Throughout the ages, different forms of media have grown and changed alongside society, ushering in new forms of journalism to be explored. From the digital world to printed media, there are many different ways of spreading information these days, but I believe that the most fun and creative way to do so is through Zines.
First off, what is a Zine? The name “Zine” is taken from the shortened word “magazine”, and they are small photocopied or handmade folded booklets. Zines are kept very local, being self-published or produced within a community.
This independent aspect is integral to Zine culture, as local publishing allows diverse voices to express themselves outside the constraints of traditional news. This diversity of thought and expression allows for greater community building between people, and helps others observe others’ lived realities.
One of the most important aspects of Zine making is that it is an easily accessible vehicle for ideas, expression and art. To make a Zine, all you need is a single piece of paper and some writing utensils, which is something that everyone has, allowing anyone to express themselves through Zine making.
The first Zines were created around the 1930s, and they were small, self-published, fan magazines that celebrated science fiction novels. Fan culture and fandom in general deeply impacted the growth of Zines in the 1960s-70s, with the most famous and well-loved zines being made by fans of Star Trek.
After copy shops were popularized in the 1970s, Zine making was revolutionized now that copies could be made much quicker and cheaper. During the latter half of the 1970s, Zines were being co-opted by grassroots political organizations during this time of political unrest.
Zine making in these political groups, especially those participating in the second-wave feminist movement, used the accessibility and simplicity of zine production to spread information and beliefs. Nowadays, Zines can be found anywhere, with digital archives of Zines from all across the globe hosted on the internet.
In a joint effort between the U.D. Journalism Department and The Cor Chronicle, Zine culture was brought to the University of Dallas during a Zine Making event that happened on Monday, Apr. 28.
This event allowed students to be educated on the history of Zines and allowed them to personalize their creation. At the beginning of the event, students were greeted with a small how-to sheet describing how to fold and create a Zine, and then sat down for a presentation.
The presentation described the culture of Zines and showed a tutorial video at the end, showing the creation of a Zine. Following the short presentation, everyone went through the various art supplies provided and began crafting their very own Zine!
There was such a wide variety of colored papers, patterned scrapbook paper, magazines, glitter stickers, tapes, markers and printed images to take from and use artistically. Walking around the room, I loved seeing how each different person customized their Zines, with people theming their Zines about a variety of things, with some making Zines about their personal lives, partners or just random objects they liked.
In the end, everyone who attended got to learn about a new form of media and enjoy some stress-free time before finals, collaging together with friends and fellow students. Overall, this Zine making event highlighted how self-expression and community can join together to celebrate a unique form of alternative media.
As the semester winds down, this event allowed students a chance to unwind and an opportunity to become educated about an underground and expressive form of media and paper art. Whether used as a personal outlet or a tool for intercommunal communication, Zines continue to prove that journalism can be as immersive, bright and unique as its creators.