Distinctions between zines, minibooks, chapbooks and other small books continually work to fade into each other. For this reason, this badge program will look at these as one entity.
Throughout this badge set, I’ll use the word “zine” for all versions of minibooks.
Steps
1. Events.
Local events featuring numerous zine artists happen all over the world. These artists also show at regular art shows. Artists may offer zines as a low-cost entry into their work. Look at local (and not so local) events and attend an event where zines are sold.
2. Workshops.
Local workshops teaching the steps to make zines is another way to enter this creative world. Be sure to check the ages as some are designed for kids only. You can still contact the venue /presenter to see if they offer an adult equivalent or you can go with your kids. Look for local art centers, libraries, supply stores, craft stores and other sources for art and craft workshops. Attend one.
3. Books.
Used bookstores may carry zines in a special section or even host a zine night where you can go in and meet the artists. I found one this way using MeetUp. The store owners like drawing in an audience and this is a great way to do so. You may need to go beyond your own town as there are not nearly as many used bookstores as there used to be.
4. Local artists.
Go where local artists hang out. Talk to owners of art galleries, artist communities and other creative locations. Even if they don’t hang out there, they can direct you to where other artists might be. Your community might even have a special event for local artists.
In our town, we have a “First Friday”event where all the galleries and small art shops stay open with finger foods while the community enjoys the art and meets the artists. It isn’t limited to people who create physical items. Street performers, restaurants and more join in to make it a wonderful evening.
5. Online.
You can purchase zines online from Etsy and other sources. Some artists sell on their own sites.
You can also use this as a way to find out about local offerings. Start with Meetup,Eventbrite and Craigslist for activities happening at local businesses. If your town or community has a website listing what’s happening or a community calendar, check it out.
Examine Zines
6. Type.
There are some distinct features for each type, but some overlap. You may notice that zines tend to be more hand-made and organic, but they can also be created digitally. Minibooks may be more directed to a younger crowd, but not necessarily. Chapbooks tend to feature poetry, but the other two do as well. As you can see, the lines between these three are blurred. Adding in items like microbooks, lapbooks, and more not only bring in different ways to use them, but add to the confusion.
7. Contents.
Look at the contents in the zines you find. What types of content do you enjoy and would be willing to pay for in a zine form?
- Drawing sand sketches
- Photos
- Informational articles
- How tos
- Comics
- Self-reflection
- Personal stories
- Social injustice
- Public domain
This list could get quite long, so I’ll stop here.
8. Design.
The design can be anything from a random cut and paste to a fully digital layout. Note what you like and don’t like about the design. What draws you into the zine?
NOTE: Most zines are made to be photocopied and distributed. For this reason, many are black and white. Keep this in mind as you’re looking at and critiquing the design as some choices may have been made to make sure it was reproducible.
9. Distribution.
Selling online or at local events are two ways artists distribute their zines. Often, they share with others who are also zine makers just for the fun of seeing someone else’s work. If you are interested in doing this, you may want to check out the other badges in this set:
- Zine Basics
- Zine Makers I (with more to come).
Badge and Supplement Files
Member Level
- EP_BadgeList_Zine MB Explorer_larajla — list of badge items
- EP_BadgeSet_Zine MB Explorer_larajla — list of badge set and related badges
- EP_Supp_List_Zine MB Explorer_larajla — list of supplements for the badge
- SUPP_BPG_ZineMB Explorer_2in_12up_larajla — generic badge printable
- SUPP_Zine MB Explorer_Journal_larajla— badge journal
- SUPP_ZineMB Explorer_Planner_larajla — badge planner
Supplement Fun
- SUPP_Printable_MB_HalloweenToday_larajla — Printable: Minibook – Halloween Games Today
- SUPP_Printable_MB_HalloweenVintage_larajla — Printable: Minibook – Halloween Games Vintage
- SUPP_Printable_MB_Would You RatherI_larajla — Printable: Minibook – Would You Rather / Blank
- SUPP_Printable_MB_Would You RatherII_larajla — Printable: Minibook – Would You Rather with Questions
- SUPP_Printable_MB_Zen Letters_larajla— Printable: Minibook – ENRICH Letters for Zendoodle
- SUPP_Printable_MB_Zen Silhouettes_larajla— Printable: Minibook – Silhouettes for Zendoodle
Extras*
- Unbored01_IndoorBuilder_425_55_16p_larajla — Printable: Zine – Unbored Zine 01: Indoor Builder
- Unbored02_MakeGames_425_55_24p_larajla — Printable: Zine – Unbored Zine 02: Make Games
- Unbored03_SoloEndeavors_425_55_24p_larajla — Printable: Zine – Unbored Zine 03: Solo Endeavors
- Unbored04_FamilyTrivia_425_55_24p_larajla — Printable: Zine – Unbored Zine 04: Family Trivia
- Zine_1s_8p_color06_larajla —Printable: Zine – Color Zine from Color Rounds: Rounds on the 6s
- Zine_1s_8p_color09_larajla —Printable: Zine – Color Zine from Color Rounds: Rounds on the 9s
- Zine_1s_8p_color12_larajla —Printable: Zine – Color Zine from Color Rounds: Rounds on the 12s
- Zine_Power One_2018_09_300_larajla — Printable:Zine – Power of One Zine / hand drawn
*These were released on the blog and are not official supplements.
Sites to Explore
- merrick.library.miami.edu/cdm/search/collection/zines
- www.dvzine.org/zine/DIY.html
- toleratedindividuality.wordpress.com/zine-library
- www.sproutdistro.com/catalog/pdfs
- groundupzine.wordpress.com/pdf
- issuu.com/optophonic/docs/optophonic_zine_printable
- issuu.com/search?q=zine
Get the infographic here > larajla blog post
Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs