Zines?

Prof. Humble’s Delusions Zine (in development)

 

Who Knew Zines Were Still A Thing?

I recently fell down a rabbit hole all about self publishing zines. A quick search online reveals that these very personal publications are alive and well. 

What’s a Zine?

Amateur press publications have long existed to help give groups or individuals a voice beyond commercial magazines and newspapers with enormous budgets. A Zine is often the passion project of a single individual (writer, artist, creator). Produced in small numbers, usually on an extremely low budget with limited distribution. This grassroots approach has made Zines unique and collectable since their inception.

Before the Internet, self-publishing became possible with the invention of the photocopier. Using rudimentary techniques such as handwritten text and art with pen and ink, or typewritten snippets taped or glued in place (collage), anyone could produce a low cost Zine. And just like that, an underground culture was born. 

Since the evolution of computers, desktop publishing, and the global push to a paperless world of blogging/vlogging and social media, I honestly thought physical Zines would’ve disappeared entirely, but apparently not.

I must say, this rabbit hole goes deep.

Take a deep dive with these links: https://ago.ca/agoinsider/ and https://youtu.be/77eiLeHMB6k?si=onKJkqDQKkjyohce

What are the requirements for a printed Zine?

Outside of any purist opinions, a Zine can physically be as small as a single folded page, or ten folded and staple bound pages. Some Zine creators even use more professionally printed and bound finishes with a large number of copies. 

Great overview of the printing options here: https://youtu.be/NAAfKueIJ2s?si=FR_pJjwHGzvWDafP

Single Letter Size Paper. Can be printed on both sides.

Centre cut, origami fold creates a basic unstapled book. 

What would your zine be about?

The topic, design and layout are absolutely open, no rules, a literal visual and literary playground. Some Zines are filled with text, while some are completely visual. I guess that freedom, is part of the allure.

Take a deep dive into this article:  https://publuu.com/knowledge-base/25-amazing-zine-ideas/

I was rather impressed by the single sheet origami fold method. I haven’t seen a more underground press initiative. So, this is where I’ve decided to brainstorm my first attempt. The topic I’ve chosen is human beings desire to live longer, and maybe even cheat death. I’m curious what I can do with this topic under such tight constraints, (black ink on a single sheet). I guess we’ll see.

As always, if you’ve made it this far, thank you so very much. Now get busy making your Zine. 

Nudge,