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Me

Issue 09

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Me Publications Inc.

Me Magazine is an unique conceptual magazine about individuals in creative professions. Every issue is devoted to telling the life story of a single “guest editor” alongside contributions and stories from their closest friends. Each magazine highlights the common qualities that connect us all as human beings. The editorial content, photography, and advertising is also influenced by the guest editor’s taste, because just as each individual is unique, so is the approach of their issue.

New York, USA

185 W. Houston Street #4K, New York, NY 10014

Email: editor@memagazinenyc.com

Category: People, Thematic
Periodicity: Quarterly
Language: English
Format: 172 x 230 mm
Price: $ 5
Web: http://www.memagazinenyc.com

Founded in 2004

It was created to help us become better acquainted with the people we admire and to introduce us to people we’d like to meet. Each issue highlights the lifestyle and special interests of a guest editor, alongside contributions from his or her closest friends. The editorial content, photography, and advertising is influenced by the guest editor’s taste. Just as each individual is unique, so is the approach of each issue. We aim to highlight the special talents, interesting personalities and funny quirks that make us human. With a circulation of 6,000, Me Magazine is distributed worldwide to venues that target a young, trend-setting, cosmopolitan audience.

The premier issue, Autumn 2004, featured Joshua Abelow, a young painter and Ross Bleckner's assistant. #2 Winter 2004 featured Miho Aoki, founder of the fashion label, United Bamboo. #3 Spring 2005 features Christopher Bollen, a young writer and editor of V Magazine.

Exclusive Interview

You are Me

What is your magazine about?
Every issue of Me Magazine is about getting to know one person, or "guest editor". The guest editors commission the photographer and choose the people they want to be in the issue friends, family, colleagues.

Who's behind the project? Tell us about the founders, their backgrounds and their motivations!
The motivation behind the magazine was creative frustration. I just wanted something that I could call my own and be my own boss. I also wanted to help the guest editors get some press and recognition for their accomplishments.

How do you produce one issue? How much time do you spend on it? How big is your team?
The guest editor and guest photographer have a lot of responsibilities in terms of pulling together all the content for the magazine. We rely on them to be in contact with their friends to get everything in. All the design and layouts are done by me. Everything takes about three months. The team is usually just the guest editor, the guest photographer, and me, although I'm working on getting some more people to help in terms of ad sales and other things.

What have been the important steps in the life of your magazine?
I think my previous experience at other magazines was key in starting my own. I had a lot more to learn once Me Magazine got underway of course, but I've learned how to manage the workload. Just knowing exactly what it takes to put together one issue creatively and financially is probably the most important step.

Which are the key ingredients for the success of your magazine?
Getting great guest editors is the most important ingredient since it is the focal point of each issue. It's definitely not easy sometimes, though.

What are the difficulties you are confronted with? What would be the thing to help the magazine to improve?
I think the time commitment for some guest editors is a difficulty. Although not a huge drain on their time, they have to be somewhat proactive and some people are just too busy. "The" thing to help the magazine improve would probably to get guest editors who are more well-known.

Where do you want the magazine to be in five years?
I'd love to have a real staff and not have to think about the magazine's finances.

Tell us about your audience! Who are the readers of your magazine?
I'm actually not sure who the readers are, but I guess they are part of the creative community and admirers of the guest editors. I think the readership changes with each issue based on the person(s) on the cover.

Is remaining independent important to you? Is it part of the strategy?
I love being independent but I've also been doing it for four years, so if that's something I have to give up in order for the magazine to grow, I would be open to it.

What's your relationship with advertisement? Does it influence your content? Do you care about advertising-driven-editorials?
The magazine's advertisers right now are just people who love the concept and want to support the magazine. But in order for the magazine to grow, a relationship to advertisers is necessary.

What do you think of your issue 01, when you look back at it?
I wish I could redo it knowing what I know today.

Magazine favorite(s) that inspired you in your career.
Numero, Wallpaper (before Time Warner bought it), Raygun, Colors, Emigre.

Do you keep old copies of magazines? If so, what is your favorite in your collection?
Numero, Wallpaper (before Time Warner bought it), Raygun, Colors, Monocle, New York Magazine.

How many magazines do you buy / get / read each month? Do you qualify yourself a maniac?
I am definitely not a magazine maniac. I subscribe to four magazines, and one of those was a gift subscription.

We are compiling answers from some of the most innovative magazine makers around the world today. Who else should we ask?
I love Monocle at the moment, but you probably already have spoken to them!

Answered by Claudia Wu (Founder, Editor in Chief, Creative Director) Magazine: Me Magazine Email: editor@memagazinenyc.com Date: 15-09-2008