Make the gosh darn zine
Reflecting on the friction that holds us back
So, I’ve been meaning to make more zines for ages.
I love the medium. Zines are self-published books in the easiest definition of the term: You make it, with words, pictures, or both, and then you make copies, with a printer or copy machine or something fancier, if you like. And then you give or sell them to people. They’re tidbits of sharing: the classic size is a single letter-sized piece is paper, folded into eight rectangles.
Lately, I’ve been experiencing a new, big friction in making my own. I decided that making zines could have a second purpose beyond getting to share your knowledge and experiences and creativity with others. I decided to turn them into practice for illustrating my graphic novel about the Grinnell Students for Peace.
What a way to stifle creativity! It’s too much pressure.
This past fall, I finally went to SLICE, the annual comic expo in St. Louis. I’ve meant to go before, including with a friend I have here in St. Louis. This year, though, a friend from out of town was in for the weekend, and asked me to go with them. That extra bit of rarity got me to face my typical avoidance of crowds.
I loved seeing my friend trade zines with the vendors. Both they and the vendor would light up, excited to mutually share, to find a likeminded person with their same passion.
I want to do that. I want to connect with people that way. I want to engage in one of the wonderful ways we can maneauver around the ever-present consumerism of mainstream American culture.
Yesterday, I was telling my St. Louis friend about my experience at the expo and the friction I’ve been experiencing. After listening attentively, she gestured with her hands toward me in a circular, finger wiggling pattern. She said, “It sounded like there were a whole lot of shoulds in that.”
Absolutely grateful for my friend, I declared, “You’re right!”
So, I’m making a gosh darn zine. I started it this morning, and I’ll be sure to share it with you all when it’s finished.
Mentioned in this issue: Grinnell Students for Peace, SLICE.
Missouri has a nickname, the “Show Me State.” Of course no one knows quite how it came to be, but you could show me the money anyway.
I will trade you for whatever you make!