zine inspiration (how i pick zine topics!)

This video explains zines, why people make them, and how I personally choose zine topics when I'm feeling stuck. Together we will explore different zine genres, methods to help your brainstorming process, and take a look at some zines for inspiration!
Disclaimer: I am not, and never claim to be, a zine expert. I simply enjoy sharing my process with you. What I do in this video may or not work for you, but this is what helps me.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:40 WTF is a Zine?!
1:18 Why Make Zines?!
2:23 Types of Zines Intro
2:40 Perzines
5:20 Informational Zines
6:07 Fanzines
7:13 How I Pick Topics
9:17 Extra Zine Examples
11:41 End/Resources
About Me:
My name is Bre and I'm a Black and Polynesian full-time artist based in Long Beach, CA. I primarily make zines, but I am also known for my illustrations, copywriting, and short stories. You can follow my life on Instagram, TikTok or Patreon (all the links are on my about me section).
My Website:
msha.ke/brestinyprintshop/
General Zine Archive Link:
archive.org/details/solidarit...
POC Zine Project (Read zines by BIPOC zine makers):
issuu.com/poczineproject
Buy Stolen Sharpie Revolution:
stolensharpierevolution.org/
Music: Animal Crossing LoFi Mix
#zines #tutorial #inspiration #zinemaking #howtomake #zines #zinemaking #papercrafts #zineideas #inspiration #studiovlog #smallbusiness #selfpublishing #independentartist #artideas #craftingideas #diyart #diycraftideas #diy #free #crafttutorials #crafttips #artbooks #paper #zinester #makingart #shopsmall #craft #niche #nicheideas #creative #create #creativeideas #paperideas #folding #oragami
zines, zine making, zinester, zine stuff, how to make a zine, how to fold zines, zine ideas, crafting ideas, paper, paper crafts, paper making, folding paper, how to fold paper, ideas, creative, creative ideas, how to choose zine topics, how to come up with ideas, ideas, art ideas, free ideas, artist

[@Bunparade]

I liked this a lot! The only thing I wanted to know that you didn't cover is how do you physically make a zine. Like, how do I put one together? Do I need to go to a print shop to make them? How do I bind the pages, etc.

[@brattyxbre]

You can make it all from home! I have other videos on how I put them together, print, bind, and make copies You can find all those videos here in my zine resources google doc. You will find tutorials on how to make these, mini or bigger sized, zines ⬇️ Hope it’s helpful! docs.google.com/document/d/11Lc8s3w5HLrs8ekKiIGrbxNjVUV591MRvLdIOp_5fiA/mobilebasic

[@dustiibunnii]

You know sometimes it takes a KZbin video to show you that you can just… make things. I think I fell into the trap where I had to polish everything and go through “””channels””” and being published and I got detached from why art was fun. Doing it yourself in your basement with a bunch of second hand craft items and dollar store markers. :’)

[@brattyxbre]

Love this yesss ❤️✨

[@sotiredlol]

the simple concept of thinking of things i love and hate as zine ideas is SO helpful. i love MCR and also jasmine rice lol. i hate job rejection emails and OCD thoughts. some awesome zine topics

[@brattyxbre]

I wanna read ALL THOSE ZINES lol

[@thisisnotapplejuice]

made my first zine today as a gift for my friend where i collected poems and comics and lyrics i thought represented us well and it was so much fun! definitely going to make more :)

[@lgnbby]

Hearing you talk about how much you love zines always warms my heart. I alsolutely love the way you talk about your process with such conviction and passion. Zine making, especially in terms of perzines, has become such an outlet for me recently and its something that has given me motivation to create more when I feel burnt out. it's really cool to see all of your creative and varied ideas!! I have a huuuge list of zine ideas but I'll still definitely try out your idea generation technique, it seems fun 💫

[@brattyxbre]

Oooo I love this, thanks for always being here to see my journey I really appreciate that. Especially from a fellow zine maker!!

[@TixoDelta]

the moment i learned about zines ideas just flooded to the point where i had to note them all down just so i dont forget them. currently making a 6-page zine about some of my characters! i've only done one spread, but i think ill be able to finish a spread and a page today! will update this comment if it's done

[@brattyxbre]

🤩🙌🏽

[@VonSolo5]

-- so very sorry about your friends who didn’t make it through the trauma of the past two years. 🙏 Just started making zines again and so glad the algorithm showed me your awesome video. Love your artistic style and sense of humor 🙌💖 Thank you for the ideas and inspiration to keep making zines. You ARE amazing. Happy New Year 🎉.

[@brattyxbre]

I appreciate your condolences, thank you very much. I’m so honored you enjoyed my video and THRILLED to hear you’re making zines again. Keep going! Sending you lots of love in the new year :)

[@trinitygrace145]

In love with diy culture and zine making! Thanks for helping me get my creative juices flowing!! I made my first zine tonight 🥰🥰

[@caption628]

The bat-shaped zine with a mirror inside and the flexagon zine are so cool. Gotta look up flexagon tutorials so I can make one

[@c80made]

thank you for this! I am 31 and have been searching for ways to express my story in art. I really think that my setback has been that I've been shoving this concept into a box that says "you have to say everything in ONE piece". at work I do our monthly newsletters and I approached it from a zine style, pasting assets all over - I was in LOVE with 90s web where you saw websites that felt like they were pulled right off a page of someone's zine. I never even considered this an avenue for my own story. might've taken a lot longer without this, so thank you! also I've never seen a nic cage movie but your dedication to him has me thinking I will change that lmao

[@brattyxbre]

Nicolas Cage has a wide range of films to enjoy or to cringe at - he’s a very interesting actor lol Thank you for watching! We are peers, I turn 30 soon and understand what you’re going through. I love that you use zines as inspiration for your newsletter, that’s brilliant. Thank you again for connecting with me today and have fun making your creations 💞💞

[@keenyaBKraftHappy]

OMG. I just saw ur circle poem... I thought i was the only weirdo who writes in circles. Silly me. Im older and i work w youth and love inspiring independence and creativity. This is an upcoming project. Im into junk journaling but my kiddos had a better response to ZINES as an activity. I want to follow thru the entire process all the way to having an Etsy shop. I really appreciate how u explained magazines as mass consumerism vs zines which represent eco friendly platforms for expression and a sense of achievement since u can do it on ur own. Some of the youth have disabilities or r marginalized and don't have opportunities to express themselves. This will be a great way to help them. Thanx so much!!!❤❤

[@brattyxbre]

🥰🥰🥰✨✂️

[@mixedmamamusings]

Love this so much! As a mixed person (also Black & Polynesian 🌺) I've been wanting to create zines about my personal life and to share info with others offline. Thanks for the tips & inspo!

[@brattyxbre]

Yes! More zines by Black & Polynesian creators please 😀😀💚 thank you for watching and I’m so excited for your zine journey, keep me updated!

[@brig7000]

Hi!! Im currently doing an ap world project on the history of riotgrrrl zines and am making my own zine as a model! this video is really helping me brainstorm and organize my thoughts. Thank you!!

[@codysmith3853]

so i have an idea for a zine, im thinking of going to university next year despite my own anxieties and the doubts of people around me and i figured making a perzine about it could be a good way to express myself, like journaling! as well as offer advice and help other people dealing with the same struggles

[@mols556]

This is awesome. Thank you. I've been thinking about starting a poetry zine forever and this has finally given me the kick i needed. Thanks for linking the archive too. Can't wait to read more. Cheers!

[@journalingplanet]

I'm so glad I found your channel. Please never second guess how much you are sharing. The world needs your voice and your vulnerability. ❤️❤️❤️

[@definitionoflazyperson7552]

This video is literally amazing, it is so well put together and informative!!Thank you so much :)

[@thaumaturgyarts4072]

I loved this video! Getting back into zines after a long time away and this is such an inspiration

[@TheDog2137]

Last night I made my first zine - I saw one of your videos few months ago and now I saw it again and it was the right time. I was going to sleep, but really wanted to give it a try, so I decided on fast topic - my favorite quotes. Every morning I read quotes/affirmations that inspire me to be better to myself(as also a neurodivergent person it was a struggle my entire life) - and now I have cute little zine I can read those from ♡ And I just wanted to say thank you, thank you for being inspiration and giving me calmness.

[@brattyxbre]

Best comment to read to start my week! Thank you for watching - I’m SO glad I could help ❤️❤️

[@TheDog2137]

@@brattyxbre ♥️♥️♥️

[@anastaciasimpson3437]

This is so cool! Also the flexazine was so awesome, I've never seen a zine like that

[@laurenhayes8283]

This was a terrific beginners guide share, thanks so much for making this. I just got into One Piece Zines this past year and I really feel like its inspired me to improve both my writing and to explore topics I didn't have the guts to touch on previously. Zines can be such a marvelous experience to be a part of.

[@Lucy-yd6uj]

Ough this was seriously so inspirational!!! I'm just getting into zine making and I love learning everything I can about them and you're an amazing teacher!

[@ZoeNycole]

You’re incredible. This makes me want to try this so bad. Gonna challenge myself to not worry about the outcome. Thanks for sharing!

[@yessica5231]

Ok but i love Journaling and writing and painting and this is literally THEE best way to combine the 3 thanks so much i had no idea what zines were!!

[@kaily_x]

this is super inspiring, i haven't thought about making zines since i was a kid and now i really want to do it!

[@sydney2802]

Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been playing around with the idea of making a zine, and now just watching a bunch of youtube vids is giving me so many ideas and a lot of confidence

[@brattyxbre]

Yay! You’re very welcome, I’m happy to hear my videos are helpful for you :) I hope you make tons of zines

[@aiedaazman5117]

thank you so much! for this video cause it has opened my eyes about why so many people choose to do zines. It looks so interesting too

[@brattyxbre]

Much love ❤️❤️❤️

[@a-little-sunshine]

This is so cozy, I loved this! Thank you so much for all your explanations and for sharing some of your zines.

[@brattyxbre]

You are so welcome 💐♥️♥️

[@lucyramos622]

I’ve been loving the recent vids you’ve been posting! I was already planning on making more and more zines but now I’m even more excited cuz it’s zine month!

[@brattyxbre]

Happy zine month, Lucy!!

[@mordonach]

I've always loved diys since like... Elementary school and making my own stuff and junk!! I really wanna make and sell my own things like art and zines so I absolutely love watching creators like you!!!!

[@leeloo9401]

I found you on tiktok, then moved to instagram and now finally to youtube, love these longer videos!

[@brattyxbre]

I’m so happy you’re here, thank you! :)

[@svndysnhlwd]

Really appreciate you taking us through the process of creating zines and being so thorough in your explanation of them. I started following you on IG a while back when I was really wanting to express myself thru zines. Can't lie, the process seemed intimidating. But, I know now that what I was mostly dealing with was a lot of self-doubt. Now, I'm in a better place, spiritually, and feel that zines are going to be such a dope way of conveying all of what I went through then (and what I'm going through and experiencing now). So, thank you!

[@brattyxbre]

This is so touching, thank you for sharing and I’m excited for you to begin your zine journey. I’m happy I could be part of it. Much love!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@schemesthefox1255]

Thank you for making this!! I want to share my interests more but I didn’t know how to go about it, so this helps a bunch :]

[@cybering.]

Just barely passed the intro and UGH u r soo cute!!!!, 🥰🥰 ty for taking the time to share such cool info

[@beestingggirl]

I absolutely LOVE the my dyslexia is showing zine…. What a way to take on the challenges you’re faced with. You are an inspiration

[@brattyxbre]

Thank you so much, that means a lot to me and I feel so seen 😭💞

[@odieoverall]

this is one of the best videos for zine inspiration and helpful examples

[@lessonsonlinen]

Such a wonderful explanation- I just loved this! thank you! thank you!

[@brattyxbre]

🥰🫶🏽

[@freiyakd]

i love love love this, thank you for this video. as a designer i feel like i wanna make one as a rite of passage, i don’t know why i haven’t thought of making it but now that i’ve planted the thought i can’t wait to take some time and make one of my own! thanks for all the useful information ❤ subscribed!!

[@brattyxbre]

You can do it and it will be amazing, I’m sure of it. Thank you so much for watching and subscribing. Happy zine making !!

[@bunnywhite6513]

Loved this! I'm definitely gonna get into zines. Also dang, your look had me doing a double take cuz we def have some similarities which is cool since I don't often encounter others that look similar to me and have a similar style. Then you go and also love Nic Cage (the bat zine is AMAZING!), so I just really enjoyed this video.

[@brattyxbre]

If that’s you in your profile picture, you’re beautiful 😍 And I can see what you mean about the similar style, etc. heck yeah!! Also meeting fellow Cage Heads is the best, thank you for watching and leaving this comment. You made my day!

[@morpho_portis]

Thank you for making this video! I am writing my own zine at the moment and sometimes I need to see other people creating, to get myself in there again. Especially love your Nic Cage zines!

[@brattyxbre]

You are so welcome, YOU GOT THIS! 🙌🏽 and thank you for watching

[@kateryneart]

Hi, I just found your channel while i was searching for Zine ideas. I love your videos. You definitely inspire me to create some new ones. I started to create some for and with my grandson about what he is doing this summer. He was so enthusiastic that after we created one he wanted to make another one immediately. Thank you so much for your excellent ideas.

[@brattyxbre]

I’m happy to hear that my videos have made a difference in your life, Kateryne! Your grandson is going to love how many things he can do with a zine, and you will bond so much through zines. Thank you for watching 🤗

[@mycrtfellonme]

I loved this, all of your stuff is so cool. love the Nic Cage stuff!

[@nadialeeabu]

love this!! i am going to a zine workshop on sunday and this is super helpful

[@brattyxbre]

Have fun 😇✂️

[@softly.moonlit]

this video is super helpful!! i’m currently hyperfixating on zines and this helps me get started :D

[@brattyxbre]

Glad to hear it, happy zine making 😊

[@Joylove_laughter]

You articulate well. Don't doubt yourself girlllll 🎇🎇I'm inspired to make zines and I'm getting to know about them through your channel. Thank you ☺️

[@brattyxbre]

Thank you so much!! You’re going to love zine making 😍

[@InTouchWithBertJ]

I love this video! Thanks so much for the effort of making this resource. In my work-life I meet lots of people who create or workshop with zines. I never felt like it might be for me, until I recently had this urge to make something about an idea which has been incubating for years. Thanks for helping me on my way! ❤ For a long video, you did really great, fitting so much in there and keeping it entertaining as well. I know it cliche, but dont doubt yourself. This is amazing.

[@brattyxbre]

Thank you so much for watching and leaving such a kind, encouraging comment! Wishing you all the best on your zine journey ❤️❤️ your work is needed in the world!!

[@erinhaleen6092]

You made perfect sense. Great video, I'm a teach in California and currently teaching summer school. The kids are making zines this week and we watched your video in class. Thanks for all the good information.

[@brattyxbre]

Thank you for watching - I’m glad this video is used in class and helps the kids express themselves! ❤️✂️

[@marialuisajanuario5667]

I have just started to create zines and your channel is helping me a lot!!

[@brattyxbre]

I’m so happy to hear this! Thank you for watching my video :)

[@amynye7218]

Everything you said made total sense!! Really inspiring video. I love that nic cage zine format, I'm off to google to learn that fold 😍

[@brattyxbre]

Yay!! Let me know how that goes!! I can also make a tutorial if you’re having trouble, but those flexagons are SO fun

[@echozines]

Awesome video! I'm so happy I found your channel as I'm a total zine geek.🙂Your zines sound awesome too. Gonna bingewatch all your videos now. 🙂

[@brattyxbre]

Awesome! Thank you! I’m so happy you’re here 🤩🫶🏽

[@judithangulovalenzuela5116]

You got me with the advise I stayed because of the vibes 🙌🏻

[@brattyxbre]

😊❤️ thank you for hangin out!

[@UrMom-lr5gs]

Your video looks super professional and well made i was so surprised to see you have under 1K, im sure with this content you’ll get there soon! Your video helped me bc Im getting into stuff like journaling and zines but im not the most creative person so thanks!

[@UrMom-lr5gs]

OMG IVE SEEN YOUR TIKTOK VIDEO YOUR ZINES ARE WHAT GOT ME INTO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE OMGGG

[@brattyxbre]

thank you for the encouragement, I can’t wait to make more videos on zines and crafting! I’m also happy to hear I helped you get back into this stuff, keep going :) I hope to see what you create too! Happy Friday

[@UrMom-lr5gs]

@@brattyxbre thank you so much your so sweet 😭

[@da31133]

I think ive just found my next thing maybe.....ty for sharing and being vulnerable. Your bat one is really cool and creative.

[@brattyxbre]

Go for it! And thank you for watching and listening 😇

[@wiktoriawroblewska1751]

Great video, really informative!! I feel so inspired. Your zines look amazing!

[@brattyxbre]

This means everything to me! Happy holidays and new year ❤️

[@Raisedbywolves13]

Yes!!! So cool. Let's bring Zines back!

[@emimichan007]

That was very articulate, and loved your eyebrows !

[@brattyxbre]

Oh thank you! You’re so sweet! 🥰🤟🏽

[@user-uk4tt9bt7j]

This was so helpful and inspiring. Especially as a fellow black artist. Thank you from he bottom of my heart

[@brattyxbre]

🫂❤️

[@ninabanks7596]

Ok stop placing blame on yourself. You are awesome!!! I loved your videos 😍

[@brattyxbre]

You're the best, thank youuuu 🥰♥️

[@songsofllore1]

I love this! Thank you!

[@lottesiu]

Thanks for talking all the details about zine, after this video , I am really interested to make one myself!

[@brattyxbre]

No prob! Have fun 💞✨

[@felixicide400]

i made my first zine a few months ago and i cant wait to make more!!!

[@MelanieAtreides]

YESSS THANKYOU 🙌🌞 So happy that you make youtube vids now :))

[@brattyxbre]

I’m so excited to make more videos for ya!! Thanks for being here :)

[@QuesadillaWizard]

Great video!! I wanna make some more zines!

[@Oliver-vp1pc]

just the video I've been needing! Ive been wanting to get into zines but i just haven't figured out what to make it about. Also, the nic cage zines look great haha always like some nic cage appreciation

[@brattyxbre]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching. Nic Cage fans unite!! 🫶🏽

[@EphemeralDarkness]

Thanks to seeing your channel, I have come up with so many ideas! Most of them are OC based so I’ll probably just keep them to myself but I’m so excited to make them. I’m currently working on a disability pride project based on my writing/art based characters. It will be just drawings of them and a small bio of them, based on their disabilities!

[@brattyxbre]

I LOVE THAT!!!

[@thriftingsuperstars]

thank you for sharing🙏🏼 you are so talented☺ I'm so sorry that you lost so many friends during covid💓

[@brattyxbre]

Thank you so much 🫂💐

[@Spidermansthirdcousin]

This was very helpful! Thank you!!

[@sallytownsendart]

Your Vampire's Kiss zine is EVERYTHING!!!!!

[@brattyxbre]

😭🙏🏽

[@recycleonwednesdays]

This video is so awesome. Thank you!

[@lizsun261]

ive been interest in zines for so long! i dont even know how to start, but im really into it :)

[@brattyxbre]

I will make more videos showing how to make all kinds of zines. I hope it will help on your zine journey -- thanks for watching Liz!

[@Raisedbywolves13]

Keep inspiring!

[@breezygoof]

i love this!!!

[@pleasedeliver]

This was the exact video i wanted to see. Thank you! I also love nick cage 😂

[@c-side-]

Most helpful - thank you! ❤

[@elensj1996]

This video was exactly what I needed! Inspired me to pick up the craft again. If you have room to answer: when making an informational zine, how do you deal with perfectionism? Every time I come up with an idea for an informational zine, I get stuck easily because I fear I'd accidentally spread misinformation. Thanks for this video!

[@brattyxbre]

I totally understand how you feel regarding informational zines. If I’m ever unsure about the info, I don’t include it. And if I do include research i never heard of before I try to cite where I got the info from so readers can take a look and verify themselves. If I ever had made a mistake in the past and someone pointed it out to me, I stop distributing the zine, correct the info and print new copies!

[@madvikins]

You inspire, thanks 😊

[@kishasworld]

This video fucking rocks and I am grateful . Your dope, I’m subscribing and I love all of your artwork all of your zines are fucking fantastic.

[@brattyxbre]

I appreciate your support so much thank youuuuu :-)

[@AntonioLirio]

Very clear and very well exposed. Thank you very much!!

[@brattyxbre]

You’re welcome!

[@arinirachmatika5971]

thank your for the inspo! and also you are pretty

[@brattyxbre]

you’re so nice thank you 😭❤️!!

[@kitkelly0603]

this is so cool!

[@zoyafuriosa]

More videos please! You’re awesome 👍🏽😍

[@brattyxbre]

I can’t wait to make more!! Thank you :)

[@addisonkeatts]

the bat one is dope

[@creativeflo5599]

This warmed my soul

[@brattyxbre]

💓💓💓

[@creativeflo5599]

@@brattyxbre aah! Mad fast reply haha :)

[@brattyxbre]

It was one of those moments where I was refreshing comments and yours popped up right away hahaha thanks for watching!

[@creativeflo5599]

Omg that amazing! Is there some way to contact you to share and contrast zines? :)

[@brattyxbre]

Yes, my P.O. Box is always open for trades!! I send back in a few weeks 11278 Los Alamitos Blvd Unit 825 Los Alamitos CA 90720 United States

[@elizaduudles]

Hi! I just found your page and I just wanted to say I seriously admire what you do. I love how passionate you are about your work, it’s so easy to see how much you love making zines and it’s so inspiring! Thank you for being so transparent about your life experiences and for being so honest. This is such a beautiful video and I already know I’m going to rewatch this on the regular! ❤

[@Impulse_Photography]

I am creating my first Photo Zine ... I am an amateur photographer - Documentary and Raw Street Photography. I let my pictures tell the story of my theme .... I like your video very much - - you are very informative on the topic -- the examples are a Great Touch !!

[@brattyxbre]

That’s so exciting! Have fun making your first photo zine, it sounds like you have a great direction for it and I’m excited for you to share your story with the world. Thanks for watching!! 🙏🏽

[@codysmith3853]

I had no idea zine month was also my birthday month love that for me

[@brattyxbre]

Woo! Happy birthday!! 🎈🎊

[@StartArtSmart-to5fv]

Thank you for sharing I'm totally interested in this platform 😁👍

[@brattyxbre]

Any time! Thank you for watching 🤟🏽

[@StartArtSmart-to5fv]

@brattyxbre your very welcome Cool KZbin ch 🎨😁👍💯

[@contrapasso]

This is so helpful thank you!

[@brattyxbre]

You're so welcome!

[@johnorr8094]

I learned about zines, in the 1990s, from friends who were part of the punk music scene in Washington DC. Though it is no longer in print, I liked to read Lumpy Head zine.

[@brattyxbre]

So sick!

[@milobaak2485]

Really helpfull tanks!

[@BunnyLang]

Nice, thank you!

[@thecityofgods5407]

THANK YOU 👼

[@brattyxbre]

You’re welcome 😊

[@foddlestocks1045]

awesome hair!

[@brattyxbre]

Thank you!!

[@SusanLBritt]

Very understandable!!! Ty ty !!! 😊

[@happynaturalist1793]

YOU ARE INSPIRING Sorry I yelled. You’re inspiring. Thank you for sharing YOU. (Yelled again. Sorry! You’re great!)

[@brattyxbre]

Wow, thank you so much! 🥰

[@char5603]

We need a tutorial on the flexagon zine !! It's so cool ❤

[@brattyxbre]

Working on it! I also have a Flexagon class coming up that’s free to join. It’s on zoom this Friday 😇 you can see All the details at the link below!! us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkdO-oqz8oHNUdI_4m3KRgw6JR7rArQ1KJ#/registration

[@greeplurch]

Thanks to this video I found out my local library has one of the largest collections of self published zines in the world and I think that's pretty neat!

[@brattyxbre]

this made my day!! long live zines (and thank you for watching ) ^_^

[@JuvenileStacks]

Theres a big one in a pizza shop in Las Vegas as well! 😁

[@daughteroftheblessed839]

You made a lot of sense....can someone tell me why I'm just hearing about zines....it's so creative. Thanks for sharing

[@brattyxbre]

Thanks for watching!

[@loveforpaper6203]

Good video 😊

[@jamaalnyc]

Thank you for that.

[@brattyxbre]

🥰