I'm Melanie Joy Sims, a copywriter with a background in Beyonce.
By that, I mean, I spent a few years crafting entertainment stories about Mrs. Knowles-Carter and other music artists for a few different publications, including ABC News Radio, the Associated Press and a magazine or two. Somewhere along the line, though, I fell in love with advertising, and decided to put a ring on it.
Experience
LEO BURNETT, Chicago | Dec 2021-Present
Associate Creative Director.
Taking historic brands into their next chapters with rich storytelling and right ideas.
LEO BURNETT, Chicago | May 2019-Dec 2021
Senior Copywriter.
Waxing poetic—and punchy—for a handful of legacy brands.
we are unlimited, Chicago | Feb 2017-May 2019
Copywriter.
Whipping up TV and social for a variety of campaigns, including Happy Meal, McDelivery and McRib.
WALTON ISAACSON, Chicago | Feb 2016-Feb 2017
Copywriter.
Crafting social and digital copy for State Fair, Tony Roma's BBQ, Miller Lite, Glenlivet scotch and Terremoto tequila.
COMMONGROUND/MGS, Chicago | May 2015-Feb 2016
Copywriter.
Helping brands like American Family Insurance, the Illinois Lottery and Bombay Sapphire connect with a wide range of consumers, across print, social/digital and radio formats.
CRAMER-KRASSELT, Chicago | Sept. 2014-Feb. 2015
Creative Intern
Concepting and writing for Heinz, Porsche, Corona, and more, across print, social/digital, traditional, point-of-sale and OOH formats.
ABC NEWS RADIO, New York | June 2011- June 2013
Music Writer + Producer
Specializing in Rihanna, John Legend, Beyonce and red carpets
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Chicago | June 2009 - Present
Music Contributor.
Writing R&B music reviews. Interviewing artists and faves. Broadcast Editor, 2009-2011. Editorial Assistant 2006-2009.
Academics
CHICAGO PORTFOLIO SCHOOL | 7/13 - 9/14
Copywriting
INDIANA UNIVERSITY, Bloomington, IN
B.A., Broadcast Journalism