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Each year the editorial team at Demand Media takes time to recognize our favorite article, writer and/or filmmaker of the year. An editor will reveal their pick each day in the blog and explain why that particular body of work stood out to them.
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“Bring on the fierce” couldn’t be a more fitting introductory sentence in an article written for the new Tyra Banks’ Beauty & Fashion website. “Fierce” was coined by model and entrepreneur Tyra Banks and is exactly what Dawn Levesque exudes in her article “How do I Choose a Nike Swimsuit?”
Showcasing exceptional content for Tyra Banks’ Beauty & Fashion site has not been easy since the site has not launched publicly yet. When we started this new venture in Demand Media Studios, we didn’t just introduce a new property; we also threw in a distinct voice and style to boot--complete with a specific fun, casual tone and targeted sections that address the everyday women. Oh, and they must be useful, too.
Sounds difficult, right?
Well, Dawn catwalked her way to the top of my 2010 list with her inclusive tone and seamless injection of sass and wit representative of Tyra’s entertaining voice.
Dawn nails it with quips, such as “Don’t wait to uncover yourself until you jump into the pool because your suit bottom droops or it shows more cleavage than you desire …,” and “Hit poolside with confidence by highlighting your shapely assets in the right swimsuit.” It is statements like those that exemplify the friendly, fun feel we are looking for in Tyra Banks’ Beauty & Fashion articles.
She also exemplifies inclusiveness and the goal to engage women of all shapes and sizes by addressing various body types throughout the piece. Dawn created sections: “Pears to Apples,” “Busting Out” and “Full Coverage.” Then, she addresses how to find a Nike swimsuit for each body type and concern by providing insight for each. A suit with high-cut legs that slims down thighs and hips works well for pear shapes; Nike’s racer-style suits are better for ladies with larger bust lines; and Nike’s Swim Signature halter tankini with high-waist brief is more suitable for women with a “bootylicious backside.”
At the end of the day, Dawn took a topic that women find daunting and created a great article that was friendly, fun and attainable. Dawn is conversational and speaks on a subject that doesn’t alienate the reader; it’s as if she is giving advice to a girlfriend. She applied the standards and requirement set forth by the Studio Team and executed a piece of content that is in line with the voice of Tyra Banks’ Beauty & Fashion site.
Great work, Dawn. I am looking forward to more “fierceness” from you in 2011.
How do I Choose a Nike Swimsuit?
By Dawn Levesque
Overview
Bring on the fierce. Don’t wait to uncover yourself until you jump into the pool because your suit bottom droops or it shows more cleavage than you desire. Find a Nike swimsuit that flatters your figure. You’ll want freedom of movement, comfort and a suit that stays in place no matter what. Ditch the fleece shorts and the tunic cover ups. Hit poolside with confidence by highlighting your shapely assets in the right swimsuit.
Pears to Apples
Step 1
Accentuate the positive features of your pear-shaped figure. It’s all about balance. Wear a suit that features high-cut legs to visually slim down your thighs and hips. A figure-flattering suit such as the Nike Swim Aquacurve Lingerie draws the eye upward.
Step 2
Avoid bottoms in bold colors or with extra fabric. Downplay your lower-torso region with a dark suit bottom or a lightweight skirt that doesn’t add bulk, but offers a smooth line and fuller cut. Be subtle and play up your bust without making it obvious. Try on the Nike two-piece skirted halter tankini with contrasting empire-inspired top and skirted bottom.
Step 3
Minimize your midsection if you have an apple-shape and forgo bikinis. The Nike Swim Core Colorblock tank complements your shape while providing definition to your waist. Color blocking at the neckline darts lead toward the waist for the illusion of a slimmer midsection and a curve-friendly appearance.
Busting Out
Step 1
Keep those girls in line with inner support. A swimsuit with bra construction and cups creates smooth contours while supportive or wide adjustable straps such as the Nike racer-style X provide a more secure fit.
Step 2
Sport a swimsuit with a higher neckline such as the Nike High Neck One-Piece. Designed for ease of movement while providing support, this suit features secure bra cups and a princess color-blocking for an oh-so-slim you.
Step 3
Get into a suit with a darker color block on top and a design at the bottom. The motif will draw attention to your lower areas, downplaying an ample bust. The Nike Power Back has sewn-in bra cups, extra support from a power-net bra and wide racer-back straps.
Full Coverage
Step 1
Cover your derriere. Put on a swimsuit with full coverage when you’re feeling modest or need a little extra for your bootylicious backside. Look at the Nike Swim Signature halter tankini that features a high-waist brief to provide maximum coverage in and out of the water.
Step 2
Hide your tummy with a two-piece suit or a tankini with a high-waisted bottom. The Nike Core solid two-piece suit promises a mid-cut design and elastic waist for added coverage.
Its top boasts an elastic band and bra construction with cups so it stays put.
Step 3
Say good-bye to tummy bulges with a suit that provides full coverage plus tummy control. The Nike Swim Sweetheart Fitness Tank has a molded padded cups and back cross-straps for extra support. Front ruching or shirring distracts the eye from the waist. A higher sweetheart neckline and an empire waist convey a figure-flattering fit and full coverage.
Skill
* Moderately Easy
Tips
* Ask a swimsuit fit consultant to find a Nike swimsuit that's right for your figure.
* When you try on the suit, your eyes should be drawn to your best assets.
* Touch your toes and raise your arms in the dressing room. The swimsuit should not ride up, your girls should stay put and you should not have the urge to pull or tug.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Media Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators — writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers — and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
I'm Amanda Adwell. I graduated with a B.S. in journalism and communications. After working in the family business for three years, I realized what a great opportunity I had with Demand Media Studios and decided I could use it to kick-start my career in freelance writing. I never thought that having the freedom and flexibility of a freelancer would be attainable for me, but thanks to Demand Media Studios, my ultimate career goal is coming true.
I'm Amanda Adwell. I graduated with a B.S. in journalism and communications. After working in the family business for three years, I realized what a great opportunity I had with Demand Media Studios and decided I could use it to kick-start my career in freelance writing. I never thought that having the freedom and flexibility of a freelancer would be attainable for me, but thanks to Demand Media Studios, my ultimate career goal is coming true.
It's Writer Wednesday! Each week we ask our writers a question via Facebook and Twitter. The answers, stories, and overall response have been so great that we want to feature them on our blog! We'll highlight the most creative, intriguing and engaging responses and let those who are featured bask in the limelight just a little bit. Check back each week to see what question we ask, answer it yourself, and see who gets featured!
This week we asked the community to send us their best Holiday Haikus. We loved the creativity! Here are some of our favorites:
Thanks to everyone who participated this week!
Happy Holidays from DMS!
Happy Holidays from DMS!
Each year the editorial team at Demand Media takes time to recognize our favorite article, writer and/or filmmaker of the year. An editor will reveal their pick each day in the blog and explain why that particular body of work stood out to them.
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Picking your favorite article of the year is usually a daunting task when you read as much as we do here at Demand Media Studios. However, this year I was lucky to discover an article by a writer who found the perfect title to match his expertise. As a result, he wrote an article that I will not forget anytime soon.
Jan Stowell, a retired firefighter from the Syracuse Fire Department, claimed a title on a topic he knows very well in Structural Firefighter Annual Training Requirements. In fact, he could probably have written this with little effort, but he chose to go above and beyond. He got up from the computer, left his house and took a trip down to his old stomping grounds and interviewed the chief of the Syracuse Fire Department to add more color to his story. And that’s what this is, a story. It’s not an article full of only information about different requirements. The quotes from Chief McLees bring it to life and I’m now interested in a subject I normally wouldn’t care about.
"When a firefighter knows how a building is put together he arms himself with the ability to reasonably predict fire travel," McLees says. "And when you know where the fire is going, you know where to be and where not to be. That's the sort of knowledge that keeps firefighters alive."
Can I get a pull quote?
This is what an interview can bring to your article and make it stand out, and that’s why I still remember it today.
Thanks for your effort on this article, Jan. I hope I get to read more of your work in 2011.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Media Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators — writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers — and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Laura Shapiro, and I've been a writer pretty much since I could write. Due to the illness of a loved one, I returned to the U.S. after having lived in Italy for 15 years and had to start all over again — this time with a newborn son. I did several freelance jobs for Italian companies, but they involved a great deal of traveling. I'm so glad I found Demand Media Studios because I can now be at home with my son every day and work while he's sleeping. Thanks Demand Media Studios.
My name is Laura Shapiro, and I've been a writer pretty much since I could write. Due to the illness of a loved one, I returned to the U.S. after having lived in Italy for 15 years and had to start all over again — this time with a newborn son. I did several freelance jobs for Italian companies, but they involved a great deal of traveling. I'm so glad I found Demand Media Studios because I can now be at home with my son every day and work while he's sleeping. Thanks Demand Media Studios.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Media Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators — writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers — and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Alicia Bodine. I grew up with a father who published books and owned a newspaper. I completed three years of college but quit to be a full-time mom. I was so excited to find Demand Media Studios, and I thank them for giving me the chance to earn a living from home. I have been able to home-school my oldest daughter and rearrange my schedule when my younger, disabled child is sent home sick from school. Most recently, I have been able to help my ailing grandparents. Demand Media Studios gives me the ability to work around my schedule, which often changes with little notice. I have also learned so much from some of the editors who give great advice and instruction. There are so many different titles and topics to choose from. I never get bored with my assignments. Thank you again Demand Media Studios.
My name is Alicia Bodine. I grew up with a father who published books and owned a newspaper. I completed three years of college but quit to be a full-time mom. I was so excited to find Demand Media Studios, and I thank them for giving me the chance to earn a living from home. I have been able to home-school my oldest daughter and rearrange my schedule when my younger, disabled child is sent home sick from school. Most recently, I have been able to help my ailing grandparents. Demand Media Studios gives me the ability to work around my schedule, which often changes with little notice. I have also learned so much from some of the editors who give great advice and instruction. There are so many different titles and topics to choose from. I never get bored with my assignments. Thank you again Demand Media Studios.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Media Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators — writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers — and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Cate Burnette, and after Sept. 11, I was so affected, I quit my 20-year advertising sales career and went back to school to become a veterinary technician. It was always a childhood dream to work with animals, but like most people, life got in the way, and I ended up working for the money — not the passion. Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to quit a job I loved. I knew that with chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I would not be able to lift 60-pound dogs and take radiographs the way I had in the past. My husband started writing for Demand Media Studios first, and I began after he kept showing me all of the animal articles waiting to be written. So now, I write articles about the animals and the science I love, help pay medical bills and still have a little play money left over. What a deal.
My name is Cate Burnette, and after Sept. 11, I was so affected, I quit my 20-year advertising sales career and went back to school to become a veterinary technician. It was always a childhood dream to work with animals, but like most people, life got in the way, and I ended up working for the money — not the passion. Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to quit a job I loved. I knew that with chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I would not be able to lift 60-pound dogs and take radiographs the way I had in the past. My husband started writing for Demand Media Studios first, and I began after he kept showing me all of the animal articles waiting to be written. So now, I write articles about the animals and the science I love, help pay medical bills and still have a little play money left over. What a deal.
Each year the editorial team at Demand Media takes time to recognize our favorite article, writer and/or filmmaker of the year. An editor will reveal their pick each day in the blog and explain why that particular body of work stood out to them.
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As an editor, my favorite writers have always been those who can take a very broad, dense subject and distill it to its most useful, relevant and interesting aspects. Jenni Wiltz shows us her ability to do that on a daily basis, but it gets better: Check out her lead for "Body Exercises for Belly Fat Loss":
"There's a good reason to whittle your waist, and it has nothing to do with fitting in last year's jeans."
We're always talking about how important your opening sentence is. It can make or break an article. Here, Jenni demonstrates how to do it right: It's on-topic, straightforward and presents a compelling hook without talking down to readers or being too obvious. And this lede is not alone in her body of work. What's more, ledes are just the beginning, literally, of a long list of writerly skills that Jenni exhibits.
She showcases some of her best work on titles that, to me, seem impossible to fulfill in the recommended space. Topics such as "Flag Etiquette When Sailing" and "Outdoor Survival Camping" could fill a book, yet she successfully tackles them in several hundred words. Her dedication to answering the question as completely as possible is evident in articles like "Coffee Filter Tips in the Household," a List with eight useful sections.
It's simple: Jenni is just a great writer. She gets it. Her work is proof that it's possible to have it all when it comes to a DMS article. Thanks for some great reads in 2010, Jenni. I'm looking forward to see what you do in 2011.
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As an editor, my favorite writers have always been those who can take a very broad, dense subject and distill it to its most useful, relevant and interesting aspects. Jenni Wiltz shows us her ability to do that on a daily basis, but it gets better: Check out her lead for "Body Exercises for Belly Fat Loss":
"There's a good reason to whittle your waist, and it has nothing to do with fitting in last year's jeans."
We're always talking about how important your opening sentence is. It can make or break an article. Here, Jenni demonstrates how to do it right: It's on-topic, straightforward and presents a compelling hook without talking down to readers or being too obvious. And this lede is not alone in her body of work. What's more, ledes are just the beginning, literally, of a long list of writerly skills that Jenni exhibits.
She showcases some of her best work on titles that, to me, seem impossible to fulfill in the recommended space. Topics such as "Flag Etiquette When Sailing" and "Outdoor Survival Camping" could fill a book, yet she successfully tackles them in several hundred words. Her dedication to answering the question as completely as possible is evident in articles like "Coffee Filter Tips in the Household," a List with eight useful sections.
It's simple: Jenni is just a great writer. She gets it. Her work is proof that it's possible to have it all when it comes to a DMS article. Thanks for some great reads in 2010, Jenni. I'm looking forward to see what you do in 2011.
Each year the editorial team at Demand Media takes time to recognize our favorite article, writer and/or filmmaker of the year. An editor will reveal their pick each day in the blog and explain why that particular body of work stood out to them.
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"One of the most frustrating and confusing points in a boy's life is when he first becomes interested in girls and attempts to follow through with his desires. The results can be heartbreaking as the boy slowly realizes he has no idea how to really get to know a girl. Sadly, the basic tenets for forging true companionship often remain unlearned into adulthood. Here are some pointers to help boys of all ages get going in the right direction."
As a girl, I love this article. As an editor, I love Blake Guthrie. There were a million and a half ways to mess up the article, How to Get to Know a Girl, but Guthrie avoided every single one of them. Imagine this title coming up in your assignment feed. How would you write it?
We talk about voice a lot and how to master it. Truth be told, voice isn't something anyone can really teach you. It comes from hours of reading and years of trying. It comes from a ton of failure and a few minor successes. This is a seemingly simple article that didn't have to be good. Guthrie could have blown through this one with common cliches that most men's fitness magazines offer to their audience. But instead, this article is sincere, honest and written in Guthrie's voice.
"Don't assume anything about her. Ask her questions. Making an assumption about a person will lead you to base your conversation on those assumptions, which will get you nowhere, as it will either confuse or anger (probably both) the person you are trying to get to know. Assumptions aren't facts. If you want to get to know her, ask the appropriate questions that made you curious about her in the first place."
In Step 3 (seen above), it is clear this was was not something that was pulled from the Mayo Clinic or an official government report, but it's trusted information. Why? Because in Guthrie's introduction and throughout his article, he installs a sense of trust. He writes to his experience and it shows.
In Step 3 (seen above), it is clear this was was not something that was pulled from the Mayo Clinic or an official government report, but it's trusted information. Why? Because in Guthrie's introduction and throughout his article, he installs a sense of trust. He writes to his experience and it shows.
If there is one thing to learn from this article, notice how he made it his own by having a little fun. Please see his Things You'll Need list.
But if all else fails, this one from "USA Today" should help.
Bravo, Blake. Keep up the good work in 2011.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Media Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators — writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers — and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Raina LeGarreta. I graduated from college with a B.A. in psychology, then went on to complete my B.A. in mass communications/journalism. I love Demand Media Studios because it gives me a chance to continually perfect my craft in writing. I've written for more than 15 years in newspapers, magazines and websites, and I just love that Demand Media Studios gives us the opportunity to choose the topics we want and learn about new interesting topics. That flexibility is something you rarely get. And I also appreciate the fact that it gives me the opportunity to supplement my income as my husband and I build up our small business. Demand Media Studios is a company I can see myself working with for the long-term, and doing what you love and actually getting paid for it is one of the best things you can do in life.
My name is Raina LeGarreta. I graduated from college with a B.A. in psychology, then went on to complete my B.A. in mass communications/journalism. I love Demand Media Studios because it gives me a chance to continually perfect my craft in writing. I've written for more than 15 years in newspapers, magazines and websites, and I just love that Demand Media Studios gives us the opportunity to choose the topics we want and learn about new interesting topics. That flexibility is something you rarely get. And I also appreciate the fact that it gives me the opportunity to supplement my income as my husband and I build up our small business. Demand Media Studios is a company I can see myself working with for the long-term, and doing what you love and actually getting paid for it is one of the best things you can do in life.
