GRAPHICS BRIEF 2011 Fanzine/Zine or Experimental Magazine
WIKIPEDIA definition: “A zine (an abbreviation of fanzine or magazine) is most commonly a small circulation publication of original or appropriated texts and images. More broadly, the term encompasses any self-published work of minority interest usually reproduced via photocopier.”
Zines are usually experimental in nature and cover a wide-range of topics. The benefits from being selfpublished include being incharge of your own content and not having to keep to rules made by the publisher – this often means they are not censored and can contain controversial content. Zines are seen as being free of restrictions – embracing freedom of speech. Although some Zines focus on serious issues, others can be seen as embracing the everyday or the bizarre. They do not have to follow the pattern of a normal magazine, can be any size and be read anyway. Infact, they do not even have to be read, as many just include photos – with no text. ‘Perfect Magazine’ for example is printed with white ink on white paper. It is important that you experiment – not just being restricted to the computer. Experimentation on the photocopier or enlarger might be an example of this. Zine making/history of zines: http://vimeo.com/11386025 more information about zines: http://www.undergroundpress.org/pdf/Zines101.pdf
(left) is an example and tutorial on creating your own zine. http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorial s/2d__and__photoshop/create_your_o wn_fanzine
You will need a topic/subject. Please choose one of the topics below to base your ‘Zine’ on. This topic can be as broad, serious, obscure or focused as you like. RESTRICTIO
BEARDS
TEETH
BURNS
GLOVES
FAT
TIES
CUT
FAILURE
There are no restrictions on size, length or colour. Take risks with your work. Your journal must show your experiments and research into zines or experimental design. Contextual links with design is important. Try to include primary photos in some of your zines or reappropriated imagery – cartooning without any reference would not be appropriate Zine examples:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11530007&ref=storque
http://www.youworkfort hem.com/freebie/ZINE3 .pdf taken from: http://www.youworkfort hem.com/blog/tag/zin e/ http://www.youworkfort hem.com/freebie/YWFT _Zine01.pdf
http://www.zineswap.com/?p=417
http://www.samu.co.uk/smallpress.html