Megan Newton

Zines by Allison P. (grade eleven), Lilah D. (grade nine), Addison L. (grade twelve), and Ella B. (grade eleven).

If creativity is the destination, how do we get there? What methods of transportation could we take? Might I interest you in a popular vehicle, the zine?

The zine (pronounced zeen) is a sturdy and reliable vehicle with few limitations. It’s a versatile medium that allows the artist to explore the world through the pages of a book. The zine vehicle could be a one-seater when you want to take a solo drive, or it could hold many passengers, engaging a whole community of zinesters in a collaborative adventure.

A Brief Zinestory
The zine (short for magazine) is an independent publication that allows writers to explore ideas and concepts on their own terms. They are printed on copy machines and distributed and swapped. The zine’s appeal stems from its local nature, which can foster a sense of authentic community.

Addison L., My Five Rules to Art, grade twelve.

Zines have a rich history spanning hundreds of years, and they continue to grow in popularity. They are not edited through the lens of a traditional publisher, giving the author complete creative control. The zine itself is a form of resistance, challenging societal norms and ideas.

Many cities host Zine Fests and other events where artists and authors can swap and sell their publications. If you’re interested in zines, the Library of Congress is an excellent place to start, with its wealth of resources for zine distributors, publishers, and libraries.

Let’s Zine into It
In my classroom, zines are a favorite across all levels (9–12). I like to start the semester with a perzine (personal zine) tailored to each student. We use mind mapping to brainstorm and generate unique and thoughtful ideas. Each page is a glimpse into a student’s inner world, and I love the conversations this project generates right from the start of the semester.

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