MAKE YOUR OWN ZINE !!

Last month, I published a zine for the first time. I had already created zines in the past, but this was the first time I actually got the confidence and courage to let other people read it. I love the creativity that it takes to create one, the thought and time put into it.
Today, I'm going to take you through the steps of making your own zine, so that maybe I can make someone as passionate about it as I am.

(Photo via Pinterest)

What is a zine?
A zine (or fanzine) is a small-circulation self published magazine, usually made by/for fans of something or someone.
It originated in the 1930s within science fictions communities, and soon began to be used to discuss different topics. I, for example, started to learn about zines through the punk community. Punk zines are typically about politics, bands/music artists, and activism. They hugely influenced me and my creative mind.
Why YOU should make one
A zine gives you a realm of possibilities, you just need to learn to use that freedom and your creativity. I made many mistakes and a lot of zines before finally deciding to post one. Give yourself the time you need in order to learn and be proud and comfortable with what you're making.
Your zine can truly be about anything you want. Photography, cinema, music, politics, DIYs, history, sports, ... It's your choice.
Art is what we stay alive for. Pick up a pen, and start creating.
Materials
(Some of the materials in this list are not absolutely mandatory, they are simply helpful things you should keep in mind in case you need it.)
- Paper;
- Pens;
- Pencils;
- Magazines/books that you don't mind ruining;
- Images/Photos/Designs;
- Stamps;
- Glue;
- Scissors;
- Stickers;
- Stapler;
- Tape;
- X-acto knife;
- Newspapers;
- Patterned origami;
- Vinyl letters;
- Stencils;
- Ribbon;
- Glitter;
- Etc

Choose a theme
Before you can get started with the fun part, you have to go through the process of thinking of what you are actually going to talk about. What's the point of it? Why should people read it? What's your target audience? Is it going to be a digital or physical zine? You need to have an answer to all these questions in order to create an organized and engaging zine.

Here are some examples of themes that I find interesting:
- Reviews of your favorite films;
- Politics and current events;
- Personal experiences;
- Poems you've written;
- A niche interest;
- Etc.
In the end, a zine can be about anything, you just have to find it in yourself to be creative.
Find inspiration
We have the internet at our fingertips, why not take some advantage of it? There are so many old (and new) zines, photos, articles, and more, published online. As long as you don't copy the work of someone else, feel free to take inspiration from others.
I, personally, usually use Pinterest or the Internet Archive.
GLITTER, PICTURES, STICKERS, COLORS!
Any good zine has to have good decorations, something eye-catching, but don't forget that too much of it can make people feel overwhelmed and/or confused. You need to balance things in a way that would make other people want to read it, but also something that you would like.
Don't be afraid to express yourself! The most important thing is that you enjoy the outcome of what you've created.
Design the layout & put the pieces together
This is pretty self-explanatory. Decide how you want your zine to look overall, organize the pages, content, images and decor. Then, put it all together.
Distribute your zine! (optional)
If you want someone other than you to read your newly created zine, it's time to publish it! Whether you decide to print it and hand it out to people, or post it online, don't forget to not be afraid of people disliking it. You can't please everyone.

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antipatic

1755354968

this unearthed memories. back in high school my class made a magazine. i wrote in the poetry section. i still have it buried somewhere around the house but i don't even want to read the cringe i most likely wrote back then

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lol that's so cool tho! i'm glad my post was able to make you recall such a sweet memory <3

by 𝕸𝖆𝖉𝖆𝖑3𝖓𝖆; 1755356067; Report

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