What is a Fanzine? A Beginner’s Guide

A comprehensive guide to exploring the world of fanzines.

You’ve probably heard the term “fanzine” or are already familiar with it. In this guide, we’ll dive into the concept, explaining its main characteristics and how you can connect with these fascinating publications.

A Concept That Has Evolved Over Time.

The term "fanzine" was coined by Louis Russell Chauvenet in 1940 to differentiate these small publications from professional science fiction magazines. Combining the ideas of “fan” and “magazine,” these were independent publications (not mass-produced or commercially driven) often centered around a specific topic that the authors were passionate about.

Over time, these publications—dating back to the 1940s—developed distinctive traits: self-published under the DIY ethos, produced in small print runs, and often with simple finishes. They became platforms to authentically reflect the voices of their creators, breaking with traditional editorial norms and offering a space for free and unrestricted expression.

With their independent spirit, fanzines prioritize communication over commerce, making them powerful tools for sharing ideas, stories, and art in a highly personal way.

Gradually, zines have expanded to include more polished finishes and artistic content, drawing closer to the concept of an "artist book," while maintaining their activist, rebellious, and sometimes punk essence.

The term "zine" has also become increasingly common as a simpler alternative to "fanzine," reflecting the broader range of themes addressed in these publications. Many zines today are less about being “fan” publications and more about artistic or personal expression.

Nowadays, zines are an accessible format for creators, whether they aim to deliver a powerful reflective message or simply use them as a creative medium to share their artistic vision. Fun fact: zine creators are often called "zinesters."

In addition to being physical products, the zine world represents a vibrant, active, and diverse community of creators and artists who often gather in shared spaces, from fairs and workshops to meetups and other collaborative formats where they exchange, co-create, or trade zines.

10 Key Characteristics of Fanzines.

1. DIY Essence. Zines are created by enthusiasts who handle every part of the process: writing, designing, producing, and distributing.
2. Non-commercial Focus. Their main goal isn’t profit but sharing a specific vision (ideological, artistic, etc.) and connecting with a niche audience.
3. Accessibility. This non-commercial approach often makes them affordable, simply covering production costs.
4. Diverse Content. Zines feature everything from poetry and personal stories to experimental art, political essays, cultural commentary, and niche topics. They often explore underrepresented themes like radical politics, social movements, and diverse identities.
5. Creative Freedom. There are no established formats or creative limits beyond the size of a piece of paper. Zines can include text, illustrations, collages, poetry, essays, or a mix of everything, depending on what the creator wants to express.
6. Born from Photocopiers. While many zines today are professionally printed, historically, they were reproduced through photocopies or other artisanal methods, a defining visual characteristic.
7. Magazines... or Not. While some zines follow a serialized format, others exist as unique, standalone pieces.
8. Small Print Runs. Zines are usually produced in limited quantities, giving them an exclusive character.
9. Collaborative Nature. Especially when serialized, zines often thrive as collective works.
10. Self-published and Independently Distributed. Zines are typically distributed through specialized fairs, indie bookstores, or the creators' digital channels.

What Wouldn’t Be Considered a Zine?

While the boundaries are flexible, certain formats don’t fall under the zine category:

• Commercial Magazines. Large-scale, profit-driven publications, even independent ones, don’t align with the zine ethos.
• Artist Books. Though some zines share traits with artist books, the latter often have a more conceptual focus, meticulous editions, and polished finishes compared to the more casual nature of zines.
• Photobooks. While zines can feature photography, photobooks tend to have a more editorial and polished design approach.

Three Reasons to Start Collecting Zines.

1. Discover and Support New Perspectives. Zines open the door to unique, independent voices, offering fresh takes on culture, society, and activism.
2. Affordable and Accessible. They’re typically inexpensive, making it easy to start a collection.
3. Support Independent Creators. Buying zines directly supports artists and writers, helping them continue producing new work and sharing their vision.

How to Choose a Fanzine. 

Selecting a zine is a highly personal experience, often connected to your interests and passions. Here are some tips:

• Personal Interests. Look for zines on topics you’re passionate about, such as music, art, politics, or personal narratives.
• Visual Style. Check the cover and interior pages to see if the artistic style resonates with you.
• Emotional Connection. Choose those that convey something special, whether through their message or design.
• Local Support. Pick zines by local creators to foster creativity in your community.

Let your intuition guide you and connect with the creator's message and aesthetic.

Where to Find Zines.

• Check our dedicated zine section on Singular Papers for a curated collection from around the world.
• Explore indie bookstores and art spaces.
• Visit zine fairs or creator meetups in your area.
• Browse online repositories or creators' social media pages.

Ready to Start Your Collection? Dive into the world of zines and discover a universe of creativity, independence, and self-expression. 😊