What is a Zine and Why I LOVE Making them!
In the realm of self-expression and grassroots journalism, zines (short for "magazines") hold a special place. These DIY publications are more than just homemade magazines; they are a powerful medium for voices that are often sidelined by mainstream media. As an artist, I have always loved mixed media collage as well as writing and journaling, so zines quickly became one of my favorite things to create which is why I can’t stop making videos about them! Below, we’ll dive more into what a zine is, its history and I’ll also link my new zine-making template for anyone who would like to start making their own zines (hint - if you are a beginner zine maker, this will be perfect for you)!
What is a Zine?
The History of Zines
The roots of zine-making can be traced back to the fanzines of the 1930s, which were created by science fiction enthusiasts. These early examples set the stage for the zine's evolution, providing a blueprint for future generations to adapt and expand upon. The 1970s and 1980s saw a significant rise in the zine culture with the punk movement, where zines became a critical form of communication among music fans and bands in the underground punk scene.
In the 1990s, the riot grrrl movement utilized zines as a central element of their activism, addressing issues like sexism, body image, and identity. These zines were fiercely personal and often confrontational, reflecting the urgency and raw emotion of the movement.
Why Are Zines Important?
Freedom of Expression: They provide a platform for voices that are typically excluded from mainstream media.
Community and Solidarity: Zines foster a sense of community and are often created as part of a network of people who share similar interests and ideologies.
Creativity and Innovation: They encourage creativity, not only in writing and art but also in physical production and distribution methods.
Education and Activism: Zines are used as tools for education and activism, spreading information and ideas that can challenge societal norms and ignite change.
Zines in the Digital Age
While digital media might seem to dominate the publishing world, zines have not lost their relevance. In fact, the rise of the internet has facilitated the spread of zine culture, allowing zine creators to reach a global audience and inspire a new generation of zine-makers. Today, zines continue to thrive at zine fests, in independent bookstores, and through online platforms, where they adapt and grow while still retaining their core characteristics of autonomy and personal touch.
My Zine Template
Here is a link to the template I created for making 4, 8 and 16 page zines. Once downloaded, you’ll be able to access a video tutorial I created using the template for more detailed folding techniques and instructions. Hope you enjoy!!
