Zine Lab: From Idea to Publication
Dates: Tuesdays August 4-25, 7:30-9 PM EST. Zoom link and class dashboard will be sent a few days prior to first class.
Zines have exploded in popularity lately, and no wonder: DIY publications are an empowering way to bring your creative vision to life and share it with the world.
This live, four-week workshop is designed to guide you from idea to publication, whether you’re a complete beginner or have made zines before.
You'll start by brainstorming ideas and making a book dummy, then move on to making or collecting text and images, designing pages, and finally printing your zine. We'll also cover binding methods and distribution. Expect hands-on activities, discussions, and lots of zine inspiration!
This workshop is hosted on Zoom and is limited to 12 participants to ensure everyone receives personalized attention and feedback.
Dates: Tuesdays August 4-25, 7:30-9 PM EST. Zoom link and class dashboard will be sent a few days prior to first class.
“Zine Lab unleashed a huge desire for more creativity.”
Taking Zine Lab was a really memorable experience for me. I call it my "gateway drug" because it unleashed a huge desire for more creativity and self-expression, which I'm happily pursuing these days.
— Joyce Lee, Fuzzy Feelings Studio
Class Structure
Exploring formats & developing your idea
WEEK 1:
We'll explore different zine formats, share inspiration, and discuss initial ideas. You'll start planning your zine’s structure, pacing, and content to set yourself up for completion within the month.
Bringing your zine to life
WEEK 2:
You'll begin creating your zine pages using analog or digital methods. We'll cover layout techniques, tools (both handmade and digital), and software options for design and imposition.
Preparing for print & binding
WEEK 3:
As you finalize your zine layout, we'll go over file prep for printing and explore different binding options to bring it all together.
Sharing your zine with the world
WEEK 4: 3/24
We'll wrap up by discussing zine distribution strategies (in both physical and digital form) so your zine is seen by other people. We'll conclude with a show and tell to celebrate everyone's work.
Student Testimonials
“I was interested in learning not just how to create a zine, but what to do with it once it existed. Zine Lab was exactly what I needed to get started – a low barrier to entry, but with the encouragement of a teacher, plus human connection provided by the small group workshop setting. I love having a physical object that exists now, just 4 weeks later, and I can't wait to keep making more zines!”
“Zine Lab is a creative incubator, a community of creative encouragement + problem-solving, accompaniment for a real-life project, a way to learn the nuts + bolts + brass-tacks of zine-making, worth every penny!”
“Zine lab was the best! Carolyn made using a suite of digital tools (including many simple, free ones) approachable and introduced me to a digital workflow that I'll be using for many projects to come.”
Student Work
Zine Lab Spring 2025 class outcomes
This Way to the Garden by Delaney Gibbons
Zine Lab Summer 2025 class outcomes
78 faces of power: the elemental tarot zines box set by shea in the catskills
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out directly. Look forward to having you in class!
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Required materials include paper, a ruler, and scissors or a craft knife. A printer/scanner is ideal, but you can also use your local library or print shop. Additional helpful materials include a bone folder and stapler. Don't worry: whatever you have at home can work, and we can discuss adapting your zine to your available materials.
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No, it’s totally fine if you don’t have a fully formed idea—or if you have many ideas! We’ll spend time during the first session brainstorming and refining your concept. By the end of Week 1, you’ll have a clear direction for your zine.
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The size and length of your zine will depend on your idea, format, and the amount of text and images you already have created. Typically, you can expect your final zine to be between 8 and 24 pages.
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Absolutely! There are many ways to create your zine. You can use free tools like Google Docs or Canva, or design it using more advanced software like Adobe Photoshop or InDesign. If you prefer, you can create your zine entirely through analog methods and scan your work.
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I understand schedules can be tight! The sessions are designed to be manageable, and you can adjust your final zine concept to fit your capacity. I'll help you stay on track throughout the workshop.
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This class is focused on creating physical, printed zines, though we will discuss sharing digital versions of our zine to distribute your work more widely. Please be prepared to work toward the printed format.
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All sessions will be recorded, and you’ll have access to the recordings to catch up. However, live participation is encouraged so you have dedicated time to work on your zine and receive feedback.
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This workshop is non-refundable, so please be mindful before registering! If you have any questions or concerns, contact me and I'll do my best to accommodate you.
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Two spots in the upcoming summer cohort are reserved for scholarship pricing at $100, prioritizing BIPOC and trans folks in financial need. Apply here by July 21!
Dates: Tuesdays August 4-25, 7:30-9 PM EST. Zoom link and class dashboard will be sent a few days prior to first class.