#zinster

This month’s zine (available here [link]) is admittedly something of a rant due to people not understanding how my disabilities affect my ability to get a job. So, I decided to make a zine about it instead of explaining it ad nauseam! If they actually give a shit and want to try to understand, they’ll read it. If they’re just being ableist or don’t actually care, they won’t. Simple as that. That being said, I figured someone else might find it relatable or something hence me sharing it with the world. Hope whoever reads it enjoys!

Also the usual: this month’s zine has a minimum of free for the Pay-What-You-Want (PWYW) minimum. Last month’s PWYW minimum increased to $1 and every other zine is a minimum PWYW $3 for the rest of the year.

After many, MANY trials and errors I finally made a fliporello zine! It’s kinda silly, kinda serious, inspired by the fact that me and my friends agreed that I’m dog-coded. And also by some post I saw that supposed to be motivation to realize your self worth etc but they said something like “you are not a dog, you can’t be liked by everyone” and… it did not work for me (you will see why in this mini zine). 

Rejection is natural and will happen a lot! Everyone has different wants and needs for their idea of a finished zine but it doesnt mean your ability is lacking!

Apply! Apply! Don't be shy and just go for it. This continues from my last point but most organisers of zines are willing to give you advice for next time. It can be a helpful insight instead of getting a blank message of rejection.

Portfolios... are the bane of everyone. They can be awkward to keep up with and not everyone's forte but are important! Keep a tag of your work and don't worry about them being all masterpieces. A record of ideas is a strong tool. Use a blog as a virtual sketchbook tour!

Make your own zine! I don't mean high end fanzines you see nowadays just an easy peasy one sheet / 8 page zine! Get an idea for the format and feeling. Play around with your work in print and see what you like about the process! You'll learn a lot taking a break to be in tune with both analogical and digital processes. Electric zine maker is an awesome tool too!

Download/Purchase zines and get inspiration! You can find plenty of free/pwyw zines on itch.io and gumroad for example. Tik tok, insta, etsy and here also have a range of creators who publish their own (mostly previews).

READ DESCRIPTION FIRST There was this really polite guy in the bus, blocking my way out. As he wasn’t reacting to my several “Excuse me’s” I tapped his arm and he finally moved aside with the words “Yea, you don’t need to touch me.” Outside the bus many different possibilities of how I could’ve reacted came to my mind. You got any suggestions?

Da war dieser nette Kerl im Bus, der meinen Weg nach draußen blockierte. Da er nicht auf meine „Entschuldigen Sie“ reagierte, tippte ich ihm auf den Arm und er ließ mich schließlich gewähren mit den Worten „Ja, du brauchst mich nicht anzutatschen.“ Draußen kamen mir viele verschiedene Ideen, wie ich hätte reagieren können. Irgendwelche Vorschläge?