My Personal Brand

1. PERSONAL BRAND EXPLORATION
AJ Valentine
Project & Portfolio I
July 2023

2. My name is AJ Valentine, I am a 22 years old queer woman. I
am a published author, artist, and screenwriter. In addition to
my creative pursuits, I am also highly skilled in various
technical and industry areas. I have experience in budgeting,
project management, and marketing strategies, which I have
gained from both my studies at Full Sail University and my
work experience in the entertainment industry. These technical
skills have contributed to my ability to bring stories to life in
exciting and innovative ways, which is something I am truly
passionate about. I am excited to continue building my
technical and industry skills as I grow further into the world of
entertainment, bringing my unique perspective and creativity to
future works.
IDENTITY

3. PROFESSION
Potential Job Titles:
• Freelance Writer
• Screenwriter
• Creative Writer
BRAND ARCHETYPE - My brand archetype
is the creator. Being a creator I prioritize generating
fresh and unique ideas and approaches to my work. I
am driven to create something new and innovative,
avoiding clichés and conventional solutions. I often
find inspiration from various sources, such as nature,
art, culture, or personal experiences. I actively seek out
new stimuli to fuel my creative process.
Writing for Film and Television

4. [Aspiring black queer filmmakers (20-30) in the Mid-West/ West]
TARGET AUDIENCE
VINCENT MARTELL
Outreach Plan:
• Task to prepare for initial contact: I will research Martell’s background and interests. This
will help me tailor my outreach message to best capture their attention and demonstrate the
value of our organization.
• Method of communication for initial contact: I will send Martell a personalized message
through LinkedIn messaging. This platform is professional and commonly used for networking,
making it an appropriate and effective way to reach out.
• Manner and timeframe for follow-up: I will follow up with Vincent within one week of the
initial contact through another message on LinkedIn. In this message, I will thank him for his
time and express continued interest in connecting further or discussing potential opportunities
for collaboration.
Founder & Film Director at VAM
STUDIO
JOSSLYN GLENN
Outreach Plan:
• Task to prepare for initial contact: Before making initial contact with Glenn, I will research
her professional experiences. This will help me to understand her current work, interests, and
expertise so that I can tailor my outreach message accordingly.
• Method of communication for initial contact: I will send Glenn a personalized message
through LinkedIn. In this message, I will introduce myself and explain the purpose of my
outreach which is networking and building my team and community.
• Manner and timeframe for follow-up: I will follow up with Glenn within one week of making
initial contact. If I haven't received a response, I will send a polite and friendly message to ask
if she has had a chance to review my outreach. If we do connect, I will be sure to thank her for
her time and maintain occasional contact to continue building our professional relationship.
•
Film Curator, Producer, Journalist,
Author
JESSICA L. RANSOM
Outreach Plan:
• Task to prepare for initial contact: I will prepare for initial contact with JL Ransom by
thoroughly reviewing her LinkedIn profile. This will give me insights that will help me
personalize my outreach message, demonstrating that I have done my research and am
genuinely interested in connecting with her.
• Method of communication for initial contact: I will make my initial contact with JL Ransom
via LinkedIn message, as this is the platform where he is most active and accessible
• Manner and timeframe for follow-up: I will follow up with Ransom within a week of my initial
message. I will send a friendly reminder if I don't receive a response. If they still don't respond,
I will wait a few more weeks and try again with a different approach, such as sharing my blog
or portfolio.
Executive Producer

5. GOALS
Short Term: (2025)
• Finish writing and mastering my first album
‣ Complete 17 original songs and record fully mastered
versions by December 31, 2025.
‣ Keep track of my progress by setting deadlines for each song
and tracking hours spent recording and refining each track.
Mid Term: (2028)
• Begin a non-profit food shelf/ clothing shelf for queer youth and young
adults
‣ Raise $50,000 - $200,000 in funding through grants,
donations, and fundraisers starting in 2026.
‣ After doing so, I will work to secure a physical space for the
food and clothing shelf within 1 year.
Long Term: (2043)
• Become a shark on "Shark Tank"
‣ Develop and launch a successful business that generates at
least $1 million in revenue within 7 years.
‣ Attend at least 3 major business pitch events as an observer
within the first 2 years of starting my business.
‣ Develop a comprehensive investment portfolio by investing
in at least 5 companies within the next 10 years.
‣ Establish a strong network of successful entrepreneurs,
business leaders, and investors by attending at least 10
networking events within the next 25 years.

6. SKILLS ANALYSIS
Notable Skills & Current Proficiencies:
Notable Skills REQUIRED in TRADE & Current Proficiencies:
Graphic Design
SOFT
HARD
Adept
Network Administration Adept
Adaptability Adept
Creativity Expert
Presentation Software
SOFT
HARD
Adept
Video Creation and Editing Software Novice
Active Listening Adept
Critical Thinking Expert

7. I help black queer aspiring filmmakers, 20-30, do what they
love by developing their skills, nurturing their creativity, and
making their dreams come true. I do this by sharing my own
experiences and expertise, providing resources, and
guidance, and creating a supportive community where they
can thrive.
PROMISE

8. CREDENTIALS
Work Experience:
• I wrote and filmed a screenplay over the course of two years,
2021- 2022. I worked with a movie producer and a movie
director, and I served as the creative director and casting
director to bring my words to life. Nana's Porch premiered in
March of 2023 in MN and is available for private screenings.
Education:
• Attending Full Sail University for a B.S. in Entertainment
Business
Awards:
• "Nana's Porch" won four awards at the "Flowers Against Bullets
Film Festival" in Vienna, Austria; Best Director, Best Actor, Best
Actress, and Best Supporting Actress.

9. COMPETITION
MELISSA ZAVALA
Noteworthy Experience:
• Student Leader Joliet Junior College - Jan 2016 - May 2020
Industry Experience:
• Industry experience goes here
Education:
• Full Sail University Bachelor of Science - BS, Entertainment
Business Jul 2021 - Jun 2023
• Joliet Junior College, General Associate of Arts - AA, Business/
Commerce, Aug 2015 - May 2020
Skills and Proficiencies:
• Leadership - 2 endorsements
• Bilingual Communications - 0 endorsements
• Here Microsoft Office - 0 endorsements
Overall Online Presence:
• Melissa Zavala has 55 connections and 54 followers on LinkedIn. Her profile has a
banner image that is customized to her branding and features a professional design.
The professionalism of Zavala’s headshot is subjective, but it appears to be a high-
quality photo with a neutral background and professional attire. Melissa's LinkedIn
profile is detailed and includes information about her education, work experience, skills,
and professional accomplishments. Zavala does not appear to have published articles
on her LinkedIn profile at this time. Zavala's LinkedIn URL is customized to her name,
appearing as "linkedin.com/in/mzavala6/".
• Grade: Poor - Average, 27 out of 100
Industry Experience:
• Writer of an award-winning film
• Published Author
Education:
• Student at Full Sail University for a B.S. in Entertainment
Business
Leadership Experience:
• Filming a movie - June 2022 - July 2022
• Pre - Production of a film - June 2021 - May 2022
• Post Production of a film - July 2022 - Dec 2022
• Creative director of a film - June 2021 - Dec 2022
• Casting Director of a film - June 2021 - May 2022
Skills and Proficiencies:
• Adaptability - 0 endorsements
• Creativity - 0 endorsements
• Marketing - 0 endorsements
Overall Online Presence:
• I am new to Linkedin and created one primarily for this assignment. Moving forward, I
am building my profile and taking inspiration from the competitors I analyzed this
week. I have 34 followers and 32 connections this far.
• Grade: Poor, 20 out of 100
AJ VALENTINE

10. COMPETITION
ELLEN WAGNER
Industry Experience:
• Founder & CEO of an award-winning business
Education:
• Fachhochschule Westküste Fachhochschule Westküste - Master of Arts - MA, business
psychology
• INeKO - Institut a. d. Universität zu Köln für die Entwicklung personaler und interpers.
KompetenzenINeKO - Institut a. d. Universität zu Köln für die Entwicklung personaler und
interpers. Kompetenzen - Certified Coach and Change Manager, Training as a certified life &
business coach and change manager
• Fachhochschule WestküsteFachhochschule Westküste - Diploma, Business Administration,
Majors: Business Informatics & Tourism Management.
Leadership Experience:
• CEO & Founder; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Expert; Black, female & queer-owned -
Dec 2019 - Present · 3 yrs 8 mos
• Freelance Lecturer & Author for Management, Tourism and Hospitality - Feb 2009 -
Mar 2022 · 13 yrs 2 mos
• Product Management & Hotel Contracting - 2014 - 2017 · 3 yrs
Skills and Proficiencies:
• Communication - 35 endorsements
• Lecturer - 23 endorsements
• Marketing - 9 endorsements
AJ VALENTINE
Overall Online Presence:
• With 8,566 followers, Ellen Wagner's LinkedIn profile is well-curated and shows her as an
accomplished professional with a strong online presence through leadership, and engagement with
her network. Wagner has written several articles and research papers on education technology that
are shared in her profile. She uses her platform to share information on industry trends, research
findings, and best practices to engage her network and stay current in her field.
• Grade: Average - Superior, 75 out of 100
HEADSHOT HEADSHOT
Industry Experience:
• Writer of an award-winning film
• Published Author
Education:
• Student at Full Sail University for a B.S. in Entertainment
Business
Leadership Experience:
• Filming a movie - June 2022 - July 2022
• Pre - Production of a film - June 2021 - May 2022
• Post Production of a film - July 2022 - Dec 2022
• Creative director of a film - June 2021 - Dec 2022
• Casting Director of a film - June 2021 - May 2022
Skills and Proficiencies:
• Adaptability - 0 endorsements
• Creativity - 0 endorsements
• Marketing - 0 endorsements
Overall Online Presence:
• I am new to Linkedin and created one primarily for this assignment. Moving forward, I
am building my profile and taking inspiration from the competitors I analyzed this
week. I have 34 followers and 32 connections this far.
• Grade: Poor, 20 out of 100

11. BRAND POSITION
For black queer aspiring filmmakers who seek unique content that
resonate with their experiences. I provide a one-stop destination that
caters to their diverse interests and passions. I use my own lived
experiences and perspectives to create engaging and insightful content
that speaks to the hearts and minds of my audience.
“OPERATION BANKSY”

12. NETWORKING &
MARKETING
Industry Events & Organizations
• Business Case Writing (BCW) Certification Training
‣ JULY 28TH, 2023 · 9 AM - 5 PM | DULUTH, MN
• Conflict Management Certification Training
‣ AUGUST 25TH, 2023 9 AM - 5 PM | DULUTH, MN
• Black Wall Street - Learn How To Build Wealth Black America
‣ SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2023 · 7 PM - 8 PM | ONLINE
Digital Marketing
• Primary Content: I am going to start a blog analyzing movies and music. I
plan to write an entry every Monday.
• Primary Tools: I plan on using WordPress to
• Website: Moving forward, I will refer back to my digital site when I'm feeling
stuck. I am grateful that I'll have this to look back on because it's like I'm teaching
myself all over again, but I'll have more knowledge and resources.

13. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Mentor
I plan to seek a mentor with extensive professional creative writing
experience who can guide me through the ups and downs of this career path.
They should have a successful track record in building a brand and creating a
portfolio that speaks to their expertise. Additionally, they should lead a
sustainable lifestyle that prioritizes work-life balance and self-care. I aim to
establish a partnership with them by March 2024.
Formal Education
• Certificate in Professional Writing, ABC Institute, August 2025.
• Master's in Entertainment Business, December 2026.
Technical Skills
• Taking a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) course from Google Academy,
in January 2025.
• Participating in a workshop on Social Media Marketing from Skillshare, in
September 2023.
• Attending a webinar on Content Marketing Strategies from Skillshare, in
October 2024.
Soft Skills
• Attending an Effective Communication and Collaboration training program
from Skillshare, in March 2024.
• Participating in a Time Management and Organizational Skills workshop
from Skillshare, in December 2024.
• Taking a course in Leadership and Team Management from Skillshare, in
January 2024.

14. AJ VALENTINE
You know how it's becoming increasingly difficult to find meaningful, thought-
provoking, and original content in today's saturated media landscape? Well,
what I do is create movies, books, poems, and art that offer a fresh
perspective and truly engage with the audience. In fact, my work has been
recognized for its unique, imaginative, and authentic voice, and has
garnered critical acclaim.
“

15. REFERENCES
Collabera. (2023). Web content writer. https://
www.ziprecruiter.com/ojob/collabera/web-content-writer?
lvk=6BRs4Z-eJBVQ526RAHQI9Q.--
MyPeHI_jB#intsrc=suggested-jobs
Cudoo. (2017). Top 8 Tips for Business Writing. https://
cudoo.com/blog/top-8-tips-for-business-writing/.
Duluth, MN events. (2023). Eventbrite. https://
www.eventbrite.com/d/mn--duluth/all-events/?page=1.
Ellen Wagner. (2023). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/
ellen-wagner/.
Josslyn Glenn. (2023). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/
josslyn-glenn/.
Martell, V. (2023). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/
vincent-martell-12b15b198/.
One Stop. (2023). Summary Report for: 27-3043.00 - Writers
and authors. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/
27-3043.00.
Ransom, J. (2023). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/
jlrransom/.
Skillshare. (2023). Online Classes by Skillshare. https://
www.skillshare.com/.
Zavala, M. (2023). LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/
mzavala6/.