Exploring Interests Through Zines

Let's Do This

This tip content comes from Write Pittsburgh! The information was shared during our Won't You Be a Writer? Event at Stay Gold Books on 10/1. 

Everyone has their passions, interests, and/or obsessions - the things they get excited to talk about (or, potentially, write about). When students can explore those ideas, it pushes assignments toward the fun end of the work-fun spectrum. Creating zines are a great exercise for doing this. 

zine 
/zēn/ [ZEEN]
noun

1. short for magazine or fanzine

2. a self-published, small, or noncommercial booklet, which is created by an individual

Why a Zine?

The beauty of zine-making is that youth can choose how to visually compose and present information, and they can offer flexibility for how youth express themselves and engage with others on a topic.

Zines can range from random and sloppy cut-and-paste collage techniques to carefully handwritten and organized layouts.

Youth can use other art forms to fill their zines like collage, screen-printing, drawing, painting, calligraphy, and more. 

They can use zines to share information and their unique perspective while forming connections with those who share the same interests.

Let's Try It: Single-Sheet Zines

Stay Inspired

Youth can fill their zine with whatever they want! Some ideas could be things like: 

• A fanzine celebrating their favorite musician, character, show, etc.
• A series of short poems about their favorite hobby.
• A perzine about their identity or important moment in their life.
• A tip or how-to guide about their favorite hobby.