Alumna works at hospital

Alumnus

takes talent to local hospital

by Kate Drennon

Ryan Bishop, 2008, fell in love with the ability to create at a young age, and he tied that passion to a desire to impact the community where he lives.

Bishop has worked as a digital media specialist at Stormont Health for three and a half years. He was also selected as a member of the Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2021.

“[Ryan] is one of the changemakers here in our community and this is exemplified by his inclusion in the Leadership Greater Topeka class of 2021,” said Maria Stover, professor and chair of mass media.

Bishop’s work includes photography, videos, motion graphics and print projects, and he still finds time to do some freelance work. For example, he worked for the Discovery Channel doing some freelance jobs. One of his projects allowed him to show off the state of Kansas by featuring the salt mines in Hutchinson.

“I was able to work with the Discovery Channel early on and do some small things here and there,” Bishop said. “It was very interesting and cool to see your own work on Discovery Channel.”

Bishop’s mass media internship with Gizmo Pictures, a production company in Topeka, turned into a full-time job that lasted several years. He has also spent time working at WIBW and within the 501 School District’s communication department. All of these experiences helped shape his perspective of the Topeka Community.

“Having that experience is what really helped me out. Not only in the classroom but seeking out those internships and other production experiences will set you a part,” Bishop

photo courtesy of Ryan Bishop Ryan Bishop is Digital Media Specialist at Stormont Health. He was also selected to be part of the 2021 Leadership Topeka class. said.

“At Washburn, I was able to pick up a camera and start editing and shooting content from day one,” Bishop said. “That’s an experience I would never exchange for anything else.”

He said that experience is one of the most important ways of growing and improving in the industry.

“My biggest advice is to get out and shoot,” Bishop said. “Don’t sit in the computer lab all day. Just get out there and get some shutter count behind your camera.”

All that work has landed Bishop right where he wants to be. He said working for the hospital during the pandemic was impactful because not only was he showing the community how Stormont works to keep people safe, but he was also part of documenting this historical period in the world.