Can zines cure depression? Can they help you find community? Can they make you cooler? Can independent publishing offer you a respite in these trying times?

The answer to all of these questions is YES.

Join us for the second iteration of this course, where we will be examining the history and form of self-published zines while producing our own expressions of the art form. Over the course of 6 weeks, we will learn more about the revolutionary roots of independent publishing, and learn how to design and make physical zines.

If you’ve ever been curious about making a zine, or if you've experimented with the art form in the past but want to know more, this course is for you! The ideal candidate has experience using graphic design software such as Adobe InDesign, an open mind to making things with your hands, and a desire to explore the outer reaches of independent publishing.

Your class fee covers the use of two printers, as well as:

• Printing Ink
• Printing Paper
• Binding materials
• General paper craft supplies

• Students will learn the history and significance of zines and independent publishing.
• Students will learn how to make zines in the physical form with a variety of methods.
• Students will engage with a constructive critique process learning how to critique each others work for the purpose of an iterative design process.
• Students will leave with a physical copy of their own zine and other zines made by their classmates.

Week 1 – Intros + Presentation

Instructor Andrew Diemer situates the course with a presentation detailing a history of zines and independent publishing. Students get briefed on our long-term class project.

Week 2 – Demo

Make a zine with a single sheet of paper and the materials you have around you, without using design software.

Week 3 – Critique

In-progress group critique of long-term projects.

Week 4 – Field Trip

Class trip to Printed Matter.

Week 5 – Final Review

Final review & critique of long-term projects.

Week 6 – Printing

Printing and constructing zines at Index!

“You don't have to wait for someone else's permission to speak.”

—Cathleen Paquet

“We who draw do so not only to make something visible to others, but also to accompany something invisible to its incalculable destination.”

—John Berger, Bento’s Sketchbook

Here’s a list of books (in no particular order) that either directly or indirectly informed the creation of this course, hopefully they can provide some further insight on subject matter brought up during the class.

• Caps Lock by Ruben Pater
• The Politics of Design by Ruben Pater
• The Medium is the Massage by Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore
• Ways of Seeing by John Berger
• Bento’s Sketchbook by John Berger

Andrew Diemer is a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Artist and Educator based in Brooklyn, NY. Andrew works as a Senior Brand Designer at Droga5. Outside of the advertising industry, he has an active freelance and personal practice, making work for clients primarily in the music, restaurant, and skateboarding spaces. Andrew enjoys making zines, playing music, and watching sports on television. He wrote this in the third person.

Index scholarships are designed to benefit underrepresented groups, BIPOC members of our community, and those for whom the class price is not accessible. These need-based scholarships will go to the candidates who best demonstrate why they should be chosen for the free spot to our class based on the following criteria:

• Belong to groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the graphic design and creative industries
• Do not have jobs that would pay for these courses as professional development
• Cannot independently afford the class at list price
• Share our value of intentional community

The number of selected applicants chosen is subject to the discretion of Index and the instructor, but every course will select at least one. Apply for a scholarship here. Applications close January 21st

We get that things come up, but we rely on headcounts in our programs to survive as a business. If you request a refund...

More than 4 weeks before class begins → 100% refund
More than 2 weeks before class begins → 50% refund
Fewer than 2 weeks before class begins → No refund

Thanks for understanding and for supporting our ability to provide cool offerings through your purchase.