Zines are a popular form of art and self-expression within punk communities, as well as an easy way to get information into the world. Short for magazine, zines were created in the 1930s, initially by science fiction communities. Eventually, the art form was adopted by other alternative communities, reaching peak popularity around the 1970s through the 90s. Zines became a safe way for ostracized communities to spread messages and information among themselves without fear of being shut down by a higher authority. Due to this relative anonymity, zines were (and still are) popular among Queer and leftist spaces, since they made it easier to spread resources without fear of retaliation. Zines have lost popularity following the rise of the internet, though they continue to maintain relevancy due to their accessibility. Anyone of any skill level can learn to make zines, and they are rather inexpensive to produce as well!

Step One: Planning

The first step to creating a zine, and really to creating any piece of art, is to plan out its purpose and design. For example, maybe you want to create a political zine raising awareness about a political candidate, or maybe you want to make a guide for LGBTQ+ youth looking to come out to their family and friends. Whatever your purpose may be, you also need to determine what you want your zine to look like and what methods you want to use to create it. If you’re an artist, this may look like drawing or painting on it yourself. If not, you’ll likely want to turn to collaging or even printing.

Step Two: Materials

The next step in the zine-making process is to gather the materials you’ll need. In terms of art supplies, that really depends on how you intend to decorate your zine. For example, if you intend to rely on printmaking techniques, you’ll need ink, stamp-making supplies, a paint roller, etc. Regardless of the technique you’ll be utilizing, you will also need paper, scissors, and, optionally, staples for stability. 

Step Three: Design

After you’ve gathered your required materials, it’s time for the fun part: creating the design of the zine! There are different patterns for making zines, but the one I’ll be focusing on contains 8 pages, including the cover. Decorate your zine according to the attached graphic, making sure the orientation of the panels aligns correctly. I would advise you to make the cover something eye-catching yet informative, so that you’re able to pull in more readers as well as clue them in on what your zine may be about. 

Step Four: Assembly

Once you’ve decorated your zine accordingly, the second-to-last step is to fold it along the panels. Firstly, fold it in half “hamburger style.” Cut a line between the third and eighth panels and fold it in half “hotdog style.” Push each side towards the middle, then fold together to make it into a booklet. You can staple the spine for more stability, but this is optional. Congratulations! You’ve just created your first zine.

Step Five: Distribution

Finally, the last step in creating a zine is sharing it with the world! You can make multiple versions of your zine or take the more efficient route and print copies. No matter what you decide to do, there are many ways to distribute copies of your zine to others. You can sell them online or in stores, leave them in a public place for people to take, or even just hand them out to strangers. There are plenty of options; it’s best to find what works for you and your intentions!

Zine making is an important form of art and messaging for many ostracized and underground communities. It’s a notoriously accessible and easy craft even for non-artists or beginners, and a wonderful way to spread a message or even advertise. Now you know how to make a zine, as well as a bit of the history behind them!

Our References

How to make a zine – The Creative Independent

How Zines Brought Power to Those on the Margins of Culture

How to Make a Zine: A Guide to Self-Publishing a Tiny DIY Book

Edited and Reviewed by Zoe Carter