Evan Thorne Email & Phone Number

Niles, Illinois, United States

Create and maintain technical documentation for professional audio hardware and software. • Wrote, edited, and updated user guides, webhelp files, printed quick-start guides, technical illustrations, and tutorial video scripts for conferencing, pro wireless, and consumer audio products• Served as documentation lead on two different acquisitions, bringing all documentation in line with Shure presentation and writing style, ensuring guides were in line with legal & global compliance requirements• Engaged in large-scale print reduction efforts, resulting in significant cost reductions for the company• Led cross-department initiative to bring Global Compliance content into a centralized database and establish a formal update process for regulatory boilerplate• Collaborated with UX, customer service, marketing teams and leveraged analytic data and direct user testing to identify market trends and user needs• Managed structured DITA content in 14 languages using a custom CMS platform• Wrote, tested and documented simple JS scripts to streamline workflows in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign• Interviewed prospective hires, trained interns and new team members

Skokie, Il

Provided part-time marketing consulting and communications for Chicago-based businesses in several industries. • Played key part in boosting customer base nearly 50% and revenue 20% over two years for Forest Bride PR by providing communications deliverables to customers.• Supplied press materials for Electrowerks Music Productions, including Web-based bios for the studio, owner, and local recording artists. Enabled bands to secure more high-profile appearances, and increased customers’ engagement.• Utilized design elements such as audio and video clips, promotional images and infographics to inform and reinforce targeted message• Edited and designed paperback and ebook manuscripts for self-published independent authors• Other clients include Metromix Chicago, Earth Heart Inc., Demand Media/StudioD, Upwork, Textbroker

Northfield, Il

Manage and create content for Cutting Tool Engineering, with an increased focus on social media and emerging technology.• Moderate CTE Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds• Increased newsletter subscriber base by driving email campaign• Researched new industry trends, including the IoT (Internet of Things), additive manufacturing, advanced automation and the proliferation of modularity

Northfield, Il

Manage and create content throughout document lifecycle for print and online editions of Cutting Tool Engineering, and previously MICROmanufacturing.

University Park, Il

Wrote internal and external technical documentation for insurance agency management software company as it overhauled its brand. Analyzed customers’ needs (based on feedback from customers and sales/marketing reps), and optimized their experiences by improving organization, increasing clarity, and enhancing visuals—helped company win three major awards. • Updated style guides; standardized writing style, layouts, graphics, and fonts to create brand alignment.• Produced and edited video tutorials. Wrote scripts, recorded narrations, and coordinated with designer on visual elements and animation. Wrote reference material for video tutorial scripts.• Revamped documentation from acquired software company. Integrated both business’s support documentation; standardized verbiage, structures, layouts, and graphics.• Wrote, edited, and formatted release notes and help files; ensured that customers easily understood them.• Contributed stakeholder-requested articles to corporate wiki for internal and external use. Analyzed customers’ business needs and ensured that articles addressed them.• Represented end-user documentation in the Agile-based software development process.

Chicago, Il

• Analyzed, organized, and tracked data about food & beverage market trends for restaurants.• Helped company expand into several other markets, including school, hospital, and nursing home cafeterias. Queried many organizations to understand their customers’ needs and preferences.• Maintained and optimized database of restaurant menus, tracked developments in market trends, and documented changes in marketing materials.

Arlington Heights, Il

Worked as a writer for “Beep!” (the music section of the largest suburban Chicago newspaper), beginning with its first edition. Wrote articles, CD reviews, and coverage of music festivals. • Promoted paper by attending musical events and distributing collateral. Regularly consulted with the public on musical trends and personal interests.• Interviewed major public figures, including business owners, musicians, actors, and promoters.

Dekalb, Il

Worked as a beat reporter, staff writer, and ultimately served as the first editor of the new daily-format entertainment section of Northern Illinois University’s newspaper. Managed nine-person team of writers, editors, photographers, designers, and ad reps.• Developed story assignments and ensured that staff met production deadlines. Enabled paper’s tone to please readers by covering a large variety of themes (including music, fashion, and weekend activities) and scheduling them as daily features.• Further enhanced customers’ experiences by initiating writing assignments for employees throughout the company to increase variety and personalization.• Designed pages, incorporating visual elements with InCopy and InDesign.• Researched customer demand by conducting interviews and reader polls.• Regularly responded to readers’ inquiries and comments.

B.A., English, Communication

Activities and Societies: Teacher certification program (class of '09), Northern Star writer/editor, Sigma Tau Delta honor society, Phi.

High School