The word zine is short of magazine and is pronounced zeen. A Zine is a small independent publication. People create zines an every topic you can imagine and there really aren't too many rules for zines. Each zine offers it's own charm. Zines in a small format, can easily draw you into their personal embrace, and large ones can blow you away with all the energy and information they throw at you when you open that first page and dig in, each and every time it arrives in your mailbox!

These publications are an art form in and of them self, in the sense that they are, many times, artfully designed and compiled, and most definitely represent an art form of writing. Some are handwritten and reproduced on photocopy machines. Others are professionally printed and bound. The web is now full of E-Zines as well. These are zines distributed in electronic format via webpages or through email systems.

An actual magazine is usually printed on glossy papers, they are designed to appeal to a broad audience and are marketed with the intent to make money. However, a zine is more about sharing ideas and inspirations with a small but devoted audience. Rarely do zines actually make money. Most zines measure their circulation in less than triple digit numbers.

Zines are absolutely a wonderful source of information for people interested in all sorts of art. See our Zines for Artful Souls page for a listing of some!

Tutorials and Helpful Tips for Creating Your Own Zines:

• http://www.zinebook.com/
• http://www.zinebook.com/publicz.html
• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheZinePool
• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/botmzines
• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cdzines/
• http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheGleanerZine
• http://fanselfpub.wetpaint.com/page/APA