start a zine

So, I have wanted to make my own zine since I first discovered the zine subculture…and that was probably ten years ago. In retrospect, the amount of free time I possessed in high school could definitely have been spent making a kick-ass, angry at the world zine. But I never got around to actually producing anything. Now that I am a fresh college graduate, I gotta do it now!

I think where I struggle the most is simply coming up with a unique angle for my zine. What interesting facet of myself or my interests would translate nicely into photocopied pages?

I do love zines that have comic drawings, so I definitely would like to include that. Beyond this, I want hand lettered pages, but in terms of topics…I’m blank.

Because I <3 publication design.

...now I just need my own computer.

I have a small zine. I don’t have ads or sponsors. I pay for it myself and it is expensive and virtually thankless. I still feel that it is a valid way to convey something to the general public without the red tape of typical writing avenues.

You should probably only be doing a zine if you’re really freaking compelled to.

I’ve started two and they were both short lived, labor intensive, expensive to make, and thankless.

http://www.latherrinserepeat.org.uk :D

That’s what Al Franken did when he decided on the title “Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot”—thought it up and split for Florida. Hee. I’ll have to settle for Coney Island, which is a mere 15 minutes away from my new place! Whee!

Anyway, I’m thinking of “Puppets and Slaves,” which is how they treat kids in the super Xtian enclave in which I was “raised.” Or maybe “Peasants, Puppets, and Slaves.” Something involving puppets and slaves, clearly. Beyond that, I’m not sure.

Even more ideas for this. Trying to decide how many elements I want to bring to it, and what the purpose would be.

A brand new women’s snowboarding zine is in the works. In fact, it’s the FIRST women’s snowboarding printed zine!

While it was initially my idea, things really took off when others were interested in seeing the project through. I think that is the key component of ANY zine you want to start. Dedicated, impassioned people interested in a niche market! Otherwise, a single person may not have the strength or means to see their dreams become a reality.

You can check us out at www.shredbetties.com or add us on myspace at www.myspace.com/shred_betties

If you have any questions about starting a zine, I’d love to help out in any capacity I can.

i had an online one, while it is fun having devoted members, it takes so much work.