6 Key Steps to Making Your First Photography Zine

Making a zine can be an excellent way for photographers to showcase their work and share their vision with the world. Zines are a unique medium that allows photographers to express themselves creatively and reach a niche audience. However, creating a zine can be a daunting task, especially for first-time zine makers. In this article, we discussed six points that photographers should consider when making their first zine. Specifically, in this article, we will look at the following: 

• Conceptualise the theme 

• Choose the format 

• Curate the images 

• Design and layout 

• Print quality 

• Distribution 

Before we begin, let's look at... 

What is a zine? 

A zine is a self-published, small-circulation magazine or booklet that is often created by hand or printed in limited batches. Zines are typically created by individuals or small groups, and they cover a wide range of topics, including politics, music, art, literature, and more. Zines are known for their DIY ethos and their ability to provide a platform for marginalized voices and alternative perspectives. 

The history of zines can be traced back to the science fiction fandom of the 1930s and 1940s. Fans of science fiction created and distributed their own fanzines, which featured fan fiction, artwork, and commentary on the genre. In the 1970s, zines became more popular as a way for punk rock and other alternative music scenes to promote their music and ideas. 

In the 1990s, zines gained mainstream attention, and more people began creating and distributing zines on a wide range of topics. With the rise of the internet, the popularity of zines declined somewhat, but they continue to be a valuable medium for self-expression and community building. Today, zines are still created by a wide range of individuals and communities, and they continue to provide a platform for marginalized voices and alternative perspectives. 

Now that we have briefly looked at what a zine is and the history of zines, let's look at the points that photographers should consider when making their first zine. 

Conceptualise the theme 

When creating a zine, the first and most crucial step is to conceptualise the theme or idea that the photographer wants to explore. The theme is the backbone of the zine and sets the tone for the entire project. It's what ties all the photographs together and gives the zine a cohesive narrative. 

The theme can be anything that inspires the photographer. It could be a specific location, such as a city or a natural landscape, or it could be a particular subject, like portraits or street photography. The theme can also be based on a mood or feeling that the photographer wants to convey through their photographs, such as melancholy, joy, or nostalgia. 

The theme should be something that the photographer is passionate about and has a personal connection to. It's key to choose a theme that will inspire them throughout the entire process of creating the zine. The photographer should also consider the audience they want to reach with their zine and choose a theme that will resonate with them. 

Once the theme has been conceptualised, it's essential to research and gather inspiration. This can be done by looking at other zines or photography books that explore similar themes, reading articles, or even visiting the location that inspired the theme. This research can help the photographer develop their concept further and create an original and compelling zine. 

Choose the format of your zine 

When it comes to creating a zine, choosing the right format is essential to ensuring that the zine looks and feels the way the photographer intends it to. There are various formats to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. 

The format of the zine should be chosen based on the number of photographs the photographer wants to include and the overall aesthetic they are aiming for. It's essential to consider how the format will affect the layout, design, and printing of the zine. 

One of the most common formats for zines is the mini-zine. These are small and easy to make, often folded from a single sheet of paper. Mini zines are perfect for showcasing a small selection of photos or creating a short story. They are easy to distribute and can be printed at home. 

Saddle-stitch zines are another popular format. These are created by folding sheets of paper in half and stapling them together along the spine. Saddle-stitch zines can include more photographs and offer a more professional-looking finished product. They are easy to print and can be bound together at home using a stapler. 

Perfect-bound zines are another option, which are more professional and have a polished look. These are created by gluing the pages of the zine together along the spine. They can include a larger number of photos and are more durable than other formats. However, they are often more expensive to produce and may require a professional printer. 

The format of the zine should be chosen based on the photographer's creative vision and the budget they have for printing and production. It's worthwhile to consider the pros and cons of each format and choose the one that will best showcase the photographs and the theme of the zine. 

Curate the images 

When creating a zine, it's essential to curate the images carefully to ensure that they work together cohesively and effectively communicate the theme or idea behind the zine. The selection of images is crucial as they will be the main focus of the zine and should represent the photographer's vision. 

Curating images for a zine is different from selecting images for an exhibition or portfolio. While an exhibition or portfolio may showcase the photographer's best work, a zine should tell a story or explore a particular theme. Therefore, the images chosen should support the theme of the zine and work together as a cohesive body of work. 

The photographer should start by selecting a larger number of images than they plan to include in the zine. This allows them to experiment with different combinations and see how the images work together. They should consider the composition, colour, lighting, and overall aesthetic of each image. 

It's critical to choose images that have a strong visual impact and work well together. The images should flow naturally from one to the next and tell a story or convey a particular mood. The photographer should also consider the placement of the images and how they will work within the design and layout of the zine. 

Once the images have been selected, the photographer should edit them carefully to ensure that they are consistent in terms of colour, contrast, and exposure. This helps to create a cohesive look throughout the zine and ensures that the images are of the highest quality. 

Overall, curating your images is a crucial step in creating a successful zine. By carefully selecting and editing the images, the photographer can create a visually compelling and coherent body of work that effectively communicates their vision. 

Design and layout of your zine

Once the images have been curated, the next step in creating a zine is designing and laying out the images. The design and layout of a zine are crucial as they affect how the viewer interacts with the photographs and how they experience the overall narrative of the zine. 

When designing the zine, the photographer should consider the overall aesthetic they want to achieve. This could be minimalist and clean, or it could be more experimental and eclectic. The design should complement the theme of the zine and not distract from the images. 

The layout of the zine is also significant as it affects how your photographs are viewed and how the story or theme is communicated. The layout should be consistent throughout the zine and should guide the viewer through the images in a logical and intuitive way. The layout can be simple or complex, but it should be visually engaging and complement the images. 

The photographer should consider the size of the zine when designing the layout. The size of the zine affects how your images are viewed and how they are presented. The layout should take into account the number of images to be included and how they will be arranged. 

There are various software tools that photographers can use to design their zine, such as Adobe InDesign, Canva, or Microsoft Publisher. Personally, whilst I have the full Adobe suite, I find Canva a quick and easy tool to use. The time below was made in Canva.

Alternatively, they can create the zine by hand, using collage techniques or scrapbooking. The choice of design tool will depend on the photographer's experience and preference. 

The design and layout of a zine are crucial to its success. The photographer should carefully consider the aesthetic and layout to ensure that the zine is visually engaging and effectively communicates the theme or idea behind the project. 

Photography Zine Print quality 

The quality of printing can significantly impact the final outcome of the zine. The photographer should ensure that the zine is printed in the best quality possible. This will ensure that the images are presented in the most professional possible way and that the zine has a professional look and feel. 

When printing the zine, it's essential to choose the right paper stock. The paper should complement the images and the overall aesthetic of the zine. The paper should also be of high quality and durable enough to withstand the handling and distribution of the zine. 

The photographer should also consider the printing method to be used. There are various printing methods to choose from, such as digital, offset, or letterpress printing. The choice of printing method will depend on the photographer's budget, the number of copies to be printed, and the desired outcome. 

It's a must that the images are printed with the correct colour profile and calibration. This ensures that the colours are accurate and consistent throughout the zine. The images should also be printed at the correct resolution to ensure that they are sharp and detailed. 

Additionally, the photographer should consider the binding method. Saddle-stitch binding is the most common method for zines, but other methods such as perfect binding, thread binding, or Japanese stab binding can also be used depending on the desired outcome. 

The photographer should work with a professional printer or a print-on-demand service to ensure that the zine is printed with the highest quality possible. They should request a sample print to ensure that the final product meets their expectations and the desired outcome. 

In summary, the quality of printing is essential to the success of the zine. By carefully selecting the right paper stock, printing method, colour profile, and binding method, the photographer can ensure that the zine looks and feels the way they intended it to. 

Distribution 

After creating a zine, the photographer needs to consider how they will distribute it. The distribution method can have a significant impact on the reach and success of the zine. 

The first step is to determine the target audience for the zine. This will help the photographer decide which distribution channels to use. For example, if the target audience is other photographers or photography enthusiasts, the photographer could distribute the zine at photography events or through online photography communities. 

The photographer should also consider the number of copies to be printed and distributed. They should be realistic about the number of people who would be interested in the zine and the resources available to them. Printing too many copies can result in excess inventory and waste, while printing too few copies can limit the reach of the zine. 

There are various distribution channels to choose from, such as selling the zine through online platforms, distributing it at events, or sending it to friends and family. The photographer should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each channel and choose the one that is most suitable for their needs. 

If the zine is sold, the photographer should determine the price point and the payment method to be used. They should consider the cost of production, the time invested, and the perceived value of the zine when determining the price. 

The photographer should also consider marketing the zine to increase its reach and visibility. This could involve creating a social media campaign, collaborating with other photographers or artists, or submitting the zine to photography magazines or online platforms. 

Distribution of the zine is an essential step in the process. The photographer should carefully consider the target audience, the number of copies to be printed, the distribution channels to be used, and the marketing strategy. This will ensure that the zine reaches its intended audience and achieves its desired outcome. 

While I mentioned selling your photography zine above, a common question people always ask is... 

How do I price my photography zine? 

Well...pricing a zine can be challenging, especially for first-time zine makers. The price should be fair to the photographer and the audience while still ensuring that the zine sells. Here are some factors to consider when pricing a zine: 

• Production costs: Production costs include the cost of printing, paper, binding, and any other expenses associated with creating the zine. It's essential to calculate these costs accurately to determine the minimum price at which the zine can be sold while still making a profit. 

• Time invested: The photographer should consider the time and effort they invested in creating the zine. This includes the time spent conceptualising, curating, designing, and printing the zine. The photographer should assign a value to their time and consider it when pricing the zine. 

• Market value: The market value refers to the perceived value of the zine by the audience. The photographer should consider how similar zines are priced on the market and what the audience is willing to pay for a zine. 

• Target audience: The target audience can significantly impact the price of the zine. If the zine is targeted towards photography enthusiasts, they may be willing to pay more for the zine than a casual reader. 

• Distribution costs: Distribution costs include the shipping and handling costs associated with delivering the zine to the audience. The photographer should consider these costs when pricing the zine. 

• Profit margin: The profit margin refers to the percentage of profit that the photographer wants to make on each zine sold. The photographer should consider production costs, time invested, and market value when deciding on a profit margin. 

Once the photographer has considered these factors, they can determine the price of the zine. It's essential to keep the price fair and reasonable to ensure that the zine sells while still making a profit. Additionally, the photographer should be transparent about the pricing and the costs associated with creating and distributing the zine. This can help build trust with the audience and encourage them to support the photographer by purchasing the zine. 

Making your first photography zine - conclusion 

Creating a zine can be a rewarding experience for photographers, allowing them to express themselves creatively and reach a niche audience. By considering the six points discussed in this article, photographers can create a zine that showcases their work and resonates with their audience. Whether it's a personal project or a professional endeavour, a zine can be a powerful tool for photographers to showcase their vision. This can help them make a lasting impact on the photography community. So, go ahead and make that zine - we can't wait to see what you create!