I’ve had a chai latté and my creative juices are flowing, my eager and artsy brain is ready to be submerged into a mini, wonderful world of stunning photography, alternate thinking and graphic, artistic majesty. I’m headed to La Biblioteka in Peace Gardens, Sheffield.
After two previous failed attempts to visit during open hours (student body clocks), my excitement is now overflowing and my enthusiasm is exuding like an almost tangible energy to my graphic design bestie, Rich. Like kids in a sweet shop we adoringly take in and appreciate the creative superiority of the zines and magazines that fill the walls around us. This little zine store is small in surface appearance, but much like a zine, upon entry, you find that there is another world of depth to submerge your mind into. For me this is the world of fashion, for Rich a constellation of sports and indie music publications.
I’m going to interject quickly to offer some clarification for those of you whom don’t know what a zine is. In my own words, a zine is like a published magazines quirky younger sibling! Zine’s are often non-commercial and, unlike magazines, their aim isn’t so much to make a profit as it is to make express a voice from a new perspective or untold angle.
Much like the body clock of a university student, a zine has the freedom to follow its own schedule and break conventions, with a reduced apprehension of ridicule. Its priority is not to meet a publishing deadline but is instead focused on the quality of production, the visuals, the graphics, and the journey that the zine can take the reader on.
Similar to polishing off an oversized slice of cake, zine’s are an unrivalled indulgence in the world of publications. Like experimental journals, they are uncanny and point blanc blunt when it comes to the expression of the real issues that matter to their specified area of subject. As contextually indulgent as they are a visual feast, zines, I believe, could be a key to unlocking a new sense of togetherness. If people are more engaged by self expression and creativity, then zines could potentially bring about great social change by addressing issues that matter, in a way thats outside the box and genuinely captivating.
One stand out feature of zines is that they are handmade- although I use this term loosely. What I mean by handmade, is that usually, the production of a zine comes down to the responsibility of one person or a much smaller team. The zine can then be produced either by literal hand or graphically online. The reward of such a practice means that the zine is a very literal representation of the design and contextual thoughts within someones head- sort of like a mind map.
What’s more, zine’s have a desirable tangible quality which quite literally, cannot be experienced via an online publication experience. Internet based publications continue to be on the rise and whilst course leader reckons that there will one day come a time where there are no printed publications, I hold a contracting view that there’ll always be a sentimental need for zines, and magazines. There’s something quite precious about a keep sake, and the uniqueness and personality that goes into producing a zine make it almost like a diary of someone else's mind. And to own that diary, as a hard copy, provides a warm sense of responsibility and importance.
I do genuinely believe that we will witness a breakthrough of a new appreciation for alternate publications, particularly zines.
Roll on the dawn of a greater appreciation for alternate publications. Truly amazine!
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