Hey y'all. Long story short, I'm seriously planning on starting a zine and have been reading up and ordering some here and there as of late. I've already got the type of content and general layout thought out, along with how often I want to put out a zine (currently monthly or bi-monthly).
Has anybody had experience creating or working on a zine before? Know of any good programs to use? I've read a lot of good things about InDesign and am currently planning on using a combination of Microsoft Word/Publisher and cutting and pasting onto a template, followed by black and white photo-copying.
Tips, tricks, and input is welcomed. I'd be happy to talk more about the content and thematic side of things if anybody is interested.
A cheaper alternative is to use the serif software, inc serif pageplus. Indesign is very powerful, but its realy for those experienced.As fr MS publisher, it was a good DTP program.. about 12 years ago.. Serif pageplus is very good,(the asset / pack function is very good) if you register, you can get some good deals on the previous versions . Ive been using pageplus since the 1990s. You dont get many templates, but the ones you get is pretty good. There is a free DTP open source program, but its god for those who who the 'lingo'.. Ie if you a beginner/ intermediate, use serif pageplus for DTP, if your an expert use indesign. Quark was bought by adobe, and even though it still technically exists, Its no longer updated. Black and white photocopying ?? Ive never done that since the 1980s.. how big is this zine ?? Im busy but i might be able to help .. I have not used publisher for over ten years, but I do use serif a bit.. I was thinking of getting involved with some fanzines again..
Thanks for the input and tip of the serif software! I'm going to be looking into that and seeing if I can test it out in one of the labs on campus first. With regards to InDesign, I could use it if I yelled at my graphic design friends to teach me the basics of it. But pageplus might be a better route to go down. With regards to the photocopying, part of it is that I'm very inspired by the Riot Grrrl zines of the 90s/early 2000s and I like the raw aesthetic it provides. I'm not shooting for a highly polished, designed to be beautiful zine. I want something kind of gritty, but not totally ugly. It's going to be occasional themed issues, with the regular issues revolving around music with interviews, reviews, etc. and probably some food related and perzine stuff included.
Given thekiddo's comment, it appears the answer to that question is not well. What were you doing graphics wise back then?
I helped out with several zines whay back then (they were called fanzines then!).. I have still kept up with DTP, I run a UK training charity and am about to get techy stuff like 3d printers etc.. I have also tought DTP (using serif) - & MS publisher - but tought MS publisher a long time ago.. Serif pageplus is light years ahead.. I also have links to people who have done zines for years. Ive also help with magazines and even T shirt screen printing.. Yep I know about zines.. In fact, i used to make them at school in the early 80s.. Putting sellotape behind articles and pictures to photocopy them on a master, using the percentage to make stuff bigger and small t fit, getting inked up. thats when I did use the photocopier then but sometimes they were naff thermal photocopying, In the long past Ive dome them on music, scifi, education, creative writing, comics, politics, science, history, paganism, AGM reports, youth groups, homeless stuff. etc.. I learned DTP on a program called Aldus pagemaker on the Mac.. A long time ago - Now Im involved in education, assessment, training, a bit of photography, etc now.. I have not used indesign for a while, to busy with the things... plus its to expensive for the charity to buy and use..But as i said i was thinking of getting back helping out with zines, have spoke to a couple of people here where I am.. Zines are still often made the way I used to make 'em years ago.. I just DTP them.. Basically, you create a master page with a common house style, and then, depending on how complex, you layer it (ie text on one layer, pix on another etc).. but you dont have to be that complex..