Sophia Kussel
Sophia Kussel
San Antonio, TX ● (210) 500-5677 ● sofiakay167@gmail.com ● LinkedIn: Sophia Kussel ● Website: https://www.sophiakussel.com
SKILLS
• Computer: Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign, Illustrator, Canva; competent in WordPress, Final
Cut Pro, After Effects, Adobe Animate; certified in Google Analytics.
• Proven ability to work in a group environment under tight production deadlines.
• 3+ years’ experience in journalism and digital communications.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Communications/ Minor in Visual Communication Design. Expected Graduation: May 2024
St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
• Cumulative GPA: 3.80
Relevant Coursework: Technical Writing, Freelance Writing, Creative Writing Workshop, Media Production, Photojournalism,
Documentary Filmmaking, Graphic Design, Design Fundamentals, Concepts in Visual Art, Communications Laws and Ethics,
WORK EXPERIENCE
Graphic Design Intern January 2024 – Present
Sports Radio America, Louisville, KY (Remote)
• Editing and enhancing images to improve their quality, composition, and relevance to the project.
• designing weekly graphics, layouts, and illustrations for various projects such as social posts, websites, logos, and
more.
• Work closely with team members, such as copywriters, marketers, and other graphic designers, to ensure that
designs are aligned with overall project goals.
Social Media Management Intern May 2023 – December 2023
The Real Darius, Austin, TX
• First intern to create and manage media for YouTube channel, creating a new platform presence.
• Designed 50+ custom thumbnails for podcast YouTube channel, creating a cohesive visual identity.
• Wrote multiple email templates and promotional articles to promote podcast, increasing viewership.
• Utilized YouTube SEO to boost podcast visibility for over 30+ videos and shorts, increasing views by 2.3K per month.
Communications Intern June 2023 – December 2023
Artpace, San Antonio, TX
• Designed 3+ social media posts per week, including editing long-form videos and reels, increasing visibility.
• Designed and published 3 website pages for the Artpace site, promoting events such as Chalk It Up.
• Wrote and drafted press releases for news media, promoting resident artists.
Freelance Graphic Designer October 2020 – January 2023
Craftpudding, Universal City, TX
• Produced over 40 high-quality designs tailored for stickers, shirts, packaging, and promotional material, showcasing a
keen understanding of market trends and client preferences.
• Spearheaded the modernization of designs and advertising strategies by refreshing aesthetics, refining color schemes,
and enhancing typography, resulting in a contemporary and impactful visual identity.
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Managing Editor January 2023 – January 2024
The Rattler Newspaper, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
• Led newspaper team to become a finalist for the best periodic newspaper among small universities in the U.S
• Effectively managed and published high-quality newspapers on a monthly basis.
• Began video production for the paper's YouTube channel and podcast.
• Managed 9 paid editors and volunteer contributors in the creation of 5 newspapers, producing papers periodically
and 1 color magazine per year.
Arts and Culture Editor August 2022 – January 2023
The Rattler Newspaper, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
• Wrote and published stories about current events in entertainment and art while meeting tight deadlines in an
efficient and organized manner.
• Conducted research and interviews to ensure accurate reporting.
• Illustrated graphics and photographed visuals for spreads, increasing reader’s attention.
Sophia Kussel
Schertz, TX 78154
+210-500-5677
skussel@mail.stmarytx.edu
References:
Kathe Lehman-Meyer, M.A
Visiting Professor of Communication Studies, St. Mary’s University
Cell: 210-422-5299
Email: klehmanmeyer@stmarytx.edu
Note: Professor Lehman-Meyer has been my professor for 3 years. She is the advisor for the Rattler Newspaper and
I have worked closely with her.
Chloe Walker
Cell: 832-266-9517
Email: cwalker313@gmail.com
Hannah Birchard
Cell: 210-394-0853
Email: hannah@therealdarius.com
Note: I have worked directly under Ms. Birchard as a communications intern since May 2023.