EVERYTHING
ZINES
_HEIC.png)
THE PREMISE
I've always been a scrappy artist - why not get into the art of self-publishing?
THE STORY
Seeing the Seattle Zine Fest
I first started thinking about zines when I was invited to the Seattle Zine Fest by a friend who was tabling there. I wasn't sure what to make of it, but I thought it was cool.
Applying to AZN Zine Fest
I saw information about the AZN Zine Fest on Instagram, and I figured I would apply. I had never made a zine before, so I threw my sketching portfolio (literally, my website page of "Everything Sketching") in there. I was accepted, and now I had to figure out how to zine.
The AZN Zine Fest Pre-Event
The Pre-event at Reed College featured talks by zinesters Helen Oji and Yumi Sakugawa. They talked about their journeys as artists and how zines encourage non-mainstream ideas that deserve to be heard. Of course, I had to grab a sketch - pictured is the talk with Helen Oji, who is sitting on the left, moderated by A'misa Chiu.
The Independent Publishing Resource Center
I found the IPRC (Independent Publishing Resource Center) which had plenty of printers and supplies to help me print out my first set of zines. In the week leading up to AZN Zine Fest, I also met many Asian zinesters who would I end up keeping in touch with!
Tabling at the AZN Zine Fest
AZN Zine Fest was the first time I really put myself out there, as an artist selling my work. About 1,600 people came, which is a lot for a zine fest! Swapping zines, buying stickers, and making more new friends made this an amazing first foray into the world and culture of zines.
Bonus: The Secret Zine
For anyone that had a sharp eye, behind my tabling sign, I had a note that said to "Ask about the SECRET ZINE." The Secret Zine, is a comic about my immersion blender, inspired by my passions in "Everything Cooking" and "Everything Cartoons." I had spent much of the past few years drawing real objects; I used this as an opportunity to get back into cartooning. I hope to do more cartooning soon!
