Calem Karna

I am a creative Copywriter with 5+ years' professional, non-academic experience in copywriting, content creation and communications. I write engaging, compelling, clear, concise and persuasive copy for website content, web pages, blog posts, social media, email campaigns, newsletters, print, advertising and marketing materials. I collaborate with marketing, design, product, UX, performance marketing and cross-functional teams on content strategies, creative concepts and messaging that support business objectives, communicate brand messages, engage audiences and drive clicks, sign-ups and purchases.

I use audience research, brand voice, guidelines, SEO best practices, keyword research, AP style, editing and proofreading; follow industry trends, content marketing best practices and emerging technologies; and manage multiple projects with Microsoft Office, CMS and project management tools. My portfolio contains writing samples, and I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science and English.

Junior Account Executive & Copywriter - Cut2Black Media

(2024-01 - 2026-03)

• Developed creative, engaging and compelling copy from creative, content and SEO briefs.
• Wrote website content, web pages, landing pages, blog posts, social media posts, email and newsletter copy, print materials, advertising copy and marketing collateral.
• Collaborated with marketing, design, product, UX, performance marketing and account teams to develop content strategies supporting business objectives.
• Conducted target-audience, customer, subject and industry research to identify needs, preferences and pain points for technology, finance, government, public-sector, regulatory, rail-safety and aviation communications, including FSCA, RSR, Huawei South Africa, Department of Social Development and SACAA.
• Created clear, concise and persuasive messaging, headlines, taglines and calls to action designed to drive clicks, sign-ups and purchases.
• Adapted copy to brand voice, tone of voice and client-specific brand guidelines and applied SEO best practices, keyword research, search intent, on-page optimisation, metadata and internal linking.
• Participated in brainstorming, creative workshops, concept development, creative reviews, feedback, revisions and approvals across integrated campaigns and client deliverables.
• Proofread and edited copy for grammar, punctuation, AP style, consistency, accuracy and quality.
• Managed multiple projects, prioritised tasks and met deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment.

Communications Consultant - Bloubos Montessori

(2020-02 - 2023-12)

• Developed website content, blog posts, social media posts, email and newsletter campaigns, print materials and community marketing communications.
• Researched parents, staff, learners and community stakeholders to understand audience needs, preferences and pain points.
• Created clear, concise and persuasive copy aligned with education and organisational objectives.
• Adapted tone and style to brand voice and guidelines while applying SEO best practices, keyword research and content planning.
• Collaborated with internal stakeholders and service providers on content strategy, creative concepts, feedback, revisions and approvals.
• Proofread and edited copy for grammar, punctuation, AP style, accuracy, consistency and brand standards.
• Managed multiple content projects and deadlines through organised planning and reliable delivery.

Independent Hospitality Host - Independent

(2018-01 - 2019-12)

• Delivered customer-facing marketing and service communications using clear, persuasive written English across booking and guest interactions.
• Adapted written information, tone and service messaging for different clients, guests and audiences.
• Managed multiple enquiries, schedules and records with organisation, prioritisation, attention to detail and reliable deadline-based delivery.
• Resolved concerns through problem-solving and stakeholder communication with accurate follow-through and a professional service focus.

Campaign & Communication Assistant (Vacation Work) - Moxy Communications

(2016-01 - 2017-12)

• Developed creative copy and content for websites, blog posts, social media posts, email campaigns, print materials, advertisements, promotional materials and awareness campaigns.
• Researched target audiences, industries, trends, needs and pain points to inform relevant campaign messaging.
• Contributed to content strategies, creative briefs, brainstorming sessions and creative workshops in an agency environment.
• Collaborated with marketing, design, product and agency teams to develop concepts and refine messaging.
• Adapted copy to brand voice, tone and client guidelines across promotional and awareness campaigns.
• Applied SEO best practices, keyword research and content marketing principles and edited and proofread copy for grammar, punctuation, AP style, accuracy and consistency.
• Managed multiple briefs, revisions, approvals and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Bachelor of Arts - Communication Science and English - Varsity College (2025)

Bachelor of Arts - Film Arts - Open Window Institute

National Senior Certificate - Matric - Christ Church Prep & College (2015)