Read Time:8 Minute, 8 Second

By William Van Zyl

Published on 5 October 2023.

Table of Contents

Short intro video: Creating a small blank zine booklet in under 30 seconds – from one size A4 page (magaZINE).

Link the video: https://youtu.be/ab4O9SWNl9g?feature=shared

Introduction

In the vibrant world of artistic expression, zines emerge as unique and personal avenues for self-publishing. Originating from the punk subculture in the 20th century, zines have evolved into diverse and inclusive mediums for artists to share their thoughts, ideas, and creativity. This article delves into the essence of zines in the context of art, showcasing their significance, examples, and inspiring prompts for aspiring creators. I also include a simple lesson plan for high school students, teachers, and homeschoolers. See the lesson at the end of the article. As you read the article think about a zine theme that interests you. What type of zine will you create?

Understanding Zines

Definition

A zine, short for “fanzine” or “magazine,” is a small, self-published work that combines text and images to convey a specific theme or narrative. Zines are often created independently or collaboratively, with content ranging from personal stories and poetry to political commentary and visual art. Why not create a zine in a group and develop your collaboration skills?

Example of a simple zine. Sketches (black ink) with freehand writing (ink). ‘Living with Insomnia.’ Credit (taken from Pinterest): behance.net Link: https://pin.it/DLtCdDc

For inspiration: A more extravagant ZINE. Cardboard with colour-printed images (or original artwork). See how parts have been cut out on the front page with a craft knife. This technique requires more creativity and planning. Imagine what your ZINE could look like if you cut out some parts of the different pages. What will be in the background when you read it? Credit: mollybrooks.com Link: https://pin.it/3DsWKj8 (taken from Pinterest).

Artistic Expression

Zines offer artists a platform to express themselves freely, unrestricted by traditional publishing norms. They are characterised by their handmade feel, often produced through photocopying or simple printing methods. This raw aesthetic contributes to the authenticity and charm of zines.

Inclusion of Images

Images play a crucial role in zine creation, adding depth and visual appeal to the narrative. Artists use a variety of mediums, from traditional illustration and collage to photography and digital art, to convey their message. The juxtaposition of images and text creates a unique storytelling experience.

What should a zine include?

Zines are a bricolage (something constructed or created from a diverse range of things) of various images, texts, stories, and messages. Here is a list of just a few of the things you can do with the zine format:

Publish a range of any type of sketches (quick sketches, urban sketches, architecture, people, technical sketches [things], illustrations, and more)
Display any range or set of drawings or paintings (pencil, ink, watercolours, acrylic paint, oil paintings, chalk, charcoal, pastels, and more)
Produce mini-comic illustrations or tell a short story (black and white or colour). You could use online software like Canva to create a comic strip or comic book.
Document recipes with whimsical illustrations and sketches (black and white or in colour)
Tell stories or convey a message with images (photo collages and more)
Add a creative touch to Google Images: Edit the images with free online image editing software (e.g. Krita or Photopea). Similar to Adobe Photoshop

Remember, you are free to choose any theme or use any media you are passionate about. Be creative and innovative. Express yourself, tell a story, take action, communicate an important aspect, show details, express your funny side, and much more.

Different Types of Zines

1. Perzines

Personal zines, or perzines, focus on the creator’s personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. They provide an intimate glimpse into the artist’s life, making them highly relatable and authentic.

Example: “The Comet” by Ashley Ronning – A perzine exploring the artist’s journey through life changes and self-discovery.

2. Fan Zines

Fan zines celebrate and explore fandoms related to a specific movie, TV show, band, or cultural phenomenon. They allow creators to share their love and interpretations of beloved characters and themes.

Example: “The Biscuit Chronicles” by Sarah Myer – A fan zine dedicated to exploring the world of a fictional character through art and short stories.

3. Political Zines

Political zines serve as a powerful tool for activism and advocacy. Artists use this medium to express their views on social issues, challenge norms, and inspire change.

Example: “Riot Grrrl Zine” – Rooted in feminist punk culture, this zine addresses gender inequality and empowers individuals to challenge societal norms.

Prompts for Zine Creation

1. “A Day in the Life”

Capture a day in your life through a visual storytelling zine. Include sketches, photographs, or collages representing different moments, emotions, and experiences throughout the day.

2. “Dreamscape Chronicles”

Create a surreal zine inspired by your dreams. Use abstract imagery, vivid colours, and imaginative narratives to convey the ethereal quality of dreamscapes.

3. “Hidden Histories”

Explore untold stories or forgotten histories through a historical zine. Research and illustrate events, figures, or movements that have had a significant impact but are often overlooked.

4. “Collage Confessions”

Express your thoughts and emotions through a collage-style zine. Cut and paste images, words, and textures to visually represent your inner world.

5. “Microcosmic Worlds”

Design a zine that explores microscopic or fantastical worlds. Use macro photography, digital art, or detailed illustrations to bring tiny universes to life within the pages.

More Zine prompts:

Don’t have an idea for a zine? Here is a link (library) with 177 prompts to start you off..

Zine Ideas

Conclusion

With their rich history and diverse forms, Zines continue to be a canvas for artistic expression. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, diving into the world of zines offers a unique and liberating experience. Through the combination of images and text, zines allow for the exploration of personal narratives, fandoms, political activism, and beyond, making them a dynamic and influential medium in the realm of art.

For art and design teachers and homeschoolers, I include a simple ZINE LESSON PLAN for high school students. Teachers of language: Why not use a zine to spark and integrate different subject areas into the lesson? Consider embedding more into the zine, like History, lessons learned, details, different languages (e.g. Māori, Spanish, French, and more), political issues, issues and problem areas for children and teenagers, mental health, expressing personal views, expressing diverse views, take action (e.g. protect rainforests and endangered species), and more.

Lesson Plan: Exploring Creativity through Zine-Making.

Grade Level: High School (14 to 18 year-olds)

Subject: Art and Design

Duration: 2 to 3 weeks (or 12 class periods)

Objectives:

Understanding Zines:
- Students will learn about the history and significance of zines as a form of artistic expression.
- They will explore different types of zines and their visual elements.
Creative Expression:
- Students will experiment with various artistic mediums (drawing, collage, photography) to express their ideas visually.
- They will develop their style within the zine format.
Communication Skills:
- Students will practice effectively combining images and text to convey a theme or narrative.
- They will discuss and share their zines with peers, promoting constructive critique and feedback.

Week 1: Introduction to Zines

Day 1-2: What is a Zine?

Begin with a brief history of zines and their roots in subcultures.
Showcase examples of different types of zines, emphasising the diversity of artistic expression.
Discuss the role of images in storytelling within the zine format.

Day 3-4: Exploring Themes

Brainstorm and discuss potential themes for the students’ zines.
Encourage individuality and creativity in selecting themes that resonate with each student.

Day 5: Planning and Sketching

Introduce the concept of layout and planning within the zine format.
Students sketch a rough outline of their zines, considering the placement of images and text.

Week 2: Creating the Zines

Day 6-7: Medium Exploration

Provide a variety of artistic mediums for students to experiment with (pencils, markers, magazines for collage, digital tools).
Students start creating the visual elements of their zines.

Day 8-9: Adding Text and Finalizing

Discuss the importance of text in complementing visual elements.
Students add captions, narratives, or quotes to accompany their images.
Finalise the layout and design of their zines.

Day 10: Sharing and Reflection

Students share their completed zines with the class.
Facilitate a discussion on the creative process, challenges faced, and what they learned from the experience.
Encourage constructive feedback and reflections on their peers’ work.

Assessment:

Creativity and Originality: Assess the uniqueness of themes, visual elements, and overall creative expression.
Effective Use of Mediums: Evaluate how well students utilise different artistic mediums to convey their ideas.
Layout and Design: Consider the organisation and visual flow within the zine.
Communication Skills: Assess the effectiveness of combining images and text to convey a coherent theme or narrative.

Additional Resources:

Examples of zines from various artists and genres.
Tutorials on basic zine-making techniques.
Printing and binding resources for zine production.

By the end of this lesson plan, students will have not only created their own unique zines but also gained an appreciation for the diverse ways in which art can be expressed through this dynamic and accessible medium.