INTRODUCTION
An introduction and attempt to provide a mass form of mentorship, offering insight and access to artists who want to explore the world of zine-making. This resource is dedicated to fostering creativity and self-expression, regardless of background or experience level.
1. HOW TO DISCOVER YOUR PASSION?
First, look around. What are you passionate about? What do you want to show people? Pick that thing and start assembling your zine. This step might take a while, but don’t overthink it. Zines are there for you to make mistakes and try different things.
For me, the concept behind a zine is the most vital aspect of its creation. Your zine should serve as a canvas for your thoughts, ideas, and artistic expressions. Don't be afraid to experiment with different themes and formats, as the beauty of zines lies in their diversity and flexibility.
2. HOW TO CREATE / CAPTURE YOUR CONTENT?
If you are doing art or clothing, you want to take high-quality pics of your art or clothing. Ask a friend or use an iPhone; it’s good enough for a zine. Don’t waste time. Getting it done is more important than taking five months to get the content. If you’re doing film photography, Polaroids, journal entries, or sketches, anything along those lines, find a good scanner and scan your photos or take digital photos of your negatives. Use Adobe Creative Cloud to edit them to the desired look. I get my film scanned at Gold 1 Hour Photo in Koreatown.
A zine is a reflection of your unique perspective and creativity. Dive into the process of creating content for your zine, whether it's through drawing, writing, collage, or photography. Embrace the freedom to express yourself authentically and experiment with different mediums and styles.
3. HOW TO USE ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD?
Use Adobe Creative Cloud to create your desired zine. I use Photoshop and InDesign for mine. It’s very important to pick the size and number of desired pages before starting a zine, so it forces you to stay within guidelines and it’s easier to finish your design. Mine has 70 pages, including the cover/back cover as well as the inside cover and inside back pages. You might want to have less than 40 pages if you are printing it yourself because it might be difficult to staple them together if you aren’t using the right machines. If the book is open the left side would count as a page and the right would count as another page.
Design plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of your zine. Learn the fundamentals of layout, typography, and visual storytelling to create a cohesive and engaging zine that captivates your audience. Experiment with different design elements to find a style that resonates with your artistic vision.
4. HOW TO PRINT, ASSEMBLE AND PRICE YOUR ZINE?
Once the design is finished, you want to get prices for printing. Search on Yelp and Google and call as many places as possible and have your page count and size ready. Ask if they assemble the zines and what the minimum order is. Start there.
Ask to set up a time so you can visit their facility and get a sample print. Go feel the paper stock they have available for the covers and pages.
Before getting a final quote from a print shop ask your friends what they would pay for a zine of yours; show them the design you have in mind then divide that price in half and that’s the max you should be paying per zine.
5. HOW TO MAKE A DIY ZINE?
Explore various methods for assembling and binding your zine, from simple stapling to more intricate stitching or gluing techniques. Let your creativity guide you as you transform individual pages into a cohesive publication.
From paper and pens to scissors and glue, gathering the right materials is essential for bringing your zine to life if you're taking a more DIY approach. Explore various options for sourcing materials and encourage resourcefulness in finding alternatives if certain supplies are not readily available.
6. HOW TO SELL YOUR ZINE?
Selling your zine: get a website and gather email subscribers. It’s more important to have a bad website up than not have one at all. So get on it. Speed is important in making money. I use shopify. Get inspired by my layout here www.unwrapandsteal.com
7. HOW TO MARKET YOUR ZINE?
Product shots: make sure you get videos of your zines and product shots and use creative marketing techniques to promote your zines. This part no one can really teach you; you just have to experiment and try what works for you and your audience. Do not just put them out as one post on your story or an IG post and pray that they sell. That’s the easiest way to fail. Don’t let your ego get in the way of you making money.
8. HOW TO NOT WASTE MONEY?
You can run pre-sales but know even if you sell one, you have to fulfill your promise to your customers. So be prepared to either make that one or get the minimum order made from the printer. Set money aside for the minimum order amount in the worst-case scenario. It’s very hard to make even one sale, so don’t quit or get discouraged when you don’t make a sale on the first drop. That’s part of the game. Keep pushing. This is the smartest way to start selling your work when you're first starting a brand. Don't go buying 1000 zines and hope they all sell out. Test the market first.
9. HOW TO DO A DROP?
Make sure you have your Shopify basics set up like payments, shipping, and much more. Set a release date and stick to that time and date of release. Let your customers know via email or socials.
10. HOW DO I USE A ZINE?
Zines are versatile mediums that can serve as visual portfolios, artistic journals, or platforms for sharing stories and perspectives. Explore the myriad uses for zines and embrace the freedom to experiment with different formats and themes. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the endless possibilities of zine-making.
11. UNWRAP ZINES VOL.1 & 2
I've created zines featuring my photographs to inspire you to embark on your own creative journey. Explore the pages to gain insight into my thought process and a deeper understanding of how my mind operates. Explore the links below.
12. INSPIRATION
CONCLUSION
As part of my commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity in the arts, I'm excited to offer this resource as a gateway to the world of zine-making. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a newcomer to the craft, I hope this guide inspires you to explore the boundless potential of zines as a medium for self-expression and community building.