"For Hire: Fine Art Appraiser"

Cate Lineberry's article for Smithsonian.com shows one way to write a business-profile that doesn't fit Gerald Grow's model, yet still provides an an interesting, and informative look at someone's job. The article focuses on Nan Chisholm, who works for Sotheby's as a fine art appraiser, as well as appraises art on the PBS program "Antiques Roadshow." However, the article is set up more like a face-to-face dialogue, with questions explicitly stated on the page, and the interviewee's direct responses sitting below.

In a way, I think this style of "profile" is effective because it feels more casual, and you can skip around depending on what questions intrigue you most. On the other hand, it feels less like a complete, thematically arranged "story" and more like a dictation. I, personally, would prefer more of the story-type arrangement because I think it requires a little more insight and work on the part of the author. It doesn't take much to put together a question-and-answer piece following an interview. On the other hand, if you like an easier read, this is probably the right form for you.