has not only created a welcoming environment for customers but has also revealed an important insight: many were initially unaware of our brand before their visit. Their discovery, often driven by curiosity, presented a chance for improvement.
Drawing on my background in communications, I identified this as a clear opportunity to enhance our marketing efforts within the boutique. Product marketing, which focuses on promoting and selling a specific product by understanding the target audience, positioning the product effectively, and developing strategies to increase visibility, aligned perfectly with our needs. My position on the sales floor provides me with a close proximity to and comprehensive knowledge of our product range, making me qualified to contribute to our product marketing initiatives.
To increase brand awareness, I started to integrate digital and point-of-sale (POS) marketing strategies. Specifically, I have implemented a store-specific Instagram page, utilizing my skills in product photography and photo editing with Adobe Lightroom, to create engaging content for social media marketing that highlights our products. Additionally, I have employed my graphic design skills using Canva and Adobe Photoshop to create promotional signage that, along with visual merchandising, creates enticing product displays.
These efforts not only elevate our brand's profile but make our boutique a destination for those seeking fragrance. I am confident that through these initiatives, we attract more customers and enhance their shopping experience, ultimately contributing to the boutique's success.
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Starting my academic journey at DePaul University in fall 2018, I adjusted to a new campus, networked within my major, and discovered the 'DePaul TV Project' club. At the first meeting, I joined a modest group of five students brainstorming ideas for the organization’s quarterly development. That initial meeting could hardly foreshadow its evolution into the DePaul TV Incubator (DTVI), which now boasts over 300 mailing list members and fills theater-sized classrooms weekly.
Serving as the club’s elected publicist, I was instrumental during this period of growth by leading the rebrand, managing the organization’s social media pages, and coordinating all recruitment efforts. Additionally, this experience allowed me to hone my leadership and public speaking skills through general body meetings. I have also designed press-kits through Adobe InDesign for shorts films to distribute throughout the festival circuit. Employing strategic communication in building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships first-hand, I appreciate the important role of public relations in the success of an organization.