Before Facebook and Twitter let people blast their opinions to the world, folks had to do it the old-school way: zines. These homemade, self-published booklets have been a go-to for punks, activists, and anyone with something to say for decades. They’re cheap, easy to make, and perfect for spreading ideas without some algorithm getting in the way.
Even today, zines are a great way to share stories, organize, and connect with others—especially in small towns where good independent media is hard to come by. Let’s take a look at where they came from and how you can make your own.
A Quick Look at Zine History
Zines (short for “magazines” or “fanzines”) have been around for a long time, but they really got rolling in the 1930s when sci-fi fans started printing their own magazines to talk about their favorite stories. Since mainstream publishers weren’t paying attention, these fans made their own scene.
Then came the punk movement of the ‘70s and ‘80s, and zines really blew up. Bands and artists used them to talk about music, politics, and underground culture—no record labels or corporate media needed. The ‘90s saw zines fuel the riot grrrl movement, helping women in punk rock share ideas and push for change.
Now, with the internet censoring and controlling what people see, zines are making a comeback as a way to keep independent voices alive.
Why Make a Zine?
No editors, no algorithms, no ads—just your words, your way.
Whether it’s local politics, mutual aid, or just a fan club, zines help get the word out.
People who might never meet otherwise can connect over a zine
How to Make your Own Zine
Step 1: Pick a Topic
What do you want to talk about? Maybe it’s a personal story, a guide on how to fix something, or a call to action for your community. Anything goes.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
- Paper (folding an 8.5” x 11” in half works well, but any size is fine)
- Pens, markers, or a computer if you want to type
- Scissors and glue for cutting and pasting visuals
- A printer or access to a copy machine
Step 3: Make It Look How You Want
Zines can be neat and digital or raw and hand-drawn—there’s no wrong way. You can type them up or go full-on ransom-note style with cut-out letters and pictures.
Step 4: Copy and Share
Once you’ve put your zine together, make copies! Hand them out at events, leave them in coffee shops, trade with other zinesters, or mail them out to people who’d appreciate them.
Here’s a useful tool to automatically layout PDFs into a zine.
Final Thoughts
Zines are about freedom—freedom to say what you want, how you want. Whether you’re trying to educate, organize, or just make something cool, zines let you do it on your own terms. In a world where big corporations decide what gets seen, zines give power back to the people. So grab some paper and start making!
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