Jeff Prystajko

Experience

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  Reporter Magazine

  Nov 2000 - Apr 2004

  Content management software was used to keep the magazine's website updated with current print content and online exclusives; also monitored incoming comments from visitors. Additionally, continued to build and maintain my custom-designed project management website ("eSlate") for the staff, which tracked issue assignments and draft submissions. Produced a weekly, 32-page full-color magazine with a readership of over 6,000 students and faculty. Managed a staff of 50+ writers, editors, designers, illustrators, photographers, and other clerical assistants. Responsible for overall fiscal budgets, story ideas, and creative direction.

  • Online Editor

    Apr 2002 - Apr 2004

  • Editor-in-Chief

    Nov 2000 - Apr 2002
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  WDD We Do Digital

  Jul 2004 - Jan 2016

  The website landscape today no longer includes the phrase "if you build it, they will come" — now one must use a wide range of tools and services to effectively market to users. My role was to assist clients with developing digital marketing strategies that help them improve and enhance communication with visitors, increase goals and conversions, and measure the success of each activity along the way.Having worked in/with the amusements and attractions industry for over a decade, I was able to bring a wealth of knowledge to clients that perhaps local or other marketing firms may not be able to provide. Additionally, my background as a designer, a developer, and a content creator gave me the insight to help address nearly any challenge a client may be facing. Show less As one of the premier web/mobile designers working within the amusement and attractions industry, I was responsible for the overall look and feel of websites and apps for several major theme parks, family entertainment centers, zoos and more. I see both the "big picture" while also diving into the details — I'm able to first survey a client to their needs and expectations, then formulate a strategy for execution from conceptual illustrations to finished product. Every project is an opportunity to set the bar higher.I am also uniquely talented in my ability to marry the creative aspects of a project with cutting-edge technology. Adept at programming and database modelling as well as able to interface with external web services, I was able to bring Web 2.0 functionality and interactivity to all my designs. I am also a champion for designing for mobile devices, having designed and implemented numerous mobile websites and applications (iPhone and Android) for the amusement industry.As a highly rated public speaker, I'm proud to have been the first in the attractions industry to present on the topic of mobile at the 2009 IAAPA convention in Las Vegas. In 2011 I co-presented a discussion on social media to a group of 300 FEC members during the IAAPA convention in Orlando, and in 2012 I presented a demonstration of geofence messaging technology. Show less

  • Director of Digital Marketing

    Jul 2014 - Jan 2016

  • Senior Designer and Developer

    Jul 2004 - Jul 2014
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  Cedar Point Amusement Park

  Sept 2005 - Oct 2011

  Provided top-notch customer service to small VIP tour groups visiting Cedar Point. Was responsible for ensuring that guests had a memorable and enjoyable experience, accomplished by melding a cheerful, welcoming personality with superior knowledge of the park, its history and operation. Worked weekends during the fall season helping to run several of the park's top roller coasters. Days were fast-paced, combining a team environment with the interaction of thousands of guests.

  • VIP Tour Guide

    Oct 2007 - Oct 2011

  • Ride Operator

    Sept 2005 - Oct 2009
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  Accesso

  Jan 2016 - Feb 2020

  Senior UI Designer

  Collaborate with other designers and product teams to innovate and improve on the user experience leveraging multiple Accesso product platforms and business units. Bring design expertise to groundbreaking projects including wearable technology, AI/machine learning, and kiosks and digital signage. Responsible for turning rough user stories into visual wireframes and finally hi-fidelity visuals and interactive mockups. Focus on improving the efficiency of our online responsive stores as well as creating new solutions for improving administrative functionality. Clients served include Six Flags, Cedar Fair, Merlin Entertainment and Palace Entertainment as well numerous other attractions, waterparks, zoos and cultural institutions. Show less

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  Come Out With Pride

  Feb 2018 - Nov 2022

  As the lead volunteer behind a community-driven effort to bring WorldPride to Orlando in 2026, I was instrumental in developing the overall strategy, forming teams of experts, crafting our brand and messaging while also welcoming on board numerous partners across business and government circles. While the effort was unfortunately unsuccessful largely due to circumstances out of our control, the bid book we prepared as well as the presentation delivered were true testaments to the talent and passion within our community. Show less As President, I was charged with leading a working board overseeing ten committees responsible for the ongoing production and success of Orlando's largest single day parade and festival. The annual event draws about 200k+ visitors and is responsible for a $28+ million local economic impact. Most importantly, we work closely with dozens of local LGBTQ+ nonprofits to help ensure our mission of changing hearts and minds.- Worked with local government officials, organizational partners and business leaders to put on a yearly festival that educates, entertains, and is widely regarded as one of Central Florida's best events.- Oversaw a sponsorship and development team to fund the event, ensuring that a free festival that has seen YOY double digit percentage attendance growth and a proportional budget stays in the black (while also allowing for giving back in the form of grants and scholarships)- Served as a liaison to the community, attending various organization events and meetings as well as making media appearances to report on the latest Come Out With Pride information Show less

  • WorldPride Orlando 2026 Bid Co-Chair

    Oct 2017 - Nov 2022

  • Board President

    Feb 2018 - Feb 2022
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  Sunset Sky Creative

  May 2020 - now

  Owner

  Owner and principal of a digital agency that specializes in design, website development, videoediting, marketing and UX. Client work has spanned a variety of focus areas and industries including print and website design for nonprofit organizations and major events, as well as coding custom applications for financial firms as well as amusement parks and attractions.