Zines (pronounced like maga-ZINE) are self-published creations put out into the world simply because you wanted to make them. Whether it is quirky drawings, bad jokes, personal stories, art or poetry, your voice is the entire point. Guided by zine maker Matt Francis, this hands-on workshop cuts through digital fatigue, online metrics and the authenticity leech to embrace the tactile freedom of DIY publishing. You will explore zine culture from punk and Riot Grrrl to modern self-publishing, learn how to fold and cut a booklet out of a single sheet of paper, run a batch on our in-house copier and trade with fellow makers.

Workshop Schedule (2 Hours)

Part 1: Zines & Why They Matter

• Exploring where zines came from, tracing roots from early fan fiction to punk, new wave and Riot Grrrl.
• Tackling the authenticity leech: why unfiltered physical media matters in an era of algorithms and screen burnout.
• Looking at different styles and themes including art, music, personal journals, comics and poetry.

Part 2: The Single-Page Method & Hands-On Making

• Learning how to fold and cut a single piece of paper to create a booklet with zero binding tools.
• Drawing from the random prompt bag for instant inspiration or following your own creative direction.
• Cutting, collaging, sketching and writing your master layout using vintage magazines, markers, pencil crayons and glue sticks.

Part 3: Photocopy, Share (or Don't!)

• Running physical copies of your booklet on our in-house photocopier.
• Assembling your finished batch to take home alongside a printed folding guide.
• Trading zines with classmates and learning about local drop spots across Ottawa including Possible Worlds, Art House Cafe and UAC.

By The End Of This Workshop, You Will

• Understand the history, subculture and independent spirit of the zine movement.
• Master the single-sheet folding and cutting technique to make a booklet anytime, anywhere.
• Create an original, ready-to-copy master layout using cut-and-paste collage, drawing and text.
• Print a physical batch of your own publication using our in-house setup.
• Trade zines with fellow makers and discover independent distribution spots throughout Ottawa.

What We Provide

• Paper & Photocopying: Bright white 8.5x11 paper, printed take-home folding guides and in-house copying for your print run.
• Collage & Drawing Supplies: Vintage magazines, newspapers, random prompt bags, markers, pencils, pencil crayons and fine liners.
• Tools & Studio Space: Scissors, glue sticks and clean workspace setups.

What To Bring & Requirements

• Personal Material (Optional): Sketches, writing, photos, jokes or clippings you want to include in your layout.
• Skill Level: All levels welcome. No prior writing, art or publishing experience needed.

Event Details

• Dates: Saturday Afternoons, Starting October 10th
• Format: 1 single session (2 hours)
• Location: Urban Art Collective Art Hub, 50 Bayswater Avenue, Ottawa
• Instructor: Matt Francis
• Level & Audience: All Levels (writers, artists, musicians, activists and anyone wanting to bypass algorithms and make tangible work).
• Maximum Capacity: 12 attendees
• Minimum Enrolment: 6 attendees required