A bit about me
I’ve been a storyteller all my life, even majoring in Theatre. Stories are everywhere. They’re in the mundane, about to shock you, and in ordinary people living extraordinary lives. They just need the right words to nudge them along.
When I first got into improvisational comedy I realised that a script is nothing but words on a page. Real magic happens when you’re able to tell stories through any means, when you’re able to spin spontaneity into narrative. Then it stops being a story. It becomes an experience.
In improv you empathise with your team and your audience to know how far they can be pushed. Through collaboration you connect different ideas to create something innovative. If it’s not received well you need to roll with the punches, to be agile and honest enough to take the show into a new direction.
It's through improv that I learned to appreciate these important values of UX: Empathy, Collaboration, Creativity, Innovation & Agility. And I'm still rolling with the punches.
If you want to work with someone who will exceed every expectation and leave you with ultimate satisfaction in a job well done, Ryan is your guy. It has been my pleasure to work alongside him.
Kim Roodt
Project Manager, The Nimble Studio
Ryan is an amazing and witty copywriter that brings great energy and enthusiasm to his work. I would jump at the opportunity to work with Ryan again in the future.
Tamsyn Danielle
Product Designer, GoDaddy
career timeline
I'm certified as a UX writer, but nothing beats tangible experience
Dec 2017 - Present
Senior UX Writer, Luno
I develop the content within, and immediately around, Luno’s main product. I weave the brand voice within the customer flow to ensure the hierarchy of information aligns the project intention with our company vision. As part of the Product Design team — a multi-disciplinary group of interaction designers, visual designers and writers who collaborate closely with each other, and Luno at large — we create compelling, user-friendly and informative customer experiences across all our platforms.
Feb 2015 - Nov 2017
Senior Copywriter, iKineo
Duties included copywriting, creative direction, content strategy, and development of integrated campaigns across social, digital, direct and print media. While at iKineo I worked extensively on the B2B rebrands of Telkom Business to BCX, and Telkom Wholesale to Openserve. I also enjoyed working on integrated campaigns for FNB eBucks, Fiat, Jeep Chrysler and Doctors Without Borders.
Awards:
Assegai Gold 2015: Integrated Direct Multi Channel for Telkom Business Unified Communications
Assegai Gold 2015: Integrated Direct Multi Channel for Explore Sideways
Nov 2008 - Feb 2015
Content Editor & Writer, Strika
Creating comic books and animated explainer videos, I was tasked with creative direction, scriptwriting, copywriting, directing, and social media strategy on various projects.
Feb 2006 - Nov 2008
Copywriter, eTV Creative Services
Duties included copywriting, directing and producing for TV, web, radio and print media.
Awards:
2007 Promax World Gold Award for eTV radio ad The Biggest Loser (voice director)
2007 CT Fashion Festival Media Award for short documentary, An Industry Worth Saving (writer)