Hello!
I’m Damon. I use plain language to turn complex information into clear, useful content.
About me...
From Silicon Valley to newspaper newsrooms across the country, I've spent my career helping people find, understand, and act on what matters. After a rewarding break raising my children, I'm back and looking for my next challenge.
A skilled listener, I love helping people thrive. My editing approach relies on the AP Style and the Oxford Guide to Plain English. I use the Paramedic Method to improve clarity by eliminating wordiness.
Currently, I’m learning Figma to improve my collaboration capabilities with designers.
In 2025, I completed a Digital Marketing certificate program from General Assembly, which taught me how to prompt AI agents with marketing tasks.
Furthermore, I shifted attention from SEO to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). My skills should mesh well with AI-driven GEO search engine requirements.
In 2023, I completed a Technical Communication certificate program from UC Berkeley, which refined my research, writing, and editing skills.
In 2001, I left a technical writing career in Silicon Valley to attend Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. I then managed newspaper web departments: leading editorial teams, supervising staff, and running media labs.
Moreover, I’m a photo hobbyist who’s edited thousands of photos for publications.‍ ‍
I’m searching for both remote work and part-time on-site roles north of San Diego in Oceanside, Carlsbad, or Vista.
I love telling stories. In newsrooms, I managed editorial production and trained reporters, photographers, and editors to integrate social media and web tools into their workflows.
My skills include listening, brainstorming, proofreading, documenting, and managing both people and projects:
Storytelling
Researching
Writing
Copy editing
Presenting
Listening
SEO
Project planning
Managing content
Web design
Software testing
Training
Meanwhile, I donate and volunteer to Surfrider Foundation’s San Diego Chapter, which fights to protect the ocean and its deteriorating beaches.
My education:
General Assembly – Certificate, Digital Marketing, 2025
UC Berkeley Extension – Certificate, Technical Communication, 2023
Northwestern University – Masters of Science, Journalism, 2003
UC Santa Cruz Extension – Certificate, IP & Web Systems Engineering, 2000
San Francisco State University – BA, Journalism; BA, Technical & Professional Writing, 1998
Photography
I fell in love with the art when I was a newspaper delivery boy. Subsequently, I produced thousands of website photos during my journalism career. Eventually, I stepped behind the lens.
Storytelling with Data
I recently discovered the joy of storytelling with data, thanks to Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, Giorgia Lupi, and Stefanie Posavec. Check out my resume as a hand-drawn data visualization.