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.

– former supervisor

Quick Learner

Problem Solver

Skilled Communicator

Analytical Thinker

Creative and Dedicated

The Michiana Potters book cover

Published August 2020
Indiana University Press

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.

– John A. Burrison

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

"The application process went so smoothly this year. I didn't feel like I had to jump through so many hoops as I have in the past."

– AFS Annual Meeting submission system user

"The Hub was very easy to use. Great resource! This meeting is a valuable global platform for folklorists. The accessibility and prompt communication worked well."

– AFS Annual Meeting virtual platform user

"Excellent! We got this! You all are the BEST IT support I've had in a very long time."

– AFS Annual Meeting virtual platform user

"I found searching the program online to be very easy this year. Well done!"

– AFS Annual Meeting in-person app user

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

    "If it was this good as a virtual festival (because of Covid), then I can't wait to see what it would be like in-person. I felt so welcomed and appreciated as a filmmaker."

    – virtual festival participant

    "...brought together some amazing films and a great way to network with other filmmakers through a virtual experience that is new to many."

    – virtual festival participant

    "We had a great experience here. So impressed with the vision and energy of [the organizers] to support Hoosier film and grow this festival."

    – in-person festival attendee

    "We appreciated how this festival brings all walks of life together, sparks discussions, and has helped promote future collaboration with people I didn't know prior to attending. I'm thankful for the learning experience gained her, and their mission to showcase a variety of stories."

    – in-person festival attendee

    "Great communication and professionalism."

    – participating filmmaker