Zines have had a resurgence of popularity after fading from public awareness in the late 1990s. According to the free online encyclopaedia Wikipedia (you either love it or hate it!), “A zine (an abbreviation of the word fanzine or magazine) is most commonly a small publication of original ……texts and images…” The significant majority are produced in editions of less than 100 in formats such as computer printed text, comics, or words and drawings done by hand. Topics covered include fan fiction, politics, art, design, personal journals or social comment.

If you haven’t ever created a zine, a brief description might inspire you to try. First take a piece of paper, choose your subject, write or type words and create drawings. When you are happy with your efforts, duplicate some copies. Then swap with or send to a friend, sell at a Zine Fair or through a zine-friendly book store, or leave at a library for people to find.

The Two Fires Festival Zine Fair will provide zine makers (or “zinesters), comic creators and wearable art designers with a venue to sell, swap and market their works and it will be an opportunity for young artists and writers to participate in this exciting form of communication.

Interested zine makers must register by March 20 by contact zinefair@twofiresfestival.org or ring 0401 904 680 to book a table. The Zine Fair will be located up the laneway at 139 Wallace Street.