contemporary arts business
communications
digital marketing
MEG BAGNALL
PORTFOLIO - 2023
Like many others in the arts world, my experience covers a broad range of roles and abilities, and I often struggle to define what I do. Especially when trying to condense this into a CV or portfolio.
I am young, but my life is a vivid and winding tale already, so in an attempt to truly represent myself; let me tell you my story, my way.
My story starts with my passion for the arts. I spent all of my secondary school life convinced I'd pursue a career in tech. But fate had other ideas. I began to struggle with my identity, and my mental health quite severely.
As cliché as it is, writing became my escape and I devoted all of my spare time to passions for English Literature and Language.
Outside of school, I loved ballet. Most young girls begin nurturing their creative flair with pink skirts, inside the local sweat-smelling dance studio- and I was no different. But as I grew up, my drive for dance only grew. Once I began contemporary dance classes in Birmingham, I was scouted by a professional dance company.
Video taken from RDC Youth's Instagram page.
RUTHERFORD DANCE COMPANY YOUTH
2017- 2019
The company, RDC Youth, was impressed by my potential as a dancer, but also by my head for business and politics. And I was taken on as a Steering Committee member to help manage the non-profit organisation.
As a part of this role, I helped manage the company's social media, and other digital marketing responsibilities, with a small team.
It was at this company I began handling internal and external communications with hugely influential dance practitioners, choreographers and business owners. Such as Lea Anderson MBE (now studied in A Level curriculum) (pictured left), Gary Clarke (winner of numerous dance awards) (pictured below), Matthieu Geffré, Elisabetta Hertel, Chiara Prina, and more.
I was chosen to travel with the organisation to work on international projects in Italy and Australia, in partnership with renowned dance companies. And for this, developed my contemporary arts marketing and communications skills further.
To support these international projects, I wrote bids, pitched and networked, for large amounts of funding - including from Arts Council England, and O2's Go Think Big Project.
As a company representative, I also managed communications for press releases. Including interviews with Sunny and Shay for BBC West Midlands, both UK and Australian news cycles (written, digital, radio and TV), and met with influential figures such as Newcastle Australia's Mayor, Nua Tali.
Taking on a more executive assistant role also, I organised flights and accommodation for all dancers involved in the projects, whilst continuing to manage digital marketing, communications, and training and performing myself as a dancer.
We performed multiple performances at prominent venues, both across the UK, Italy and Australia. (Images above from VIP performance night in Melbourne). As I continued networking across international arts platforms. At the same time, I was also accepted into Birmingham Ormiston Academy to study my A Levels.
Birmingham Ormiston academy
2018-2020
At Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA), I continued development of my written work through an English Literature A Level (achieved A*); and continued training through a triple extended BTEC in dance (achieved distinction* distinction* distinction*) and left with full grades in the equivalent of four A Levels.
I studied my A Levels whilst managing and touring with RDC Youth, performing for BOA's contemporary dance company, dancing and teaching at my local dance school - before leaving RDC Youth to accept a place on Rambert School's Pre-Vocational Course, which I also studied alongside my qualifications at BOA.
All of this hard work and skill development paid off, when I was offered a place at 3 different exclusive conservatoires. And I accepted to study a 3 year Bachelor Degree at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
Throughout my work as a dancer, I had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented and rightfully well-renowned choreographers and companies. Interestingly, what I gained most from this was not prestige, or physical development; but instead a unique insight into communications with high-value business stakeholders, as well as a true understanding of the social politics of the contemporary arts world, and the dedication needed to manage communications with discretion and respect for others.
Sir Matthew Bourne OBE's New Adventures
Sir Richard Alston CBE
Protein Dance Company
Candoco Dance Company
TRINITY LABAN CONSERVATOIRE OF MUSIC AND DANCE
2020-2022
At Laban I gained a thorough formal contemporary arts education, and further skills alongside my training.
I signed up for additional modules to develop filmmaking skills, and learnt cinematic technique and history.
I also began applying my english skills to academic writing on contemporary arts and business issues.
I am proficient with Adobe Premiere Pro and InDesign, and am currently getting to grips with Photoshop. Hoping to learn Blender next!
At Laban, I also had the opportunity to develop events management skills, and organised live exhibitions and performances for public audience.
Before, and alongside, my study at Laban, I worked part-time jobs in hospitality, as well as roles in digital marketing and social media management.
BRIDGE THE GAP CHILD MENTAL HEALTH C.I.C
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT
2020-2021
At Bridge the Gap, I managed the Facebook, Instagram, online shop, social media advertising, and analytics. Successfully launching the organization's Instagram page, growing its followers from 0 to 1k in under two months.
My focus was on creating accessible content for parents accessing the services provided by the organization. This included promoting workshops, fundraising campaigns, and physical materials to raise awareness and provide support.
Jennifer wyman
Bridge the gap director
Meg Bagnall is a likeable, personable, and professional individual who always committed themself to any projects that they were asked to deliver. Meg spent time at Bridge the Gap helping us to refresh our social media content, specifically on Instagram.
Meg was knowledgable on algorithms and the latest Instagram additions and made many different changes that increased engagement from our target audience. Meg was knowledgable of how to analyse data to plan effective marketing campaigns.
Meg would be an excellent addition to any business , delivering valuable advice on branding, marketing and social media.
BB STUDIO LONDON
DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT
2021-2022
I was responsible for managing Instagram, social media advertising, and creating written content for the website. I also provided content for Facebook as needed.
During my time with the company, I successfully increased Instagram followings by 13.1%. I focused on promoting 'taster sessions', classes, workshops, and events, using social media to generate interest and attendance.
I also helped with rebranding of the organisation, creating content for their website and Instagram.
During my second year at Laban, I suffered a significant injury which required invasive surgery. Heart broken, I knew I couldn't finish my degree. So, instead of deferring, I decided to spend this time finishing my BA in a different area. And transferred to utilise my business skills at Birmingham City University studying Art Business.
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY
ART BUSINESS TOP UP DEGREE (LEVEL 6)
2022-2023
I adored studying Art Business, it enabled me to deepen my knowledge of the creative industries, develop events management, digital marketing and more 'corporate' skills, that I already had experience in, and passion for.
I also significantly developed my writing skills here. Both for marketing and promotional services, but also through academic papers.
For my final independent project, I decided to lead a research project into the convergences of artificial intelligence and the creative industries and practice.
For this project, I worked collaboratively to interview a variety of industry professionals in creative and technology fields. I developed my own mailing campaign, and website to present my research, which is still under development (and not yet live) but can be accessed here.
With demand growing for creative businesses to adapt to generative AI developments, this project opened up opportunities for me.
UNDISCLOSED ORGANISATION (UNDER NDA)
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
2023-PRESENT
For this role, I created a logo, designed graphics, and built a backlog of social media content for future use. I also focused on creating SEO-optimized content for the website, Instagram, and email campaigns.
In addition, I worked as an Executive Assistant to the Director/CEO, as detailed in the Executive Assistance section of my resume.
I arranged to continue freelance contracting work with this organization, specifically as an Executive Assistant on an as-needed basis.
ceo ashraf rahman
Meg has been an invaluable asset to our team, one area where Meg has truly excelled is in researching marketing opportunities, her insights and recommendations have helped us identify new target markets and successfully create new products.
She went above and beyond in her role, as not only did she help to organise my workload and schedule, she was also involved in conceptual marketing design and content planning for social media platforms. Her creativity and attention to detail have helped us create engaging social media campaigns that will significantly increase our online presence and social media following.
Her work is always thorough, thoughtful, and strategic, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our company's efforts are successful.
Overall, I highly recommend Meg for any marketing or personal assistant role. Her expertise and dedication to her work are truly impressive, and she would be a valuable asset to any organization.
I have learnt so much from my journey so far. I have insight into the wondrous workings of contemporary art worlds, understanding and experience in written work, as well as digital marketing, content production, video editing, design, social media, and creative business.
But most importantly, I have learnt the importance of resilience. I have picked myself up, had a little cry, and dusted myself off more times than I can count. I have failed, over and over again. But ultimately, I have succeeded in every area I have devoted time and effort to.
Every job applicant will be quick to boast their successes as I do, and every single person has something they can bring to the role. But if there's one thing I do well? Discipline.
EMAIL: meg.r.bagnall@gmail.com
TEL: 07985 162760
View a copy of my CV below:
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MEG BAGNALL
CREATIVE BUSINESS - COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL MARKETING
CONTACT
PROFILE
Having worked in the creative industries my whole life, from contemporary arts to business, I have a unique insight into Art Business, Digital Communication and Publicity. With my strong background in Digital Media Management, Marketing, Personal Assistance, and Public Relations, coupled with my own academic study of Artificial Intelligence in digital creative roles, I am confident in my ability to drive results and exceed expectations. My passion for innovation and literary accuracy, combined with my keen eye for detail, pushes me to deliver high-quality work that meets the unique needs of each project, and client.
EDUCATION
BA(HONS) ART BUSINESS
Birmingham City University
2022-2023
Predicted 1st - Awaiting results.
DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION Contemporary Dance
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
2020-2022 Distinction
WORK EXPERIENCE
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO CEO
UNDISCLOSED ORGANISATION (NDA)
2023
I was temporarily employed by CEO and Senior Software Developer Ashraf Rahman during the development and pre-launch stages of his Artificial Intelligence Apparel business. My roles within this position were flexible as development demanded, and included both marketing and personal assistance.
Developing brand assets and conceptual marketing design (logo, imagery, colour,
etc.)
Content writing and editing for website and email campaign (Mailchimp)
Content planning for social media platforms
Travel and accommodation arrangements
Internal and external communications, including press relations
Schedule organisation
Events planning
Creative input to product design and management
I will continue to hold an 'as-needed' role at this company post-launch.
A-LEVEL English Literature Birmingham Ormiston Academy
2018-2020 A*
Triple BTEC Extended Diploma Performing Arts (Dance)
Birmingham Ormiston Academy
2018-2020
Distinction* Distinction* Distinction*
DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT
BB STUDIO LONDON
2021-2022
Within this role, I was responsible for managing the organisation's Instagram, creating social media content, running social media advertising, providing written content for the website, and posting to Facebook as needed.
The work was to primarily promote in-person workshops, 'taster sessions', classes and retreat events.
I also attended physical events ran by this company, including their retreat ran in partnership with 'Sancti Wellness', to document and promote the events.
I assisted in content creation for rebranding of this organisation (away from colourful, 'cheerful' imagery towards a sleeker, more minimal design in accordance with their growing 'wellness' approach and consequent target demographics).
Increased Instagram followings (rate of accounts following) by 13.1% during my time within this role.
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MEG BAGNALL
CREATIVE BUSINESS - COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL MARKETING
CONTACT
SKILLS
Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Youtube, Podcast Platforms.
Canva, Webflow, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Wix, Squarespace, Mailchimp
SEO, Analytics, Social Paid Advertising, Social Media-based fundraising, Artificial Intelligence language and image generation.
Organising travel and accomodation arrangements, managining
information flow, internal and external communications, discretion and confidentiality, tight deadlines, high pressure environments.
Type speed: 67WPM AT 100% ACCURACY
REFERENCES
Written testimonials from employers can be found in my portfolio.
DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT
BRIDGE THE GAP CHILD MENTAL HEALTH C.I.C
2020-2021
I was employed by Bridge the Gap primarily to launch and maintain their company Instagram account, working from a more holistic perspective - with a director of the organisation - to create material with a deep understanding of their demographic,
and implications of spreading mental health resources accurately and ethically.
My role included:
Managing Facebook and Instagram
Managing and promoting the online shop
Social media advertising and analytics
Promotion of workshops, fundraising campaigns and online and physical
resources
I launched and grew the company Instagram organically from 0-1k followers in under two months. And, since leaving, I hold a voluntary, advisory position aiding team with use of artificial intelligence to improve digital marketing and content creation.
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER
RDC YOUTH
2017-2019
My work as a Steering Committee Member at RDC Youth involved combined Executive Assistant, Public and Press Relations and Marketing roles.
I worked with the Artistic Director of this organisation and a small Steering
Committee Team to organise travel and accommodation plans for the company, and manage stakeholder and press relations. This included overseeing and executing the outsourcing or employment of established industry professionals internationally (including CBE, OBE, and MBE individuals, mayors, and others). Along with being
part of the social media management and content creation team.
Within this role, I have independently written successful funding bids and delivered in-person pitches, securing over £2,000 in funding. In addition, I led a public fundraising campaign and acted as an 'ambassador' of the organization by speaking on radio, TV, and news interviews, including BBC Radio West Midlands and Derby, and Australian news campaigns for international work.
Jennifer Wyman,
Co-director at Bridge the gap
jwym37@outlook.com
Jane Watts,
Mentor at Birmingham City University
jane.watts@bcu.ac.uk
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE & CREATIVE INDUSTRIES INDEPENDENT RESEARCH PROJECT
For my part-time academic study, I am conducting a practical research project into the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and the Arts Industry; delving into how A.I can be used in digital content creation, and other relevant roles.
As a part of this, I have created a network of industry professionals, conducted live interviews, promoted the work and am looking to publish my findings online at a later date.