This page is an all encompassing resource for anyone who wants to learn how to make zines! I share how I make zines, show different materials, share informational videos that helped me, and so much more!
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How I make my zines!
How I make my zines!
My step by step is most applicable to a basic 8 page 11x17 or 8.5x11 single paper zine but can be used in a general sense for other formats.
1.Choose a topic
Zines can be about anything from political parties to your grandmas salsa recipe! The possibilities are endless.
2. Reasearch
This is not always necessary as zines can be personal but it is absolutely essential if you plan on spreading factual information.
3. Fold to step 7
Using the How to Fold a simple 8 page zine guide at the top, fold to the 7th step to see guidelines for each page.
4. Label
Number off the little rectangles as seen in this picture so you understand the correct orientation.
5. Sketch out/Plan
Draw a small rectangle and split it into 8 sections like your folded piece of paper. Draw a general idea within each square what you want to do. This includes writing in what you want to say as well. I put the writing on its own little drawing.
6. Gather Materials
A more comprehensive list is available further down on this page but grab things like old magazines, glue sticks, colored pencils, etc...
7. Collage
Create all of the images for each page, whether Its through collaging, painting/drawing or printing pictures out.
8. Add text
I usually painstakingly pencil the words in with my own handwriting but you can print out your text and glue it in or even cut letters out from magazines.
9. Clear packing tape
This step is very important for the longterm survival of your project. Carefully lay packing tape over the different collage components. Make sure that you tape every page individually or it will not fold into the booklet.
10. Completion!
Now using the same 8 page folding guide from earlier, follow the guide like your finished zine is a blank sheet of paper. If you want to take your zine making to the next level you can unfold it and photocopy it so that the world can see. If you get a good scan and want to share it on this very website, go to the submissions page and upload your work!
Materials:
Materials:
Base Set
You do not need a lot to create a zine! This is the barest set of materials to get your ideas out there.
One sheet of copy paper
Pencil and/or Pen
Scissors
The sheet of copy paper is the base for your zine.
You can use the pencil/pen to make drawings and to write out text.
The scissors are for step 9 of the how to fold an 8 page zine tutorial at the top of this page.
Classic Set
This is the set of materials that I personally use!
One sheet of copy paper
Scissors
Glue stick and/or scotch tape
Pen/Pencil
Colored pencils
Magazines
Art Books
Stickers
Colored paper
Acrylic Paint
Packing tape
The sheet of copy paper is the base of the zine. I use the scissors not only to for step 9 of the 8 page zine tutorial at the top of this page but also for cutting collage components.
I prefer to use glue sticks because they don't crease like tape rolls on the back of thin paper, but both work.
Pen and Pencil is for illustrations and for text. I usually write with pencil first then line it with pen after as pen shows up better in black and white when photo copied. Colored pencils are also used for illustrations and add a great pop of color.
I cut up really anything that I can find to make interesting collages which means art books, magazines, stickers, really anything. You can also add old receipts, brochures, cut up trash and get really crafty with it.
Colored paper like simple construction paper can be used but if you can find nice handmade artists paper it is so much cooler. I have a set with so many different patterns colors and textures that are incredibly useful tp the creation of my zines.
I use acrylic paint for bold lettering, portraits and for backrounds mostly. Technically gouache and water color can also be used but copy paper does not hold up well so if you want to use this I would paint on watercolor paper than cut it out and glue it in.
Finally clear packing tape is used to seal everything in and protect the project.
Additional tools
These are things that I occasionally use within my zine making, things that have a higher price points, or are less accessible
Type writer
Books of stickers
Bone folder
Printer/ Scanner
Exacto knife
Stamps/ Print making tools
Type writers are great if you have somewhat lousy handwriting like me and are classic to zine making across generations. I got mine for 20 bucks at a garage sale in pristine condition but not many are as lucky as me. You can use the font "special elite" to replicate it if you are so inclined.
Books of stickers. I have two books of stickers that I use constantly in my zine making, Imaginarium Antique Stickers and the Antiquarian sticker book. Both are from the same company and are at a higher price point at 25$ a piece. Despite the price point they are great!
Bone folders are great if you lack long nails due to guitar playing or lesbianism so that you can get nicely pressed creases.
Printers/ scanners are widely availible at libraries post offices and copy shops so you don't need one at home. This one is obviously not useful at all if you just want to make zines for personal use.
Exacto knifes are small artistic knives for detailed cuts. I use them for tissue paper, small details, and for cutting out the centers of my Os.
I don't usually use stamps, like rubber stamps (although I suppose you could use postage stamps,) but they can add a cool vibe. As for print making tools this is only if you want to make your own stamps to add to your zines. This is not a print making site so do your own research.
Informational videos:
Informational videos:
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