How to Make a Zine

How To Make a Zine

story and photos by Rebecca Zarazan Dunn

What is a zine?

A zine is a self-published work of writing or illustrations or both, typically made in small quantities. It can be a story, a comic, a short memoir, carry a political or social message, be humorous, a photo collage of odds and ends, a collection of poetry, a how-to manual, and I could go on. I suppose it’s hard to define a zine, because really, zines are limitless. They’re original art that is photocopied, stapled together and voila! I was first introduced to zines in my middle school years. Back then, you’d mail money to whoever’s publication you were interested in, and the author would mail you an issue of the requested zine. To me, this was magic. First off all, who doesn’t like to get mail? And secondly, I was reading and inspired by other teens like me at a time I felt very out of place in my immediate world.

Now as a parent of two, in the middle of a pandemic, I hadn’t thought much about my zinester days until recently. My kids and I were killing some time walking downtown one summer day, and we stopped in at Wonderfair for a quick minute. Eventually, they both wandered over to the zine stand and started flipping through a few publications. My oldest asked what they were, so I explained in a very brief way what they were, and if they’d like, I’d treat them to one of their choosing. When we got home, they read through the zines purchased and a spark was lit. They worked on their own zines for hours. Having been all home together all the time for months and months, the solitude for me was a rare treat. Not only were they engaged in a self-directed project, but they were flexing those writing and art skills to boot, leaving me to an uninterrupted cup of tea.

So, how does one make a zine with kids?

There are no rules for making a zine. For kids under 5, I recommend starting by stapling a few sheets of blank paper into a booklet so they can draw their own stories. You can have the child dictate a story to you or simply describe a bit about the illustrations they drew. This is actually a great literacy exercise. Fold 2-3 sheets of paper in half (we use printer paper) and staple down the crease. If this is something they enjoy doing, premake several blank booklets and leave them out with markers or crayons so they can create a zine on a whim without the assistance of an adult.

For older kids, research various zines and zine formats together online. Visit Wonderfair. Start with the question: If I could write about anything, what would I write about? What is something I’d like to share? Maybe I want to write an instruction manual for an awesome Lego design I invented? Or share with other kids when are the best times to sneak cookies from the kitchen? Or maybe profile a few favorite stuffed animal friends along with their favorite colors and Netflix shows? What is something I’m struggling with? During a time when we are all feeling lots of intense feelings, this is a great format for self-expression.

After the zine is completed, photocopy and share! Give to family or swap with friends. The cold, winter days are nigh, and the possibilities are endless.