How to create Your Own Zine DIY Self Publishing Printing

Zines (pronounced 'zeens', shortened from the word 'magazines') are small independent publications. Fun and easy to make, they are a great way to get your ideas across and to share your voice so it is heard in a creative form.

Before there were blogs, there were zines and before there was print on demand books, there were zines. What’s important, is the mere fact of creating, design it, paste it, scan it, print it, then distribute it and or hand it out. Whatever comes natural to you. Design your own publication to reflect the craziness and calmness of your life,  or whatever it is around you that you would like to share with others. Enjoy the ride and thrill of self publication of your own zine, it's all about self expression and creativity.

How To Make A Make a 12-page (10 pages plus a front and back cover), 8.5' x 5.5' zine.

+ Start by taking three pieces of regular sized computer paper, fold them in half horizontally, and hold them sideways like a book.

+ Next pick your subject(s). It doesn't need to be all on one topic. You can have a different topic on every page if you want. Some popular topics are: art zines, photography, poetry, cooking, recipes, self help, diy, psychic, paranormal, discoveries, history, stories, polls, video game tips, talking about a band you like, comics, artwork, recipes, fashion tips, local news, and politics.

+ Pick a title. A good title is short, to the point, and easy to remember.

+ Start looking at the layout. You can do the write-ups by drawing, collaging by hand or on the computer, as long as it all fits on your page size.

+ Make your master copy. This will be what you use to make copies from. Everything should be firmly fastened down and the way you want it to look like.

+ Start making copies. The easiest and cheapest way to print up a zine is usually a making 'two-sided copies;' i.e., you're copying both sides of a master sheet onto both sides of a blank sheet.

+ Possible Extra Supplies
Stapler
Comics
Crayons

Stickers

Magazines

Glue sticks

Washi Tape

Rubber stamps
Colored pencils

Scrapbook Papers
Old Postage Stamps

Security envelope linings
+ Start handing out your wonderful creations, or upload online. Or find others' who love to trade zine for zine :)

You can also research how to Create Digital Download Zines

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