Hi there, my name is Adriana Heldiz. I'm a visual journalist and storyteller born and raised in Chula Vista, a city within San Diego County (Go Padres!). I'm currently the assistant visuals editor at CalMatters.
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I'm passionate about creating visuals that tell impactful stories and that make complex information more accessible to everyone, especially underserved communities.
My skills include photography, video editing, motion graphics, graphic design, project management and more. I'm currently a certified remote drone pilot (Part 107).
​​I'm a first-generation Mexican-American and bilingual in English and Spanish.
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If you like to learn more about me or collaborate on a project, feel free to reach out! I'm available for commission work!
RESUME
CalMatters - Assistant Visuals Editor
July 2023 - Present
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Assisted in managing and recruiting staff and freelance photographers throughout the state of California
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Photographed and filmed breaking news, feature stories, portraits and landscape
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Worked closely with reporters and editors to cultivate illustrations, photo layouts and other visual needs for projects including a series on California’s unemployment crash
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Co-led the production of “Prop. in a Minute” videos
The San Diego Union-Tribune - Multimedia Journalist
March 2022 - July 2023
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Photographed daily assignments including breaking news, feature stories, portraits, and landscape
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Assisted in managing 20 staff and freelance photographers
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Collaborated with reporters on the visual presentation and management of long-term projects including an in-depth look at the rise and fall of Gina Champion-Cain and how votes are counted in San Diego
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Led social media strategies for projects including the 72 Hours: Inside San Diego County’s mental health crisis project
Voice of San Diego - Multimedia Producer
January 2017 - March 2022
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Photographed daily assignments including breaking news, feature stories, portraits and landscape
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Created and produced San Diego 101, a video series that explains how the San Diego region works, garnering more than 100,000 views on Youtube
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Worked closely on art direction with reporters, editors and designers
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Reported and edited original feature videos showcasing the stories of individuals in marginalized communities including Latino and homeless residents