Zines

This guide is meant to be an introduction to zines by giving a brief overview of the history of the medium, some tips for creating your own zines, and listing different local zine resources.

Defining Zines

Definition:

According to Barnard Zine Library: A zine, short for fanzine or magazine, is a DIY & subculture self-publication, usually made on paper and reproduced with a photocopier or printer. Zine creators are often motivated by a desire to share knowledge or experience with people in marginalized or otherwise less-empowered communities.

What does a zine look like?

There is no "right way" to make a zine and that is the beauty of this medium. Anyone who has a story to tell or a topic they want to write about can make one. There are many different formats that you can use to structure your zine and you can find some examples under the "Make Your Own Zine" tab of this guide. The images below show a variety of zines in different formats.