About Me
Caitlin Sprague, MSW: community social worker turned creative producer and writer. Stories are my passion, and I'm always interested in new mediums with which to tell them. From small community murals to large-venue projection mapping, I strive to create memorable experiences that are authentic to their sources and elevate the spaces they are in. My favorite projects are those that leave a positive impact beyond the lifespan of the experience and create room for others to do the same. I spoke about the tangible impact public art has on communities in a TEDx Talk in 2015 and believe even small projects can change lives. It just takes the right story.
Also, I'm from Wisconsin and say "bag" like a Canadian. I'd love to tell you about "bubblers" some time.
My Writing Approach
I have been writing professionally in various industries for over a decade and pride myself on my adaptability.
Below is a list of my experience:
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Website copy writing (10 years)
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Graphic and label writing (10 years)
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Social media copy writing (8 years)
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Grant writing (8 years)
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Proposals (8 years)
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Marketing copy writing (7 years)
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Show and script writing (7 years)
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Press releases (6 years)
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Interpretive planning and writing (6 years)
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Operational and technical writing (5 years)
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Academic publishing (4 years)
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Trade and magazine articles (3 years)
MY APPROACH TO INTERPRETIVE AND LABEL WRITING:
The story is everything, but a story means nothing if there isn't a Big Idea (™Beverly Serrell) or clear execution. I use unpretentious but provocative language to communicate a focused message and invoke curiosity. Accessible language is important to me -- and something that I am very skilled at -- due to working in community development and public libraries for many years. Isolating your audience through assumptions and imposed hierarchies is a loss for both teams.
No one wants to read the formal, academic labels of yore anymore. They were ineffective then and are ineffective now. Interpretive text should be memorable, and my favorite way to do that is by inserting a bit of humor when appropriate. It's a quick, fun way to connect with guests on a human-to-human level. I also enjoy personalizing experiences by including activities and referencing frequent visitor questions. Breaking the fourth wall takes guests by the most delightful surprise.
Also, short labels are the best labels.
MY APPROACH TO SHOW WRITING:
Like interpretive writing, the story is everything; but it's meaningless if the narrative copy doesn't make sense or align with the high concept. Although show writing is an opportunity to let your creativity shine, flowery words shouldn't drive the narrative. It confuses both the guests and your team members. It should captivate the imagination without sacrificing clarity.
That said, when it comes to titles, environmental labels, and atmospheric text, I love puns and wordplay.
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My Project Management Approach
I love people. Honestly. I have spent most of my career working with communities to solve problems, which is achievable only by developing relationships and working collaboratively with partners. If we worked in "silos" (that dreaded term), nothing would get done. It's because of this that I honestly believe in the potency of teams and legitimately enjoy working with them... and know how to make them work.
What makes me a particularly strong project manager is simply that I'm really good at working with people. This is supported by a decade-long career in social work. I know how to effectively manage, support, and motivate teams; and I am also incredibly good with clients. I know how to find their needs, communicate effectively, and navigate hard conversations. My innate ability to create rapport is why I'm often given the "difficult" clients.
MY PROJECT MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY:
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Use a strength-based approach. Learn what all of your colleagues' strengths are and where they want to grow. Tap into them.
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Listen more than you talk. Listen to the client, listen to the stakeholders, listen to your team.
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Value ideas and input from all team members, not just those in the creative department.
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Invest in colleagues with diverse backgrounds and value lived experience.
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Know when to make a decision and move on.
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Celebrate your team's wins, big and small.