Allison Raeck

You know how people say that nothing is random in movies, and every seemingly insignificant prop or lighting trick somehow contributes to the message? I think it’s like that in writing, too. Words have power to completely shift the tone or interpretation of a piece, so I make the most of every syllable.

With that said, admittedly, I am a maximalist and I love words. I collect them like pieces of kitschy art shoved into a collage wall. This is handy for referencing idioms or clever one-liners — it has also made me well-versed in self-editing. My writing process usually involves hordes of research (shoutout to JSTOR), sporadic creative streaks (shoutout to caffeine), and trimming my content by at least 50% (shoutout to word counters, the graphic designers, and self-discipline).

Back in the day, I studied communications at the University of Michigan with minors in business and writing. I found that my skills aligned at the intersection of writing and business, where both sides of my brain could get equal playing time. After exploring a few internships at nonprofits and in the public sector, I knew I wanted to amplify messages that would improve peoples’ everyday lives.

After graduation I headed to a public relations agency in Chicago, where I worked with tech startups and business-to-business clients. I outlined media campaigns, wrote press releases and articles, and typed until I got carpal tunnel syndrome (forreal). Then, of course, all roads led to Redhead.

Today, as content director, I help conceptualize, write, and edit messaging materials and strategic plans for mission-driven clients. But, to trim that down as mentioned earlier, I merge creativity and strategy. A clever campaign, witty tagline, or compelling copy is nothing without tangible execution, so I help make that happen.

Aside from all of that, I'm an avid crafter, thrift store regular, and foster cat lady. (Let me know if you want a cat. I can hook you up.)