Have You Ever Made a Zine?
Have you ever made a Zine?
Not a Zine in the classical sense. Not a one page book that you intend to reproduce and distribute.
I’m just talking about the Zine book structure. Using this simple one page handmade book structure to create mixed media art on that becomes a small book.
Before I go on to tell you about my Zine experiences, I think it is important to mention what a Zine truly is. I asked Chat GPT, and I got a great answer. In the classical sense, a Zine is this:
“A zine is a self-published, small-circulation magazine or booklet, usually produced by individuals or small groups working outside of mainstream publishing houses.
Zines are often created for personal expression, artistic exploration, or to communicate niche interests and subcultures. They can cover a wide range of topics including art, literature, politics, music, activism, personal narratives, and more.
Zines are typically printed using inexpensive methods such as photocopiers, and they often have a handmade or DIY aesthetic. The content of zines can vary widely in style and format, ranging from handwritten text and drawings to computer-generated layouts.
Zines have a long history dating back to the early 20th century, and they continue to be a popular form of self-publishing and creative expression today.”
Zines created by Megan Quinlan in the course "Zines-3 Ways” on Willa Workshops
I don’t make books for reproduction.
If you know anything about me and my art, you might know that the primary purpose of my art creation is the pure enjoyment of the creation process. I’m not looking to make a statement, not looking to influence other people’s political or other opinions. I make art because it can help me process my own complex emotions while allowing me to release any negative or stuck energy that my body is holding onto.
I created the Zine above while listening to a Mel Robbins podcast episode where she describes her “Let Them Theory.” It was extremely helpful for me to listen to Mel’s Let Them Theory at the time when I really needed to. I wanted to create something so that I could really sit with her ideas and get the chance at remembering them, that’s why the words in this Zine are the words that Mel was speaking, but also the thoughts that were coming up for me as I was listening to her speak.
So now that I have established that I don’t create Zines in the classical sense, I want to share with you why Zine making is still one of my favorite creative endeavors.
Tiffany’s “Stitched All Over Zines”
A Zine to me is these things:
a small, handmade book
a relatively quick project that has a very accomplishable goal
a way to focus my energy and thoughts on one subject, one question or one theme at a time
a way to get my collage art fix (just the simple act of tearing or cutting paper and gluing it down is extremely satisfying and lends itself to getting into flow state very quickly)
literally the PERFECT use for some extra collage fodder you have
the finished project is often wonderful, and fun add to my collection of handmade books
Zines-3 Ways with Tiffany. Megan and Wendy
My interpretation of Tiffany’s “Stitched All Over Zines”
Tiffany, Megan and I came together to create this new course for Willa Workshops because we all absolutely adore making Zines.
“I began creating these Stitched All Over Zines as a way to use up some of the leftover bits and pieces of my favorite collage fodder from other projects. I enjoy the process of creating fodder so much that I tend to over produce the amount necessary for one project. I couldn't bear to part with any of these beautiful pieces of handmade papers, so I began to make mastersheets with them. Of course, I couldn’t help but to add some stitching, and that’s how the Stitched All Over Zine came about.
I wanted a lot of texture in my zine, so I incorporated elements such as tissue paper and stitching. The loose and meandering type of machine stitching reminded me of my quilting days when I used to do free motion quilting. This, combined with the not-quite-stuck-down edges of each piece of fodder gives an imperfect, scrappy look that I tend to love!”
-Tiffany Sharpe
Megan’s interpretation of Wendy’s Words Zine
Whether you have made zines in the past or are totally unfamiliar with this structure, you will have fun in this course, learn new things and of course, get into that deep state of calm that comes with creation.
“The simple act of folding, tearing and then gluing down paper is SO shockingly satisfying to me. Anytime I get a chance to do collage art, it is a flow state experience guaranteed! That’s why I love making these small handmade Zine books so much.
A big part of my art process is using creation as a way of processing my thoughts, feelings and anything difficult that I am personally experiencing at the time. I often turn to podcasts or audible books to learn and grow through what I am going through. When I am listening to something deeply meaningful to me AND making art at the same time, that is my personal happy place.
The Zines that I create in this course are the perfect combination of flow state collaging and introspection using words and phrases. I can’t wait to see how you interpret my lessons in this course too. I want to see how you find your meaning through your art!”
-Wendy Solganik
Tiffany’s interpretation of all three different Zines in the course Zines-3 Ways
Megan makes Tiffany’s Stitched All Over Zine
“Zines were one of the first ways I came to book making. It was such a simple structure to do if you had little supplies and a piece of paper. In a few minutes you could make an instant book to play in. In fact, when I was an Administrative Assistant and had very little to do at my desk, I would secretly create zines at my desk to pass the time! Flash forward to now, and with the world of mixed media there is so much more you can do with the zine concept.
I love picking something I’m obsessing over, it could be an image or a color combination and create a zine around that concept. This is the concept for my class, picking a theme to center your zine around. It’s my way for paying tribute to that moment in time, where I am exploring a theme that I love. Then when I look back through the zine after time has passed, all the excitement and feelings come up that surrounded me while creating my little book. It’s one of my favorite ways to create, and I love that I never need too much to get started.”
-Megan Quinlan
Have you tried making a Zine? Please share your experience in the comments section.
