BUILD-YOUR-OWN ZINE
Below, you will find a series of guides and templates to create your own comic or zine.
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What is a zine?
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A zine, pronounced "zeen," is short for "magazine" and essentially resembles a mini-comic. Unlike a comic, however, a zine can contain just words, just visuals, or any freeform media of the artist's choice. The artist can include whatever they feel necessary inside the short booklet and can communicate a variety of personal or political messages. Zine topics could range from "My favorite sci-fi movies" (which we would call a fanzine) to "Here's how to get involved in the next election" (example here).
Historically, zines have been distributed as a form of activism. Zines captured the Queercore and Feminist movements in the 1980s-90s, as well as present day movements in racial justice, radical imagination, and celebrating Black creators. Read more about the history of zines and how to make them here.
What message would you like to send to the world?
6-PAGE MINI-ZINE TEMPLATE
Supplies:
1 sheet of printer paper (or print template)
Scissors
Pens and pencils
This craft turns a single sheet of paper into an 6-page mini-zine with a front and back cover. There is no double-sided printing to worry about, but the folding can get tricky. Estimated assembly: 10 minutes
20-PAGE ZINE TEMPLATE
Supplies:
3 sheets of printer paper (or print template)
Scissors
Stapler
Pens and pencils
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This craft turns three sheets of printer paper into a 20-page zine with a front and back cover. Using a separate colorful piece of cardstock for the cover is optional. Estimated assembly: 20+ minutes.**
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**For simpler template-free assembly and larger working space, artists can fold paper in half rather than quarters.
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BLANK COMIC STRIPÂ TEMPLATE
Supplies:
Multiple sheets of paper (or print template)
Pen and pencils
Ruler (optional)
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This time-saving craft draws out panels for shorter comic strips or longer graphic novels. This template is a very basic foundation of a comic book. Artists can design any length of comic, from a four-panel strip to a multi-page story. Estimated assembly: <5 minutes
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**There are also plenty of free templates online, many of which have speech bubbles and effects outlined for students. Make sure to check permissions before using!
