Zines!

Course Description

Summary

“Zines” (short for fanzine or magazine) are typically low-budget, self-published, small-circulation books reproduced via photocopier. Because of their wide range of forms and content, zines can be difficult to define; they might include poetry, how-tos, art, science, science fiction, collage, interviews, comics, politics, and more. Some zines create space for community (advice columns, letters to the editor, interviews), others share knowledge or artwork, and still others serve as tools for political organizing and consciousness raising - the possibilities are nearly endless.

Some of the earliest zines were sci-fi fanzines produced in the 1930s-50s, before photocopiers were widely available. The form flourished in the 1970s with the rise of copy shops, which made reproduction fast and affordable. For inspiration, we will look at zines across decades, locations, and topics, including punk zines and those emerging from the 1990s feminist Riot Grrrl movement, among others.

In this course, you’ll create your own hand-drawn and collage-based zines that also incorporate text/writing. We'll reproduce/print our zines using a photocopier and risograph. We’ll learn simple, quick, and affordable binding methods such as folding and stapling. Students will develop projects starting from concept through research, production, and circulation. Readings, videos, and possible visits to regional museums will support and expand our studio-based work.

Students may be required to purchase materials with an estimated cost of up to $50.