You’re a great writer. You love taking intricate topics and making them intriguing and easy to understand. You compose topic outlines and then… something really cool happens.
You get to watch your words and ideas transform into stunning visuals.
This is a day in the life of Jesse Mack, a graphics production assistant in our Boston office. He began as a writer on our Business Desk, but when an opportunity to work alongside our graphic designers opened, he knew it would be a good fit.
“Writing infographic outlines is my main responsibility, but I wear a lot more hats than just that: Kicking off clients’ infographics, talking to them about their graphic projects, collaborating with designers on visual concepts, working with strategists to execute the campaigns,” Jesse said.“I get to act as a kind of bridge that brings all that stuff together on a project level.”
One might wonder how Jesse’s background, a creative writing MFA in poetry, has come into play when creating bite-sized infographic copy. But he said it undoubtedly has – and he draws inspiration from one his favorite poets, Robert Creeley.
“He wrote these really tight, linguistically clipped poems that sound simple, but you realize they’re extremely complex when you start to unpack them,” he said. “On my best days, I feel like I get to channel those virtues when I’m writing infographics.”
Learn more about Jesse in our Brafton Q&A:
Q: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A paleontologist; I was obsessed with dinosaurs. Then I started playing guitar at age 6 and felt sure I’d have a record deal by 16 (this did not happen).
Q: What do you think is the most important quality needed for success?
The ability to look at your own work with a critical eye.
Q: What do you value most in a job?
The flexibility to be myself as an employee and find my own method of doing the job the best I can.
Q: What is your most treasured possession?
For my birthday this year, my fiance bought me this epic-looking, uber-manly brass bottle opener that says “You Earned It.” I love it not only because it is among the coolest-looking object I own but more importantly because it’s a reminder of how awesome she is.
Q: Which day of the work week are you the most productive?
It varies, but I’m going to say Tuesday.
Q: What’s your favorite aspect of your job?
Getting to see the awesome things the designers do with the infographic outlines I write.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I had a poem published in Columbia Poetry Review last year, which I will still brag about at parties if given the chance.
Q: Have any „hidden talents“?
I have perfected the art of making scrambled eggs. I’m willing to face anyone who dares challenge me in a showdown at any time.
Q: If Brafton were a TV show, which character – from any sitcom, drama or reality show (of any time period) – would represent you?
Ron Swanson, the only fictional character to rival my own love for bacon.
