Polina Shubkina

As an Adjunct Lecturer of Digital Photography at the University of New Haven, through Verto Education's Study Abroad Experience, I teach students from various parts of the United States. I provide guidance in foundational photography skills while helping them develop a deeper understanding of digital media. Through hands-on projects and immersive learning experiences, my students earn college credits abroad while gaining valuable cultural perspectives.

My campaign concepts empower global brands to stand out in highly competitive landscapes. In this role, I develop innovative influencer marketing strategies tailored to top brands across diverse industries, from food and beverage to fashion, healthcare, retail, and automotive. I collaborate with teams and brands worldwide, including the UK, EU, Middle East, India, Kenya, and South Africa, delivering strategic solutions that resonate across varied markets.

As a Social Media Strategist, I drove the development of organic and paid social media strategies for major global brands across diverse sectors, including luxury fashion, gaming, big pharma, recruitment, and banking in the EMEA and US markets. My efforts directly resulted in long-term contracts, increased retainer fees, and enhanced client engagement. By collaborating with Brand and Marketing Managers, I transformed communication plans and social media strategies, achieving a remarkable 30% rise in engagement growth while maintaining consistent brand messaging. I took the lead in content ideation and brand narrative development alongside the Creative Department, ensuring that every project was tightly aligned with strategic goals. Through thorough audits and competitive analysis, I consistently refined our approach, unlocking additional influencer funding and delivering compelling presentations for our clients.

Developed social media strategy and art-directed visual content identity in collaboration with a team of graphic and motion designers. Authored a range of marketing blog posts. Participated in testing the product at its earliest stage.

I orchestrated content strategy and management for Las Adelitas Group, driving unified brand communication for Las Adelitas Restaurants and La Taqueria Bistros. By enhancing social media engagement strategies during lockdown, I facilitated workforce retention and achieved a 30% revenue increase, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. I produced dynamic visual content that elevated audience engagement and solidified the brand's online image, growing Instagram accounts significantly with minimal ad spend. Additionally, I managed content for Wolt, ensuring consistent brand presence and effective communication across online and physical platforms.

As an Adjunct University Lecturer, I designed and taught courses in Digital Photography, Visual Culture, and Public Speaking for non-art majors. I mentored students from 40+ nationalities, fostering cultural exchange, and contributed to academic policy through Faculty Council involvement.

Commercial photographer specializing in luxury real estate, food photography, and portrait work, with experience covering corporate events and poker tournaments.

Clients include Marriott International and Hilton Hotels, for whom I deliver tailored visual content that aligns with their brand identity.

I successfully orchestrated multi-channel content creation, effectively managing the university's website on WordPress to establish it as a thought leader, resulting in a remarkable 40% increase in user engagement. I authored over 250 SEO-optimized blog posts that significantly enhanced our online visibility and showcased UNYP's academic offerings. I also directed communication for TEDxUNYP, firmly positioning it as the premier English-speaking TED event in the Czech Republic. Additionally, I revamped the university's social media aesthetic, produced impactful video interviews with Deans, and captured compelling event photography to ensure a strong and dynamic brand presence across all digital platforms.

I have photographed over 250 luxury properties in Prague and its suburbs for the AIRBNB Plus project, greatly enhancing property listings and elevating the guest experience. I facilitated direct communication with property owners, ensuring a seamless photoshoot process while building strong, lasting relationships. My expertise in styling properties allowed me to align with brand standards, and I consistently adhered to the photography guidelines set forth by the San Francisco headquarters, ensuring quality and consistency in all images. Hired directly by headquarters, I communicated effectively and reported remotely, consistently meeting client expectations and project deadlines.

I actively documented the contemporary documentary and fine art photography scene by conducting in-depth interviews with artists, curators, and educators and authored insightful articles that significantly contribute to the field. As a key member of the judging committee for the Annual Urbanautica Open Call for Contemporary Photography, I played a crucial role in evaluating entries that shape cultural discourse on a global scale. My expertise was showcased through my involvement as a guest speaker and photo contest judge at prominent events such as EMOP in Bratislava and Bucharest Photofest, where I made impactful contributions to the arts community. Moreover, I spearheaded the development of Urbanautica's Instagram strategy from the ground up, driving visibility and engagement through robust organic growth.

As a Junior Marketing Manager at a boutique event production agency, I conceptualized and managed the entire production cycle for corporate and luxury events, focusing on high-profile clients such as La Perla, HSBC, and Aston Martin. Over two years, I executed over 50 successful event concepts that enhanced client satisfaction and brand alignment. I fostered strategic partnerships to deliver tailored event experiences aligned with clients' brand identities and objectives, ensuring exceptional brand-building outcomes.