Zine by Zine Workshop

Zines are creative expression in the form of folded paper. Derived from magazines, zines are, like their namesake, printed or homemade publications about a wide range of topics, typically featuring text and images. However, zines are shorter, smaller, and focused on a specific topic, generally more artistic/ art-driven, and resemble more the comics side of newspapers or the poetry section of a magazine.

In a Zine, you’re free to create whatever you like. Maybe an 8-page graphic zine about how your pet’s not the brightest. Or a short 4-page poem confessing to your deepest, darkest secrets. Even just scribbling nonsense and calling it the story of your life. 

Zines have played a crucial role in community building for decades. For example, for queer communities worldwide since the 1970s, they have provided a vital platform for marginalized voices. Joey Gray, creator of the American zine Hardy, emphasized that “queer zines during the 1980s and 1990s were so much more than just queer creative content … they were acts of protest, of activism, of preservation and communication.”

Zines allowed individuals to share personal stories and experiences that are often overlooked by mainstream media. During the AIDS crisis, zines became essential for sharing information and fostering community solidarity. Their DIY nature aligns with queer values of self-expression and creativity, making them a powerful tool for activism and representation. Today, zines continue to be an important medium for amplifying diverse voices and addressing contemporary issues.

Zine by Zine will be a hands-on zine-making workshop for zine lovers and the zine-curious alike. Throughout the session, participants will explore how to make a zine, including brainstorming ideas and designing layouts. For queer folks, allies, artists, hobbyists, and total beginners! If you’re curious about self-expression through art and storytelling, this workshop is for you.

Photo credit: Hanna Karaso

You’ll use your idea to bring your zine to life from start to finish. Feel free to bring your materials if you have any you’d like to use!

Stay until the end of the workshop to participate in a zine swap. You can bring up to four zines, maybe ones you made or some that are part of your collection that you’d like to share, even including the one you made during the workshop!

Collaborator recruitment is ongoing, and we will announce our special guests in advance of the workshop. Keep an eye out for updates on FabCafe Tokyo’s Instagram!

Date & Time
Sat, August 30, 2025 13:00 – 17:00

Cost
Free!

Venue
FabCafe Tokyo
150-0043 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 1-22-7 Dogenzaka Pier 2F