Don’t wait for validation: ‘No Man’s Land’ executive editor, Deidre Dyer
On this week’s podcast we hear from New York-based writer and editor Deidre Dyer, who currently works as executive editor for biannual print magazine, No Man’s Land. We caught up with Deidre in London after her inspiring talk at MagCulture’s recent ModMag 2018 event, to hear more about the magazine’s origins, her varied career path, and why she feels you should never wait for validation to go for what you want.
Deidre Dyer
Job Title
Executive Editor, No Man’s Land, The Wing (2017–2018)
Previous Experience
Freelance Content Creator and Writer (2016–2017)
Marketing Content Manager, Marley Natural (2015–2016)
Style Editor, The Fader (2013–2015)
Style Assistant, The Fader (20102013)
Operations Manager, Opening Ceremony (20017)
Intern, Nylon Magazine (2006)
Education
BA Media Studies, City University of New York Hunter College
Social
instagram.com/yung_oprah
twitter.com/yung_oprah_
Website
Images of ‘No Man’s Land’ magazine, courtesy of Pentagram
Images of ‘No Man’s Land’ magazine, courtesy of Pentagram
Images of ‘No Man’s Land’ magazine, courtesy of Pentagram
Images of ‘No Man’s Land’ magazine, courtesy of Pentagram
Launched in 2016 by American company The Wing, No Man’s Land has developed a following and renown not usually associated with magazines founded by brands. As a smart publication made for women by women, its latest issue features fascinating figures ranging from ’60s skateboarding legend Patti McGee to activist, whistleblower and politician Chelsea Manning. Its bright and brilliant design comes courtesy of Pentagram, and its editorial team includes contributors to Vogue and The New York Times.
Deidre starts by telling us how she first came across The Wing, which provides female-only co-working and community spaces. We also hear how the magazine came together, and – as a relatively new yet fast-expanding company – she tells us why she feels it’s been able to flourish.
“If you want to do something, don’t wait on someone else to do it... Sometimes being your own proof of concept is the best pitch to others.”
A native New Yorker, Deidre attended the locally based Hunter College to complete a degree in media studies, but found herself in retail and service-industry jobs soon after graduating. Then, aged 25, we hear how Deidre made a major career shift, moving into editorial work for Nylon Magazine and The Fader, where she progressed from style assistant to style editor between 2011 and 2015.
Deidre shares how the twists and turns of her path have all led to this point, including the ways that unlikely skills and knowledge continue to feed into her work. We also hear her thoughts for budding writers and editors, why it’s important to learn from those you admire, and why waiting for validation is a waste of time.
“If you want to do something, don’t wait on someone else to do it. For a long time I was waiting for validation, as writer or as an editor… But with the internet, you can just do it and make it a reality. Sometimes being your own proof of concept is the best pitch to others.”
You can find out more about MagCulture here, and read a round-up of the recent ModMag London over at It’s Nice That.
Interview by Indi Davies
Mention Deidre Dyer
Mention The Wing
