Make a Zine! Part 1

1. Any theme is OK
   The content of the zine is entirely up to you. Anything you want to express through your zine is on the table. Anything can be the basis for your zine: photocopies of your diary or notebook, everyday photos you've accumulated, etc.
2. Create to your specifications
   The size, shape, type of paper used, etc. are all up to you.
3. You decide the type of printing and binding
   Print using your home printer and bind them yourself, or have a print shop do it for you—there are no rules. Choose whatever works for you.
4. Distribution and sales are up to you
   Though you can distribute and sell your zine yourself, some stationary shops and book stores may let you put them out, and if you attend shop events you can build up your readership. Experiences like being read by lots of people and getting feedback from readers are part of the true charm of zines.

Type 1: Log (record) zine

This type of zine centers mainly around collecting together records of daily happenings, travel, and dining, etc. These can be easily put together using such resources as your diary, notebooks, or photos posted to social networking sites.

Type 2: Presentation zine

These zines are loaded with information mined from your knowledge of your favorite things or a particular interest. Collecting together detailed information and expressing love of the subject matter make this type of zine what it is.

Type 3: Collected works zine

This type of zine collects creative works such as illustrations, poetry, and photos. Turn all of those drawings and paintings from the kids into a fancy collected work!

1. Think up a theme and structure
   Determine what kind of content, how many pages, and what shape you will use for your zine. It's helpful to write and sketch out your ideas while you're doing this.
2. Decide the specifications
   Decide on the size, type of paper, and binding method for your zine. While you're at it, plan the production cost too. It's a good idea to decide how many copies you are going to make.
3. Gather your materials
   Gather all of the text, illustrations, photos, and other materials that you will use to make your zine. These will all have a big effect on the making of your zine.
4. Layout a draft
   Next, layout the text and photos on the page. You can do this by hand or using computer software.
5. Printing and binding
   Print (or copy) your completed draft, and then assemble and bind it.
6. Distribution and sales
   Once you've completed your zine, you can hand copies out to friends or try selling them at places such as shops and events.

We also recommend using design paper for your covers and body text.

A: Clip binding

B: Staple binding

C: Hole punch and string

D: Center staple binding

Layer the pages with folds in the middle, and then staple the folds in two places with a stapler.

E: Center string binding (an alternative version of D using string instead of a stapler)