Samara Napolitan

Greetings! I'm Samara Napolitan, a Michigan-based writer and journalist.

I'm a writer and journalist with a focus on arts and entrepreneurship. I have professional experience with magazine writing and editing, a strong background in publishing multimedia online, knowledge of academic writing and research, and marketing and business savvy. I am passionate about web-based innovation and promoting leadership in our youth.  Specialties: Arts reporting and criticism, multimedia journalism, web-design and interactivity, startups, academic research

Logan Arts Leadership Institute Fellow at Interlochen Center for the Arts

September 2012 - Present | Interlochen, MI

Launched virtual arts leadership program and digital student network | Advised editorial staff of 14 students, oversaw online publishing | Marketed projects with social networking, postcard ads, press releases and presentation to audience of 400+ | Designed and coded websites for literary journal and visual artists

Freelance Writer/Editorial Intern at Relix Magazine

January 2012 - Present | New York, NY

Wrote six CD reviews and one feature | Transcribed and edited interviews for web-based Q&A’s | Compiled and contributed to 2012 Summer Festival Guide

Arts Reporter/Project Manager at Revue West Michigan

August 2010 - Present | Grand Rapids, MI

Wrote monthly beat stories about music, dance, and food | Overhauled online listings system and enacted new dining guide | Planned West Michigan music showcase as magazine fundraiser

Contributing Writer at Post & Courier

May 2012 - June 2012 | Charleston, SC

Pitched and published stories covering the Spoleto and Piccolo festivals | Created infographic and shot photos to include with print stories

Research Assistant at Syracuse University

January 2012 - May 2012 | Syracuse, NY

Assisted in planning of a communications course, "Diversity and Disney Princesses" | Investigated Disney franchise using LexisNexis and other research databases | Designed posters, timelines, and social media strategy to advertise enrollment

Producer & Co-Host at Film Geek Radio

October 2011 - March 2012 | Online

Recorded, edited, and contributed commentary to podcasts | Designed logo for iTunes podcast with Photoshop and Illustrator

Editorial Intern at Syracuse New Times

September 2011 - December 2011 | Syracuse, NY

Pitched and wrote seven local news features and six album reviews | Organized listings for annual winter snow guide

Writing Intern/Subscription Manager at Bentley-Hall, Inc.

June 2010 - August 2010 | Syracuse, NY

Wrote feature stories for Making Music magazine | Wrote musician profiles for International Musician Journal | Assisted in production of online instructional piano video | Addressed subscriber inquiries and updated subscription databases

S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications

2011 – 2012

M.A. Arts Journalism

Concentration: Arts Journalism

Michigan State University

2006 – 2010

B.A. English, Russian

Concentration: English, Russian

Activities: Honors College, Spartan Marching Band, Spartan Brass, Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, Red Cedar Review, Student Athlete Tutor, Hall Government

Journalism, Performing arts, Fine arts, Design, Entrepreneurship, Web Interactivity