Hi, my name is Meredith. This is my portfolio.

Meredith McGriff
linkedin.com/in/meredith-mcgriff
meredith@caughtupinclay.com
Bloomington, Indiana
view my publications & presentations
download my resume
I am…
an experienced leader with an extensive background in qualitative research, data management, user experience, and graphic design.
After years of experience working for non-profits, educational institutions, and cultural organizations, my forte is making big things happen, even with few resources.
Meredith is the ideal employee – everything I wanted her to do she did in a most exemplary fashion. She is a quick study, a computer whiz, a leader and trainer of staff, and reflects her training and supervisory direction consistently. To get the most from Meredith, you simply need to show/tell her what needs to be done and then stand back and let her do it. I never had to worry about her job performance; it was automatic for her. Can she lead? Of course she can – I can’t afford to have sheep working for me because there is simply too much to be done that requires self motivation.
Quick Learner
Problem Solver
Skilled Communicator
Analytical Thinker
Creative and Dedicated
In the context of previous studies of American ceramic traditions, both historic and recent, McGriff makes a substantial contribution to this field of scholarship by offering a fresh way of thinking about handcraft in postmodern America. One of her study’s potential strengths [is] as a model to point the way for similar studies in other parts of the country.
Case Studies
I’d love to present my case studies for you – contact me at meredith@hoosierfilms.com to schedule a time.
End-to-End Design, Testing, Development
Large-Scale Project Management
Collaborative Design, Testing, Development
Branding and Prototyping
Streaming Platform Development
Long-term Ethnographic Research
My Approach
Discover, Empathize
Plan and Prioritize
Design, Develop
Test and Observe
Analyze and Adjust
Iterate
Designs for Print
Conference Program Book
Film Festival Marketing Materials
Conference Program Book
Exhibit and Catalog
Conference Program Book
Music Competition Marketing Materials
Annual Report Booklet
Conference Marketing Materials
More about my:
Education
PhD, Folklore Studies + art history minor
Indiana University, 2016
MA, Folklore Studies + certificate in public practice
Indiana University, 2014
BFA Ceramics + BA Japanese Language & Culture
Ball State University, 2007
Experience
Co-Founder and CEO
Hoosier Films, 2019–present
Led development of multi-platform regional film distribution company from the ground up with a small team of filmmakers and developers. Primarily responsible for research, user experience, communications, community outreach, event planning, and partnership development. Hoosier Films’ services include:
- Streaming (SVoD and TVoD, web app & Roku integration)
- Monthly theatrical releases in venues across the state
- Annual 3-day film festival featuring 35+ regional films
- Mobile Cinema – tiny theater designed to facilitate short film screenings at local festivals and art fairs (under development)
Director of Membership and Information Systems
American Folklore Society, 2016–present
Extensive scope of responsibilities including database development, interface design/testing, project management, membership management, user research, survey development, data analysis, communications, financial processing, event planning, and technical support.
Major projects include:
- AFS Annual Meeting Management Systems
- Notable Folklorists of Color
- What is Folklore? website and Find an Expert directory
Graphic Designer
freelance, 2003–2022
Independent contractor providing small nonprofit organizations with print and web design services. Projects include print materials for performances, conferences, and art exhibits, development of new branding, and/or integration of existing branding on websites and marketing materials.
Communications & Projects Manager
Institute for Advanced Study, 2016
Managed financial, promotional, and logistical aspects of special projects, including the Institute’s NEH Summer Institute. Responsibilities included graphic design, website management, communications, marketing, purchasing, grant budget tracking, and event planning.
Graduate Assistant & Designer
Traditional Arts Indiana, 2015–2016
Supported public programs for folklore and the arts in Indiana through fieldwork, documentation, marketing, and management. Completed multiple graphic design projects, including digital displays for museum exhibition, signage for public events, banners for travelling displays, and an extensive exhibit catalog.
Associate Instructor
Indiana University, 2012–2015
Taught courses on world arts and cultures, introduction to folklore, and critical reading, both individually and as part of a team. Course content included field work, cultural analysis, ethnographic research, documentation methods, and critical analysis.
Student Services Coordinator
Overseas Study, Indiana University, 2010–2012
Facilitated the implementation of new system-wide software for the management of the entire Overseas Study experience and assisted users in new system. Managed application and pre-departure processes for 20+ programs per semester to ensure student preparation and success. Coordinated with partner institutions and worked to improve information sharing processes.
Administrative Assistant
Foster International Living Learning Center, 2008–2010
Designed new Access database for tracking application and residence statistics. Supported students by addressing academic concerns and residential issues; supervised student leaders. Coordinated with university departments, local businesses, and visiting artists and scholars to organize educational programs.
Research Methods
Qualitative research: ethnographic
field work, contextual inquiry, direct observation, participant observation,
in-home interviews, usability testing,
user testing
Quantitative research: including survey design in Survey Monkey, Google Forms, Analytics, and other proprietary systems
Software
- Google Workspace, including 3+ years on administration
- Adobe Creative Suite, including 20+ years with Photoshop and InDesign
- Microsoft Office / 365, 20+ years experience with all programs
- Web design, including HTML, CSS, PhP, WordPress, and more
- Zoho Creator, including Deluge
- Association Management Software, including Your Membership and GrowthZone
- Social media management platforms, including Hootsuite, Buffer, Canva
Skill Highlights
- Project management
- Public speaking and presentation preparation
- Database design and management
- Process efficiency and workflow analysis
- Photo, audio, and video documentation
- Writing, copyediting, and proofreading
- Employee training and supervision
- Community building
Awards
3rd place and Best Business Plan, B-Start 2019 Cohort Demo Day Pitch Competition
Archie Green Fellowship, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, 2018-19
Professional Development Grant, Indiana Univ. Bloomington Professional Council, 2018
Distinguished Service Award, IU Department of Folklore & Ethnomusicology, 2015
Warren E. Roberts Prize for Best Student Paper in Folk Art, Folk Arts Section of the American Folklore Society, 2014
Volunteer Work
Coalition of Independent Cinematic Artists (CInCA)
2020–present
Assisted with nonprofit establishment, branding development, prototyping, and planning for user testing of accessible, interactive database of indie films, filmmakers, companies, and venues.
Northern Indiana Clay Alliance
2022–present
Founding board member & secretary. Hands-on involvement with website and directory development, branding implementation, marketing design, and grant writing.
Quarryland Mens Chorus
2012–2019
Provided graphic design for marketing materials and event photography and photo editing for various performances over multiple seasons.
LGBTQIA+ Section Convener
American Folklore Society, 2017-2020
Led section meetings, facilitated special projects and awards, and mentored new members (particularly students and young professionals) with LGBTQIA+ connections / identities / research interests in the field of folklore studies.
Notable Publications
“Designing Visual Communications”
in What Folklorists Do: Professional Possibilities in Folklore Studies. Indiana University Press, 2021.
Advancing Folkloristics. Jesse A. Fivecoate, Kristina Downs, and Meredith A.E. McGriff, editors. Indiana University Press, 2021.
The Michiana Potters: Art, Collaboration, and Community in the Midwest. Indiana University Press, 2020.
View all publications & presentations
Feedback from the
Hoosier Films Annual Festival
