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All About Zines

Learn about what zines are, how to make one yourself, and where to look at zines in Western Massachusetts (and beyond)!

Go Analog

Traditionally, zines have been made using analog methods — creating a primary copy from which you can make (literal!) copies for distribution. Hang on to your primary copy after you complete your first copy run, you may wish to make (many) more.

Some suggested materials for zine-making:

  • Paper (any size) — see more below
  • Scissors
  • Pens/markers/etc.
  • Glue sticks or clear tape
  • Visually appealing items, like:
    • Old magazines
    • Old books
    • Stickers
    • Newspapers
    • Washi tape

 

Have 20 pieces of paper? Just one? No matter! You can make a zine out of whatever you have on hand!

Template for making a four-page zine from one sheet of paper. Text, from bottom left: "Page Four. This is the fourth page of your one-sheet zine. You can have some teaser content for your poster --or simply continue the content of the zine." "Page One. This is the cover of your one-page zine. You can decorate it like a book cover (i.e. just title, author, and design) or use this page to begin with your content." Top text is upside down and reads: "Page two: This is the second page of your one-sheet zine. You can create a spread between this page and the next, or treat it as a separate page." "Page Three: this is the third page of your one-sheet zine. You can create a spread between this page and the previous, or treat it as a separate page." Also includes arrows pointing up and to the right, reading "fold this way first" and "fold this way second," respectively.

 

One-sheet zine template reading "interior of zine/poster. This space is well-utilized as a poster, or it can be a space for continuing the content of the zine. It's up to you what you put here! Get creative!"