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Zine Making at WPI: Zine Making 101

This guide is designed to help you learn more about zines -- what they are, how to make them, where to find digitized and digital zines, and opportunities to make zines at the Gordon Library.

Writer, filmmaker, and zine editor Ariel Bissett demonstrates how to make a zine and explains how there are no rules in zine making.

July 29, 2016

Ariel Bissett

How to Make a Zine

Zine editor, artist, and librarian Ann Matsushima Chiu explains what zines are, who can make zines, and how she assembles a "Eyeball Burp Publications" zine.

July 12, 2010

Intent.com

Zine Supplies

There are no set rules when it comes to zines. Here are some ideas for supplies you can experiment with:
  • copy paper
  • construction paper
  • old magazines
  • photos
  • scissors and/or precision knife
  • glue stick
  • tape
  • mod podge (3:1 mixture of white glue and water) and brush
  • markers
  • pens
  • stickers and/or washi tape
  • stamps
  • string
  • stapler
  • paints

Zinesters on TikTok

@brattyxbre Reply to @eternalsunshineofmymind now make that zine! 🙌🏽 #zinetok #zines #zinestersoftiktok #bipoctiktok ♬ Nice Boys - TEMPOREX

What Is A Zine?

Zines (pronounced "zeens" like in magazines) are non professional, non commercial, self distributed magazine-like creations. They are typically printed and distributed in small batches and have traditionally been designed to be easily reproduced and shared. They can be digital or paper, often combine words and images, and have their roots in literary zines like Fire!! out of the Harlem Renaissance, science fiction fanzines of the 1930's, and political activists of the 60's & 70's, and punk/D.I.Y. zines of the 90's and 2000's. Today zines can be made digitally, and print zines can more easily be digitized. Fanzines emerged when science fiction was not deemed literary enough to be reviewed and included in literary magazines of the era. Throughout history and into the present, zines have provided a space for underground and marginalized voices and communities. 

Digital Zine Tools

Zine Folding and Binding Techniques

Zine Inspiration

If you're not sure where to start for your zine, consider the following ideas:
  • search for journaling prompts or creative writing prompts you can respond to in zine form
  • turn your favorite quotes, poems, or lyrics into a zine
  • zines have their origins in "fan zines" and reviewing music and science fiction. Make a zine inspired by a favorite band, artist, tv show, movie, book series, etc.
  • ask friends, family members, or peers to contribute to a community zine where everyone contributes a page