A WRITER'S SCRAPBOOK OF LIFE, CULTURE & CREATIVE ARTS
About...
The BDLyles Files is my personal digital magazine, combining blog and social media elements, to bring you my writings, photography, art, perspectives, documents, multimedia, and more... Mostly centered in and around my home base in the Mid-Atlantic United States, with insights from occasional travels and connections elsewhere.
MORE FROM THE EDITING DESKI am a Writer and Creative Professional, accomplished in corporate communications, journalism, marketing, fundraising, media, and the arts. I have worked with publishers, associations, health care institutions, historic buildings and museums, and other cultural organizations. In addition, I have many other freelance and personal interests and achievements in the literary, visual and performing arts...
I am a Creative Professional...
In the Literary Arts, my creative writing includes poetry, fiction and scripts, with far too many items unpublished and unperformed. Much of my work in the literary community has been behind the scenes, on behalf of organizations that are near and dear to me, promoting fellow writers and our love of reading and education... As a professional writer and corporate communications manager and director, my career encompasses journalism, copywriting and marketing work for publishers, associations, health care institutions, historic buildings and other cultural organizations. Employers include both local and nationally-recognized businesses and non-profits based in Baltimore, Washington, DC, and elsewhere.
As for the Visual Arts, my skills include photography, video, multimedia and graphic arts, including many personal projects, as well as work for employers in photojournalism, graphic design and layout, publication management, web design and some corporate photography.
In the Performing Arts, very early in my career I had a play produced, while my own experiences on stage or in front of the camera or microphone include work with a comedy troupe, being an extra in film and video, and recording voiceovers. One of my most rewarding performing arts experiences was working as a fundraiser for regional theater, meeting performers and seeing the creation of major productions, from stage direction to costume and set design, and meeting with donors who shared this interest.
Born in Baltimore, and either working in or frequently visiting other major metropolitan areas like Washington and New York, I am a lover of cities and everything they offer. I am pleased to volunteer for and support organizations that promote urban living and heritage, and you will see how most of my photography and blog posts try to capture this interest.
Complimentary to my love of creative arts, urban architecture and
historic preservation are very important to me, as well as promoting metropolitan culture
and events, public health,
public transportation
and walkable, livable communities – all of which are vital to the enjoyment, growth, health and survival of our cities and their people.
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My creative abilities encompass a full spectrum of personal interests and professional experiences in the literary, visual and performing arts. I have used these skills throughout my career in communications and marketing, as well as in a variety of personal projects:
"My interest in the literary arts and writing was nurtured and developed at a young age. I began writing in elementary school, and in high school I wrote a play that was performed as a fundraiser and later won second prize in a national one-act playwriting contest. This led to a degree in English and Creative Writing, creating poetry and short fiction, and eventually a professional career where writing, editing and publications have always been a major focus."
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"Combining my experience in marketing and public relations with my interest in working on behalf of neighborhoods and cities, I have a dedicated interest in working with individuals and groups that focus on improving communities. I have achieved this for employers and freelance clients, and on occasion I have been asked to serve political candidates, non-profit organizations and others on a pro bono / volunteer basis... Art and culture, education, urban development, historic preservation, and health care are included among my experiences."
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"I have been a fan of television and movies since childhood. In fact, I purchased a quality digital camcorder long before I bought a good still camera for myself. During my career in communications, I have managed the production of many audio/visual projects (radio commercials, promotional videos, presentations, etc.) and coached presenters. I have also created short video and multimedia projects for freelance and pro bono clients... With hours of personal video clips, I occasionally edit and make videos available online. One clip was purchased for use in a documentary featuring legendary director John Waters."
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"My long-time interest in and love of photography assisted in my early jobs as a publications manager, as I selected photos for publishing. However, with the advent of digital photography, I began taking my own photos and soon developed a greater knowledge of and appreciation for all genres... Architectural, photojournalism, event, street, product, portrait and travel photography are included in my portfolio."
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"My career with non-profits began in communications and publications for The Engineers Club at the Garrett-Jacobs Mansion, where I first became involved in membership and education efforts. This soon led to my work toward the creation of the 501(c)(3) created for the historic mansion’s renovation and preservation efforts. I later worked for a museum, several health care organizations, and a regional theater. Along the way I have helped to orchestrate and implement capital campaigns, fundraising galas, annual fund and major gift solicitations, corporate and foundation relations, grant writing, stewardship at all levels, and board development... Also, I have served on committees and boards of several organizations myself."
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"My interest and talent in visual art includes graphic design for publications, from flyers, print advertisements and brochures to magazines and multimedia. However, I also enjoy a variety of fine art and using my imagination to make my own creations with pen, pencil, paint, pastel, mixed media, and more."
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"From retail sales and telemarketing to direct mail campaigns, event planning, advertising, media relations, trade show activities and more, I have a long history of planning, executing, tracking and analyzing sales and improving customer engagement. This includes work in educational publishing, regional magazine circulation, corporate and individual membership efforts for non-profit organizations, community outreach, and more."
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"I am an amateur performer who has been in the spotlight more than a few times... as a talent show performer, a member of a comedy troupe, a movie extra, a brief and uncredited role in a fundraising campaign video, and as talent in voice-over projects... Behind the scenes I have more experiences — from co-directing my own play in high school to producing or co-producing radio spots and promotional videos, coaching speakers, stage management and fundraising for theater, and of course, being a fan of select stage, TV and motion picture performers and productions"
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Brian Davis Lyles
P.O. Box 23359
Baltimore, MD 21203-5359
USA
homeoffice@bdlyles.com
+1 800.937.2164
