AYANA STERLING
Brooklyn,NY
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Gallery Assistant
Chelsea Walls
New York, New York
10.2024 - Current
- Provided customer service to guests, including answering questions about artwork and exhibitions.
- Photographed artwork for use in promotional campaigns or archival purposes.
- Managed social media accounts to advertise current exhibitions and engage followers online.
- Conducted research on artists' work featured in exhibitions or available for purchase.
- Employment Gap (July - September 2024): Took time off to prepare for relocation to New York to pursue new career opportunities.
Resident Assistant
Bennington College
Bennington, VT
07.2022 - 07.2024
- Supervised and monitored activities of residents in the dormitory.
- Coordinated student events such as movie nights, game nights, and other social activities.
- Assisted students with problem resolution through mediation and conflict management techniques.
- Worked alongside staff to enhance the student experience.
- Concluded position at the close of the academic year.
Social Media Intern
Kobalt Productions/Arte TV
Berlin, Germany
12.2023 - 02.2024
- Collaborated with Kobalt's Social Media Manager to create reels and YouTube thumbnails using Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
- Supported the production team by assisting with preparation for shoots, guiding talent, ensuring set presentation, and managing backstage preparation.
- Participated in editing sessions for episode production.
- Completed a 6-week internship as part of Bennington College's annual Field Work Term requirements.
Research Intern
Performa Arts
New York, New York
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Provided relevant research materials and references to assist performance artists and curators in conceptualizing and developing their projects.
- Wrote artist bios for Performa's artist Q&A events.
- Generated descriptive and accurate alternative text (alt text) for visual elements through collaboration with archival team.
- Completed a 6-week internship as part of Bennington College's annual Field Work Term requirements.
Production Equipment Monitor
Bennington College
Bennington, VT
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Assured that photo and video equipment was in good shape and ready to be used by students and staff.
- Kept a log and records of students who borrowed equipment using Cheqroom.
- Facilitated usage of production gear for students and staff.
- Managed the setup and maintenance of cameras.
- Concluded employment at the end of the semester.
Media /Marketing Assistant Intern
Gene Siskel Film Center
Chicago, IL
12.2018 - 08.2021
- Assisted in managing the theater's social media presence and marketing efforts by posting screening schedules on Facebook, selecting compelling images for postcards, and notifying patrons about upcoming film festivals and screenings.
- Contributed to event organization by assisting with setup, food preparation, and offering guest assistance.
- Assisted in performing daily administrative tasks.
- Intern (Jan 2018 - Jun 2019, ended with school internship program), Volunteer (Sept 2019 - Jan 2020, paused due to COVID), Intern (Jun 2021 - Aug 2021, Finished role as school resumed in autumn.)
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Film/Video, Visual Arts,
Bennington College
Bennington, Vermont06.2024
Skills
- Film/Video/Photo Editing: Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop,
- Office Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs/Sheets
- Camera Equipment: Proficient in camera setups, lenses, lighting, grip gear, and basic technical operations for on-set production
VOLUNTEER
PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
NYU Policing Project | Chicago, IL | 03/2019-06/2019
- Documented meetings and compiled detailed notes.
- Developed creative concepts and themes for photo and video shoots in collaboration with the NYU Policing Project.
- Managed photography equipment and scheduling maintenance.
- Concluded volunteer service upon fulfilling project requirements.
PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Mothers on a Mission | Chicago, IL | 04/2019 - 05/2019
- Supported non-profit founder, focused on violence intervention with creative and marking assistance.
- Photographed/Videographed participants during programming and community events
- Edited photos and made suggestions for social media.
- Ended volunteer role after achieving content production objectives.
Creative Projects
Senior Thesis: "Black Noise"
Bennington College, Usdan Gallery | Spring 2024
Directed and produced a 7-channel video installation exploring the connection between Black media and my personal archive.
- Managed project timelines, ensuring deadlines were met for production, installation, and exhibition.
- Managed installation and deinstallation in collaboration with technical staff.
- Collaborated with faculty and peers to integrate artistic vision with logistical and technical requirements.
- Coordinated the technical setup, including CRT TV installation, wiring, and spatial layout for exhibition.
Timeline
Gallery Assistant
Chelsea Walls
10.2024 - Current
Social Media Intern
Kobalt Productions/Arte TV
12.2023 - 02.2024
Research Intern
Performa Arts
06.2023 - 08.2023
Resident Assistant
Bennington College
07.2022 - 07.2024
Production Equipment Monitor
Bennington College
09.2021 - 06.2022
Media /Marketing Assistant Intern
Gene Siskel Film Center
12.2018 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Film/Video, Visual Arts,
Bennington College