10 counter
Top 10 reasons
to work with
John Breneman
1. Creative since birth
That’s me and my mom back in the day.
I inherited my creative genes from her,
and from my dad!
I first worked as TV news anchorman and newspaper columnist in high school. Read more about how Ernie Breneman (a big-city ad man like those guys on “Mad Men”) guided me into a career in newspapers … “Father’s advice to son was ‘write stuff’.”
Here’s my resume and a quick recap of my career in journalism.
2. Heart of a journalist
For an insatiably curious, highly visual wordsmith like me, a career in newspapers was ideal.
I pursued my passion for writing (locally and in Boston) by interviewing and telling the stories of business and nonprofit executives; academic leaders; politicians; entertainment and sports figures; thought leaders, influence shapers and everyday people from all walks of life.
I discovered and explored my love of graphic design, sharpening my eye for how to integrate high-impact visuals with top-notch copy.
Always with the clock ticking toward the next edition.
Headlines on deadline.
September 11, 2001
This is the essay I did for the front page of the Portsmouth Herald on September 12, 2001.
150 Years of History
One of my favorite journalistic projects was crafting the award-winning 150th anniversary edition of the Cambridge Chronicle.
Writing about people
Telling the stories of people’s fascinating lives is a privilege. This one is about legendary photographer Ozzie Sweet.
Newsroom experience
Here’s a link to an exclusive report on my career as a journalist (Boston Herald, Portsmouth Herald, etc.). Actually, it’s my resume.
3. Soul of an artist
As a writer, I aspire to being a verbal virtuoso. I like to paint a story, and sculpt it too. Occasionally bang on it, blacksmith style.
As a journalist and humorist, content creator and strategist, I love using Photoshop as a canvas. See a few fun samples in slider format below.
5. Passionate about Portsmouth
I am blessed to live in one of the most fantastic little cities in America. And during three stints at the Portsmouth Herald, I have been privileged to write op-ed columns about my home city by the Piscataqua.
6. A 24/7 Idea Factory
Wordplay, brainstorming, tight writing, headlining … A stream-of-consciousness flow for every occasion …
And the ability and focus to bring worthy ideas to life … Proficiency in key Adobe Creative Suite programs, experience in web design, WordPress and other CMS, video production, ebook creation and social media strategy …
An innovative communicator — vigilant about accuracy and quality, passionate about the power of words to motivate and delight.
7. Custom made for creative agency work
I’m a writer first. Everything else begins there.
My work in newspapers gives me the versatility to produce sharp, compelling copy on virtually any topic. I’ve earned Hubspot certification and am eager to infuse inbound marketing methodologies with fresh creativity.
I find great joy in crafting thoughtful, artful communication.
Current goal:
Carve out a role with a local digital agency.
Journalist / visual artist / versatile writer / editor / web designer / video enthusiast / social media explorer / content creator and strategist / excellent listener
Fast learner / analytical thinker / multi-talented team player / insatiably curious / focused on maximizing all opportunities
8. Seriously good writing
9. Proven performance
At right, Howard Altschiller, executive editor of the Portsmouth Herald/Seacoast Media Group, comments on the unique combination of talent, positive energy and professionalism that I bring to the job every single day.
Click here to see my ONLINE RESUME
John was the lead designer for Seacoast Sunday and made our front pages pop on the newsstand each week. John is also a master wordsmith and was by far our best headline writer. He is also a master of Photoshop and InDesign (and) his analytical reasoning skills are off the charts. In addition to his technical skills, John brings a high level of creative energy, humor and great interpersonal skills to the job. Tragically, his position was eliminated when the copy desk and page design function was moved by our company to a centralized operation in Austin, Texas. In short, I would re-hire him in a second if I had the opportunity and I recommend him to you wholeheartedly.
10. Infinite imagination
I say the sky is not the limit … nor the land, nor the sea, nor all three. For the creative power of the human imagination is infinite.