#2. What is a Zine?

To Zine or Not to Zine? The difference between zines, magazines and everything in between..🌿

Jun 02, 2023

Since Roam to Roam began, we’ve had so many of you join us and we are so grateful! We have also had lots of questions about what a zine actually is. We realised that Zine’s aren’t actually a widely used concept in the age of social media, so here’s our very own run-down of what a zine actually is and how you can get involved in zine culture- maybe even have a go at making your own. Check out our ‘discover…’ section this week for some of our top magazine shopping experiences, book recommendations and more!

Zine’s (pronounced zeens) are typically self-published booklets of information. Originating from the term ‘fanzine’ which originally described small science fiction publications. These forms of fanzines first appeared in the late 1920’s, they then had a resurgence in the 1970’s used to promote punk music for bands such as The Sex Pistols. This was at a time where this music was received little attention from wider press and so fanzines became a way of reaching fans on a wide scale. This phenomenon spawned a new interest in self-publishing and several decades later this concept continues to inspire designers, artists, photographers and illustrators all over the world.

Traditionally zines were produced by hand-cutting and sticking bits of paper and collaging imagery, they were then photocopied to produce multiple copies. This was a quick, cheap and easy way to reach a wider audience. A zine publication is usually folded or stapled and typically exists in a very throw-away format.

It’s this throw-away style that first inspired us to create Roam to Roam. We wanted to create an alternative travel guide, that exists in the format of a traditional zine, for people to either keep as a momento of trips away or simply throw away at the end of your stay! The choice is yours.

The concept of creating zines is really freeing and allows the artist or maker to be creative! We love this idea and can’t wait to interpret this in our first Roam to Roam Zine! (Coming later this year…!)

How to get started…🌿

The concept of making a zine, even today is far from the mainstream. In true non-conformist fashion there are no written rules. You can really go wild and get creative! Publishing zines is different to publishing a magazine, their are no boundaries! Zines are self-published, designed for a small circulation, distributed via post or even just word-of-mouth. Zines are created for spreading bold, strong and creative ideas unlike magazines which can often be driven by advertising and sales.

Get creative and start making your zine today! Tag us in your creations using #roamtoroamzine.

Want to know more about zine culture? Check out some of our favourite Zines, Books and Magazine Shopping recommendations…🌿