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 third 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 6–7 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.

• 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 get the chance to engage with and intera t wiht a variety of zines and zine formats both in the classroom and on an off site ‘field trip’
• Students will leave with a physical copy of their own zine and other zines made by their classmates.

Week 1 – Intros + Presentation

The History and Significance of Zines & Independent Publishing + Long Term Project Brief.

Week 2 – Demo

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

Week 3 – Class Critique

Group critique for the long term project.

Week 4 – Field Trip

Field trip to Printed Matter

Week 5 – Final Review

Review & critique of long term project.

Week 6 – Printing Session

Print your final zines at Index.

Student works from previous sessions included in our resource section about zines.

“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

Books referenced in this Course

Unlicensed: Bootlegging as Creative Practice by Ben Schwartz

What Design Can’t Do: Essays on Design and Disillusion by Silvio Lorusso

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 (he/him) 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.

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 February 9th.

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 offering begins → 100% refund

More than 2 weeks before offering begins → 50% refund

Fewer than 2 weeks before offering begins → No refund

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