Making Zines

A key event of the convention will be the zine swap, held at 2pm. We want everyone to make their own zine from scratch – it’s super easy! On this page you’ll find some resources to help you get started.

There are also a few places in Melbourne that host zine-making resources. If you want to go somewhere to help you make your zine, check these out!

Rules for the zine swap

  • Bring at least one zine
  • For each zine you plan to give away, make at least 10 copies
  • No generative AI can be used in the making of your zine, including art. We are more interested in a half-baked human idea, than a polished artificial one
  • For each zine you receive, offer to give one back in return. But also feel free to give away zines in exchange for nothing, especially if you have spares
  • You can sell your zines, but remember…
  • Your first zine has to be free.

Tips for making your zine

  • Your zine does not have to be a finished product! It can be shitty, home-made, half-baked and barely thought through
  • The idea is most important – not its execution
  • Don’t worry about quality – we love a terrible sketch, or a hand-coloured booklet!
  • Start with a single sheet of paper, and just start doodling

Steps for a successful zine-swap

  1. Introduce yourself: “Hey, how are you? I love your zine!”
  2. Ask to swap: “Would you like to swap?”
  3. If you have multiple, let them choose which zine they would like
  4. Be okay if the answer is no

Sticky Institute

The Sticky Institute is a shop dedicated entirely to zines! It’s chock full of stationary, has space to create zines, and free use of typewriters, long-armed staplers, pens, pencils, textas, scissors and other materials. The space and materials are all free to use, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable! They also have photocopiers and printers to help get your zine printed!

Sabby Co-op

Our venue Sabby has regular monthly Zine Club events: a hangout for making and sharing zines! Their next event is on the 29th of August.