All about Zines- Our favourite Zines and why we love them!

The Mortal Fools team at Pride Picnic Photo Credit: Ashington Town Council

You may have seen us out and about this summer running zine-making workshops and we’ve had a lot of questions! What is a zine? How do you make one? How do you say it?
In this blog we will answer all these questions and share some of our favourite zines and why we love them!

Zines (pronounced ZEEN) are DIY self-published works with small print runs, often less than 100, that can include writing, drawing, photography, and all forms of creative expression. Zines became particularly popular in the 1970s, reflecting the rise of DIY punk culture and increased accessibility of printing equipment- favouring unique ideas and imperfectly messy spontaneous expression over traditional art and writing techniques.

They have often served as a way for marginalised groups to create publications that cater to their interests, uplift their voices and provide platforms to share everything from their day-to-day lives to radical political ideas within informal networks.​

Additionally, zines have been formed around niche interests and have been a way for individuals to find like-minded people who share a fascination with a particular topic.

Photo Credit: Aurora Fanzine

Seven zines you need to know about:
 
1. Aurora

Aurora was a feminist Science fiction fan zine created during the 1970s when science fiction was a male-dominated field that often perpetuated sexist ideas. Aurora included reviews of new books, fun playful articles such as delightful instructions on how to speak alien language, quirky drawings and cartoons and some fab contributions from the magazine’s readers. You can find many of the issues in digital format HERE.

2. How to adult

How to adult goes into all the things you wish you learnt in school from practical things like straightforward budgeting and cooking tips to friendship advice and even how to vote. It’s like that friend who gives great advice but who doesn’t pretend they have it all figured out (nobody does). It’s aimed at ages 16-25 and is perfect for anyone moving out for the first time or just wanting to become a little more independent. You can find it HERE.

“I love zines so much as they can literally be about anything! They can be freeing, empowering, informing, colourful, silly, random, beautiful, messy and so much more. Anyone can make a zine, and they can make it in any style or way they like.”
​- Mack Sproates, zine maker and youth theatre practitioner

3. Xem skaters  
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Xem skaters was created ‘to give space to all genders in a binary environment.’ The fun and rebellious interviews and impossible cool monochrome, collaged photography are aspirational but also make you feel like you’re being welcomed into the group. The zine explores the challenges of feeling like you don’t fit in because of your gender identity in a warm and celebratory way. You can read all three issues at the queer zine library HERE.

Photo Credit: Soлomiya

​4. Soлomiya

Soлomiya was made in response to the war in Ukraine by young artists from Kyiv and Berlin. It shows the details of everyday life for Ukrainian people and how their normal was cruelly ripped away by this terrible unjust war. They share aspects of their culture, ideas and values through vibrant and cryptic photographs and artworks whilst calling for solidarity from Europeans in other countries and donations to support the Ukrainian people. You can buy the zine HERE or at Newbridge Books in Newcastle.

​5. Sweet thang zine

Sweet thang zine is a worldwide zine celebrating black artists and writers of marginalised genders, online and in print. This zine is focused on redistributing power and creating a genuine community. Its pages are a visual feast of colourful and intricate collaged photography and art featuring deeply personal and moving poetry and thought-provoking writing. You can find the zine HERE.  
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Photo Credit: Mack Sproates

6. Modern blobs in chairs

During the coronavirus lockdowns, there was a resurgence of interest in zines as people were suddenly faced with long stretches of empty time and wanted to make the most out of their limited resources whilst documenting the period, often in deeply personal ways. One of the quirkier zines to emerge from that time is Blobs in Chairs, which as the title suggests features cute blob-like characters lazily lounging on chairs in a variety of unusual positions. You can check it out and buy your issue HERE.  


7. Stay Home Stay Queer - Mack’s LGBTQ+ Support in Lockdown Zine  
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Our very own Mack Sproates was also inspired to create zines during lockdown. He was feeling quite isolated and distant from the LGBTQ+ community and wanted to make something bright and colourful to help others. This zine is fantastic for anyone who is searching for fun queer content and words of support and understanding, but it would be especially useful for those who don’t feel they can be fully open or are figuring out their identity. Inside you can find some relaxing craft activities and gorgeous colouring pages! Check it out HERE.


“I got started zine making when I attended a workshop when I was at University and it blew my mind! Self-publishing is such an empowering form of activism, and zines showed me that I could make work about my experiences, and passions and help spread awareness for marginalised people and voices - without having to be super talented at art, illustration or design. It came full circle as I now run my own zine workshops!” 
- Mack Sproates, zine maker and youth theatre practitioner

Mack running a Zine making workshop at Pride Picnic in Hirst Park

Zines are a blank canvas to create anything you want, use them as a form of protest, a way to share your unique interest with the wider world or to explore something seemingly mundane in a fun and meaningful way. Put your inhibitions to one side and simply have a go!


Follow the instructions below to create a simple zine of your own and why not post them on social media and tag us @mortalfoolsuk 

If you or a young person you know are interested in creating zines or trying out a wide range of drama, art and creative activities check out our Creative Mondays club, starting on the 9th October for young people aged 13-18 created in partnership with YMCA Northumberland! Find out more HERE.