AbouT
Reem Rizk (she/her) is an author specialising in the intersection of literary and visual arts. She recently completed her BFA in Creative Writing at OCAD University, minoring in Digital & Media Studies. Recipient of the Lillian Allen Creative Writing Program Award, she acts as Editor in Chief of the Petal Projections literary magazine, and founder of the publishing space Siren’s Muse.
EDUCATION
September 2020 - May 2024
September 2016 - June 2020
OCAD University — Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing with a minor in Digital & Media Studies
Activities and Societies: Pulse Annual Print and Digital Journal, OCADULiVE, EcoPoetics, OCADU Theatre Club, Toronto International Festival of Authors Volunteer, Toronto International Film Festival Volunteer
Centennial Secondary School — High School Diploma, Arts Diploma in Vocal Arts with a minor in Visual Arts
Activities and Societies: Arts Program, Student Council, Arts Council President, Creative Writing Club, Film Club, Theatre Club, Creative Writing Club, Choir
Work Experience
September 2023 - May 2024
September 2023 - May 2024
October 2021 - May 2023
January 2023 - May 2023
May 2021 - Oct 2021
May 2021 - August 2021
Production Host & Video Editor, — OCADULiVE
As a host on the OCADULiVE network, I led weekly episodes of the “Petal Projections” show. This role included episode writing, interviewing, video editing, and event documentation – most notably including involvement in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the Toronto International Festival of Authors (TIFA), and the Petal Projections Magazine Launch Events.
Social Media & Archival Monitor, — Faculty of Arts & Sciences at OCAD University (Creative Writing)
As a Social Media & Archival Monitor at OCAD University, I documented ongoing events and projects for their Creative Writing program. Responsibilities within this role included graphic design of advertising posts across social platforms, Filming and photography within events & student projects, and editing completed video documentations for archival.
Content Creator, — OCAD University
As a Content Creator for OCAD University, I immersed myself in the ongoings of the University to create educational and entertaining social media content for the school. Responsibilities within this role involved planning content, attending and documenting events, content creation, filming , and editing social media content for the university.
Social Media & Promotions Coordinator, — PULSE (Annual Print & Digital Journal)
In consultation with the Editor in Chief and Editorial Board at the PULSE Annual Print & Digital Journal, I designed a social media strategy, determined the aesthetic for social media posts/reels etc., and posted regularly to promote & introduce the second issue of the journal. I reached out to potential partners/collaborators in the community while promoting events, and soliciting submissions.
Marketing Assistant, — Stoic Beauty
As Marketing Assistant at Stoic Beauty, my focuses included managing the social media profiles of the company (via photography, copywriting, filming, and editing), general content creation, SEO research, brand ideation, blog post and various copy writing, and providing original graphic design for both digital and physical use.
Content Creator, — Spin Master
As a Content Creator for Spin Master, I created social media UGC for the company. Responsibilities of this role included content ideation, script writing, filming, & video editing.
RESEARCH & FOUNDED PROJECTS
January 2021 - Present
September 2023 - Present
September 2023 - December 2023
September 2023 - May 2024
Petal Projections (Currently acting as Editor-in-Chief)
As Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Petal Projections, I've led the creation and development of the publication by managing submissions, overseeing finances, crafting compelling copy, and guiding the editorial process. With a focus on managing and budgeting, I've contributed to financial health and guided marketing efforts to expand Petal Projections' reach. I’m grateful to lead a talented editorial board by overseeing content ideation, project deadlines, and aesthetic aspects of the journal. www.petalprojections.com
Siren's Muse
As Founder of Siren's Muse, I spearhead strategic development, connecting creatives, reviewing manuscripts, and overseeing the publishing process. My role encompasses creative leadership, technological innovation, and financial oversight, fostering relationships with authors and industry influencers to connect writers with broader literary opportunities. www.sirensmuse.ca
Independent Study – Faculty of Arts & Sciences at OCAD University
In a senior independent study at OCAD University, I produced two literary journals, focusing on showcasing the works of marginalised voices. From managing submissions to orchestrating the launch, I honed technical skills in editorial and production processes. Through intensive research, I strategically enhanced the publication, resulting in a notable boost in readership.
Undergraduate Thesis – Faculty of Arts & Sciences at OCAD University
In a Creative Writing Undergraduate Thesis under Program Chair Catherine Black's faculty advisement, I created my debut graphic novel “Dream Diary”. The final project and my involvement in the program granted me The Lillian Allen Creative Writing Program Award. The award is granted annually to one graduating student who has demonstrated the pursuit of excellence in their craft, and who has by their example, commitment, and contributions, made a significant and positive impact on the creative writing community and program at OCAD University.
AWARDS
May 2023
June 2020
June 2020
June 2019
The Lillian Allen Creative Writing Program Award – OCAD University
Ontario Scholar – Ontario Ministry of Education
Susan Richardson Choral Award – Ontario Ministry of Education
Crimson Rose Commemorate – Hastings and Prince Edward Regional Chorus
VOLUNTEER WORK
2022 - 2024
2019 - 2020
2010 - 2019
Videographer – OCAD University Faculty of Arts and Sciences (2022-2024)
Arts Council President – Centennial Arts Program (2019-2020)
International Touring Chorister – Hastings and Prince Edward Regional Chorus (2010-2019)
Published and Exhibited works
May 2024
May 2024
2024
2024
2024
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
2021
2021
2021
2016
“Dream Diary: Book One” – OCAD University GRADEx, 109 (May 2024)
“Dream Diary: Book One” – Siren’s Muse (May 2024)
“The Cop’s Daughter is my Doppelgänger” – Pulse Annual Print Journal, Issue 03 (2024)
“Mom’s Cooking”– Pulse Annual Digital Journal, Issue 03 (2024)
“Racing/Running/Something”– Pulse Annual Digital Journal, Issue 03 (2024)
“Tuck Me In (An Anatomical Anthology)” – Siren’s Muse, (2023)
“Come Celebrate with Us!” – Pulse Blog (2023)
“Blind Date with a Book” Pulse Blog (2023)
“Writers with Typewriters” Pulse Blog (2023)
"Maximalism" – Pulse Annual Print Journal, Issue 01, (2022)
“What to Use For Massage Oil” – Stoic Beauties Blog, (2021)
“Can You Prevent Stretch Marks While Practising Body Neutrality?”– Stoic Beauties Blog, (2021)
“Objects That Bring us Calm” – Stoic Beauties Blog, (2021)
"Weather Man" – Star Guide, Polar Expressions Publishing (2016)
PERFORMANCES (STAGE & SCREEN)
2024
2024
2023 - 2024
2023 - 2024
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
2020
2010 - 2019
2019
2016
2015
2015
2013
2013
Reader (as herself) in Toronto Public Library Poetry Showcase
Reader (as herself) in GRADEX 109 at OCAD University (2024 - OCAD University)
Host (as herself) in OCADULiVE’s Series “Petal Projections” (2023-2024) (Season 7 & Season 8)
Host (as herself) in "Petal Projections" Launch Events
Host (as herself) in “Mindful Campus” Commercials (2023)
Reader (as herself) in the “Toronto International Festival of Authors Literary Cabaret” (2023 – TIFA)
Reader (as herself) in the “Toronto International Festival of Authors Literary Cabaret” (2023 – TIFA)
Zara in Past Lives Production Company's “Roller Rinks & Sugary Drinks” (2023 – Hamilton Fringe Festival)
Kind Stranger in "Online Awareness Video" for MattTV Productions (2022)
Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" at Centennial Secondary School
Chorister (as herself) in “Hastings and Prince Edward Regional Chorus” Classical Concerts from 2010-2019 (2016 & 2018 International Touring Concerts within Canada, Germany, Hungary, Czechia, Austria, and The Netherlands)
Chorus Member in "Happy Days: The Musical" at Centennial Secondary School
Old Woman in "Dracula" at Centennial Secondary School
Teenager in "Footloose" at Stirling Festival Theatre
Peasant in "The Prince and the Pauper" at Centennial Secondary School
Forest Spirit in "The Velveteen Rabbit" at the Belleville Theatre Guild
Children's Chorus Leader in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Stirling Festival Theatre