What is a Zine?

Zines are a small but mighty tool for creativity. Loved by unique subcultures, artists and creatives, these “mini magazines” offer boundless self-expression and are accessible to everyone. 

With Zine printing now available at Printed.com, we wanted to dive into these fabulous little booklets. 

If you’re not familiar with Zines – we’re here to help! This guide covers everything from what a Zine is to the fascinating history, cultural significance, and some ideas of how to make your own. 

Table of contents

What is a Zine?

The history of Zines

How are Zines made?

Ideas to make your own Zine

What is a Zine?

Zines are small-circulation booklets or magazines featuring a mix of text and images. They are usually self-published, with a strong DIY ethos and independent spirit. Anyone can make a Zine about any topic, but they are firmly rooted in art, poetry, music, culture and self-expression. 

As Zines are usually made by individuals or small groups, they’re able to include work that reflects the creator’s unique passions and perspectives, from essays and poems to illustration and design work. 

The history of Zines

The term ‘Zine’ comes from ‘fanzine’, or ‘fan magazine’. The earliest iterations appeared in the early 20th century, and remain influential to this day:

• “The Messenger”, published in 1917, focused on Black politics and creative culture. 
• “The Comet”, produced in 1930 by the Science Correspondence Club in Chicago.
• “FIRE!!” published in 1926 was an African-American Zine and is still considered a radical milestone in Black literary history despite only one issue being produced. 

Cover of “The Comet” by the Science Correspondence Club.

Zines gained more significant traction in the 1970s and 80s with the rise of the punk rock movement. They became a creative outlet and a medium for these alternative, underground communities and subcultures. 

Some of the most notable publications came slightly later in the early 1990s, in the form of the ‘Riot Grrrl’ movement. 

Riot Grrrl began when a group of women in Washington decided to address sexism in the punk scene – encouraging women to create their own music and fanzines. Bands like Bikini Kill and Bratmobile were at the forefront of the movement, and even produced their own, including “Bikini Kill: A Color and Activity Book” which featured poems, documents and interviews. 

While this era is considered the most lucrative for Zine culture, they’ve always been a way for marginalised and underground communities to connect, tell their stories, and organise. 

Image credit: feministprotest.net

How are Zines made?

The whole ethos of Zines is to be a medium that’s open to everyone. So, in their simplest form, Zines are made from one piece of paper that’s folded and cut to create a small booklet. 

Our Zine printing process stays true to this traditional format, by using folded sheets of paper that are stapled along the fold. This is why you need to ensure your total page count is a multiple of four when you order yours. 

We use saddle stitch binding that uses strong staples, so your work will be presented in a long-lasting format. You can choose from a wide range of premium papers, including eco-conscious options that feel authentic to your work. You can also add foiling to your front cover for a premium finishing touch.

With a maximum of 84 pages available, printing Zines has never been easier!

In terms of contents, the world is your oyster when it comes to Zine making! It offers complete creativity. Some creators use pens and pencils, others design theirs digitally, some like using a collaging method with cutouts from newspapers, magazines, book extracts, and more.

Ideas to make your own Zine

The blank pages can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to be an artist to get involved in Zine making. They’re a great way to get creative in any way you like. With this in mind, here are a few ideas and prompts to get you inspired:

Commemorate a holiday

Going on a trip with family or friends? Use your tickets, photos and receipts to create a unique memento of your time away. The Zine becomes a small, curated memory bank of a special time, and ensures the little things you collect along the way don’t go to waste. 

Create a thoughtful gift

A handmade Zine makes a lovely gift for anyone special in your life. A curated collection of your favourite memories together is tough to beat! 

Make a mini photo album

The limited space of a Zine forces you to think carefully about the photos you include in your miniature album. It also allows you to get creative with layout and how you present your chosen pictures. You can also add decorations, illustrations, notes and more to add a personal touch. 

Pick a hobby or interest

Are you a keen birdwatcher? Do you love to knit, roller skate, or make pottery? Make a Zine about it! It’s a great way to engage with something you enjoy in a new way. You could look into the history of your favourite hobby, or research a topic you’re interested in. 

Zine printing at Printed.com 

Our Zine printing service encourages complete creativity! Print on a maximum of 84 high-quality pages, ensuring your voice gets heard.

Choose from high-quality papers, and produce a Zine with authentic content and a professional finish.

You can find further guidance in our artwork support guide for books, or get in touch via theteam@printed.com – we’re here to help!