Creating a new essay series about object obsessions

Curbed (2018-2020)

 

Role: Lead editor, writer
Collaborators: Design, data, e-commerce, and audience development teams; staff and freelance writers

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Challenge

Create a shoppable, first-person essay column true to the Curbed brand. 

Solution

As the editorial team zeroed in on the concept of a column about object obsessions, I pitched the column name “Show & Tell”, a pithy and familiar phrase that conveys a combination of genuine storytelling and visuals.

As the editor of the column, I worked with staff and freelance writers to highlight rich personal stories and ensured that each piece included a photo or two taken by authors themselves as well as e-commerce widgets to help readers purchase the featured (or similar) product. 

Outcomes

  • Developed and ran the Show & Tell column, which helped distinguish Curbed’s content, especially through the visual combination of commissioned illustrations, personal photos, and product widgets.

  • Created a content format that’s especially friendly to new-to-Curbed freelance writers from diverse backgrounds.

 

Illustration by Karen Schipper

Illustration by Alyssa Nassner

llustration by Karen Schipper

Illustration by Alyssa Nassner

Illustration by Alyssa Nassner

Illustration by Karen Schipper

▶ I worked with art/design team to fine-tune the commissioned illustration for each piece, providing feedback from the editorial perspective.

 
 
 
 
 

▶ I created e-commerce widgets for each story and wrote the product copy.