ZINE (noun)

\ ˈzēn\

: magazine

especially : a noncommercial often homemade or online publication usually devoted to specialized and often unconventional subject matter.

Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zine

Zines can be anything you want them to be.

A zine can be produced by hand on paper, with a photocopier, or digitally.

These self-published media combine ideas, art, and images to communicate a variety of messages and meanings by the author(s). Zines usually include one or more of the following:

• Drawings, sketches

• Comics, graphic stories

• Illustrations about life

• Collage on its own

• Collage mixed with words, shapes, textures

• Poetry, song lyrics, beliefs, philosophy, manifesto

However you make your zine, feel free to mix things up in whatever ways you imagine.

5-7-5

Consider writing a haiku on any topic you’d like. A “haiku” is a poem that does not rhyme. It is a verse style originated by the Japanese and has three lines. The first, second, and third lines are created with five syllables, seven syllables, five syllables, respectively. Here is an exmple:

just a single piece

folded paper middle cut

now you have a zine

Is there a right way to make a zine?

There is no ”right” or “wrong” way to make your zine! Anything you make is going to result in a fantastic zine.

When possible, please give credit to artists and authors who you borrow from. You might even consider sending a copy of your zine to the artist or author whose work you use.

What will your zine be about?

Here are a few ideas to get started making your zine:

• Your life

• Family, friends

• Your community

• Recipes

• Gardening

• Social issues

• Your heritage

• Your philosophy

• Dreams

• “How to” guide

• Silly stuff

• Memes

• Random thoughts

• Identity and identifications

• One topic, many perspectives

Tiny Zine Example

Here’s a zine style that you can make with a single sheet of 8.5” x 11” paper.

Please email me if you’d like a PDF copy for print. Folding directions are included. elizabeth@talkingseeds.com