Get Off Your Phone And Make A Zine! (And Zine Prompts)
Your involvement in the wondrous world of zines starts here.
What is a zine?
Zines are self-produced, self-published printed works of art that combine visuals, writing, activism, and more. They are inexpensive to make and can be exchanged for other zines, goods, or services. They may be shared across communities and subcultures to share a political message or story.
What is truly remarkable about them is that they give marginalized groups a platform to express themselves, especially if they do not have adequate money and resources. These miniature booklets frequently include niche, risqué, and counterculture messages that do not gain traction in mainstream media. Zines represent raw self-expression. But where did they come from?
The history of zines
Forgotten Black history
It is a common misconception that zines were invented in the 1930s by the Science Correspondents Club. However, this is not true. Black socialists developed zines during the Harlem Renaissance, largely because funds were low and publishers were less willing to work with creatives of color. These mini-magazines included poetry, prose, artwork, and critiques of white culture. However, the true origin of zine-making is typically ignored in favor of discussing White men.
Fandom culture
The Science Correspondents Club is frequently credited with creating the first zine (with some debate over technicalities). Titled The Comet, it featured a section where members would discuss science and science fiction.
The Comet led to a trend of zines based around science fiction content; for instance, Star Trek notoriously had many fan-zines. When the original show was under threat of cancellation, the fandom gathered around the mini booklets and created a letter-writing campaign to keep the show running.
Punk and Riot Grrl subcultures
The punk subculture eventually became the primary producer of zines in the 1970s and 1980s, as copy shops made it easier and cheaper to distribute copies of zines. Unlike the science fiction zines, punk zines had a grungier aesthetic that was less confined by straight lines. The early punk scene showed so much dedication to their zines that creators were able to secure interviews with musicians who later became big names.
This transitioned into the riot grrl scene in the 1990s. Like the punk subculture, riot grrl is based around subversion and music. However, it has a more feminist slant than traditional punk, and its zines reflect that. Many were politically charged and discussed topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and hopes for a more egalitarian future.
LGBT community
It is especially important to note that the queer community has long used zines as a means of political expression. In the 1980s, when the US government refused to address the AIDS crisis, queer people made zines to spread information and support one another. The queer and Black communities relied on this medium to uplift their members and engage in activism. Thus, we mustn’t leave these groups out when covering the history of zines.
Why you should make a zine.
Anyone can blab about the history of an artistic medium, but it’s not an incentive to engage with it. Here are some (of many reasons) to pull out your pens and get crafting:
1. Zines are an accessible art project
Unlike canvas paintings, charcoal drawings, pottery, and woodworking, zines require very few (and inexpensive) supplies. This means there is no major starting investment in the medium, as you can use supplies you already have.
Additionally, because zines are a response to the inaccessibility of magazines, there are no standards for a finished product. It can look however you want it to look.
2. New hobby alert!
Consuming content is not a hobby. When you have that harrowing realization, you may feel empty inside. Fill that void with something that inspires you.
Hobbies are an imperative activity to stay sane and make friends in our individualistic and capitalistic society. Scrolling through your phone for hours numbs you — it does not replenish you like a hobby. Zines can take the role of a social media feed because you can write your entire life story without posting a thing.
3. You can share ideas or messages about anything
You can write about absolutely anything in a zine and be certain of who sees it. When you post to TikTok or Twitter, there is absolutely no guarantee your content will reach anyone. On the flip side, anything you post (privately or publicly) is eternal.
Zines give you control over exactly who can access your thoughts. You can leave them at local libraries or cafes if you want to share, give them to friends if you only want a few eyes, or completely hide them away.
4. Engage in queer/punk history
If you identify with the LGBT community or punk subculture, making and exchanging fanzines with one another is a great way to connect to your history. While it’s by no means a lost art form, their emergence in subcultures and countercultures makes them far from mainstream as well.
Exchanging zines can help you build or find a community where you live, especially if your stories are not being represented properly. Truly, this art form is about connection. Engaging with your subculture’s history and fellow members can help you feel less alone.
How to make a zine
Now that you’re (hopefully) inspired, it’s time to talk about how to make a zine! It is worth noting that there are thousands of different ways to bind a zine and infinite possibilities after that. Here are some of the most common ways to start with this flexible medium.
Minizines
A popular favorite, these only require a singular piece of printer paper and a pair of scissors. Fold the paper into eighths and cut where the seams overlap. Then unfold and open into a booklet.
Saddle binding and staples
This is the classic method you’ve probably been aware of since Kindergarten. Fold the papers in half and staple down the center seam.
Sewn bindings
Binding your zines with a needle and thread isn’t as daunting as it seems. Pierce three holes down the center of the booklet and stitch them together.
Ready to go? Here are some zine prompts!
Because there are infinite options to make a zine about, you may feel unsure of where to start. Here are some ideas to get you that spark of inspiration:
- Your gender/sexuality
- Your daddy/mommy issues
- A political figure you respect
- A political figure you despise
- Your favorite musician or band
- Things that make you happy
- How your month has been
- People who have wronged you
- Messages to strangers to leave in coffee shops
- Music you’re listening to
- Comic books
- Fandoms
- Information about an issue that resonates with you
- Mental health
- Restaurants you adore
- Places you’ve visited
Make a zine! Right now!
You have the entire world at your fingertips, and zines are the way to inexpensively reach people in your community. Ranting online is not a way to connect. Dust off your craft supplies and hunt down your stapler, because zines are about to become your new obsession!
