Introduction
When I first got into zines, I realized that there wasn't an abundance of information. And because I had just started out, I didn't know exactly what a zine even was. The most I knew was it's definition and how to fold one. However, I needed to see what it was; I needed to see an example. So, I went to Google and looked up "zine example," but all that came up were guides on how to make a zine.
That is why I decided to make this post a showcase of different types of zines, with examples.
If you are unsure about what a zine is, don't know how to create one, or want to learn a brief history of zines, my previous post answers all those questions.
Types and Examples
Personal Zines/Perzines
A perzine, short for "personal zine," is a zine where zinesters (people who create zines) share intimate and personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. These zines are a platform for self-expression, allowing individuals to reflect on their lives and themselves. Perzines cover a wide range of topics, including personal events, mental health, relationships, and everyday life.
"For the Love of Houseplants" by Ruby Harrop is a zine about "navigating the personal global crises that appear to be trademark to our generation."
This zine was found on Quarantine Zine Club.
Art Zines
An art zine is a type of zine that showcases various forms of visual art. It provides artists with a unique platform to express their creativity, and share their artwork. Art zines can encompass a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, including illustrations, paintings, photographs, and digital art, making them a captivating medium for both creators and art enthusiasts.
"Holy!" is a monthly zine that showcases Helvetica Blanc's artwork. The September 2020 issue is the only free zine in this series. However if you want to see more of Blanc's artwork, each issue is available for USD$3.00 on their website.
You can download the PDF here
Literary Zines
A literary zine focus on written works, such as poetry, short stories, essays, and other forms of creative writing. It provides a platform for writers to showcase their talents, express their thoughts and emotions, and share their unique perspectives. Literary zines often celebrate the written word, offering readers a diverse range of literary experiences within a compact and engaging format.
The first example of a literacy zine is "The Last Poem I'll Ever Write About You" by Kaleigh Joy. This is "a handmade zine putting all the grief of heartbreak and healing in one place." The PDF is linked however this zine was found on Quarantine Zine Club.
The second example is a zine released quarterly. My favorite issue is the Fall 2022 issue called "New Normal?" If you want to see more of these zines, visit Harvest International
Music Zines
A music zine, as its name suggests, revolves around music-related content. It typically features music reviews, interviews with musicians, discussions on music culture, and other content related to the world of music. Music zines serve as a platform for music enthusiasts to express their passion, share their perspectives, and connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate and celebrate the power of music.
For this example, I would like to showcase my own zine that I made. This zine is about the singers that I love and adore, as well as a bit about their lives.
To see the full zine and the process for making it, click here
Political Zines
Political zines are one of the most well-known forms of zines.They focus on exploring and advocating for social and political issues. It provides a platform for individuals to express their perspectives, opinions, and activism on topics such as human rights, environmental justice, gender equality, and racial equity.
The example I would like to present was the first time that I saw a zine. At the time, I didn't know what it was called, but I thought it was very interesting. What I am referring to is the zine in the Netflix movie, Moxie!
Fanzine
A fanzine is created by fans, for fans, to celebrate and share their passion for a specific interest, fandom, or community. It often focuses on niche topics that may not receive extensive coverage in mainstream media, allowing enthusiasts to express their creativity, opinions, and insights within a supportive community. Fanzines can cover a wide range of subjects, from music, literature, and movies to sports, art, and popular culture, making them a unique and cherished medium for dedicated fans to connect and share their love for their chosen interests.
My favorite fanzine is by Sophie Rohm. This zine talks about Rosalia, her roots, and her history as a singer.
To view this zine, click here
Credits
Cover image: Making a Zine with Young Artists + Writers
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