Zine-making resources: Stolen Sharpie Revolution by Alex Wrekk

Stolen Sharpie Revolution. A DIY Resource for Zines and Zine Culture by Alex Wrekk is a fantastic book about zines that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Explaining the title, ideas should be disseminated in the same way that sharpies are exchanged, with zines playing an important part in the process.

The book is a mine of information on how to make zines and walks you through sizes, layouts, printing options, binding, mailing zines, distribution, exhibiting, and much more.


I found the following suggestions to be really useful:

• Keep a notebook on hand to jot down ideas for zines. Write only on one side of the page; the other can be used for edits or notes.

• Layout: leave a 1/4- to 1/2-inch margin all the way around the page so it can be printed or copied entirely.

• Copyright: when using items cut for collages, give credit to the original creators.

• Photocopiers are not dead: you can combine images by running them through a photocopier multiple times. Also, scan various objects for an interesting effect.

• Covers matter - add some color, stamps, stencils. Make it stand out.

• Zines are about using what you already have, not spending money on fancy paper and stationery.

• Experiment with binding: try staples, sewing machine, or stitching with yarn, ribbon, or floss.

• Zine-making is a communal activity: trade zines, leave copies in public places, visit zine events, organize workshops.

• Addition to zines: you can make stickers, buttons, or patches that will accompany your zine.

• July is International Zine Month!

• THERE ARE NO RULES WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING ZINES.

• HAVE FUN!

For more resources and information about zine events, check out www.stolensharpierevolution.org.