An Introduction to Zine Printing – A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing
Exploring the Creative World of Zine Printing: A Comprehensive Introduction
Welcome to the definitive guide on zine printing. We’re Ex Why Zed, the print company you’ve been searching for, run by creatives for creatives. We’re here to transform your ideas into print, and we’re going to do it with a smile. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of zine printing.
What is a Zine?
Well, we’re not going to tell you what a zine is. Why? Because there are no conventions. Zines are a form of self-expression, a way to share your ideas, your art, your stories. They are as unique as you are. When you come to print with Ex Why Zed, check out our zine printing video guide for a thorough and enjoyable overview of all the options. Our mantra: The answer is “Yes”, now, what is the question??
Can You Print Bespoke Sizes? Yes.
Can you send me a sample pack to help choose my papers? Yes.
Is printing in black cheaper than full colour? Yes.
Do you ship to the States? Yes.
Can you print me one copy as a test before we go ahead with the final print run? Yes.
Can you print me 38 copies because on your website it only says 50? Yes, we can!
Is Printing and Binding My Zine at Ex Why Zed easier than it is on the College Photocopier? Absolutely. But you knew that already, right?
What we really want to try and get across is that there are very few constraints. We’ll do everything to print your zine exactly as you imagined it. The only restrictions we’ll highlight are down to physical impossibilities. We have been printing zines for 17 years, so we know a little bit about what works and what doesn’t. And we’ll do our best to flag up the winning combinations and eye-catching solutions in this comprehensive guide.
Zine Printing Techniques
We’re going to take you through the options that you have for binding, number of pages, sizes and paper choices. This section really highlights the options you have available and what can be achieved in print.
Real Work, Not Made Up Photos of Imaginary Zines
Check our blog for other zine content as we take a dive deep into loads of previous zines we’ve printed to showcase what really works and what options might suit your next zine. Do also spend a little bit of time in our online portfolio, where I think we’re up to a couple of hundred case studies now. Real work, not made up photos of imaginary zines and what they might look like. You’ve all seen the naff CGI-generated zines other print companies have on their sites. Lol 🙂 All the work shown on the Ex Why Zed site are actual zines which we printed.
Getting It into Print Is the Easy Part.
Ultimately, printing isn’t a daunting experience. I mean, you’ve done the hard work and come up with a cool, creative idea for your zine. Getting it into print is the easy part. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
We Love Zines
The smell and feel of them fresh off the press, the aura around their stapled pages, their cult following, inspired by a determination to continually re-invent themselves and spring up in an age where print is supposedly dead. All of this really, really excites us.
Increasingly, we’re seeing zines being used as self promo portfolios, as look books for clothing labels, or for packing full of photos from your recent round the world trip. Ultimately, there are very few rules for zines. You choose the layout and we’ll print it.
Professional Zine Printing at Ex Why Zed
At Ex Why Zed, we offer expertly tailored zine printing services that cater to your unique needs. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a young mind bursting with creativity, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. We believe in the power of storytelling, and there’s no better way to tell your story than through a zine.
Best Zine Printing Companies: Why Choose Ex Why Zed?
With our years of experience and a keen eye for detail, we’ve earned our spot as one of the best zine printing companies out there. We’re not just about printing; we’re about creating a product that reflects your imagination and enthusiasm. We’re about making your zine the best selling piece of art it can be.
Zine Publication Services: Making Your Zine Stand Out. Our zine publication services are designed to make your zine stand out. From choosing the right paper for zines to deciding on the format of your publication, we guide you every step of the way.
Unleashing Your Creativity with Zines
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to let your creativity run wild. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to zines. Want to create a zine about your love for vintage typewriters? Go for it. Have a collection of poems about the moon? Perfect. Zines are all about expressing your unique perspective and sharing it with the world.
Choosing the Right Zine Printing Services.
When it comes to printing your zine, you want to work with a company that understands your vision. At Ex Why Zed, we’re not just printers; we’re designers, storytellers and dreamers just like you. We offer a range of zine printing services designed to bring your ideas to life. And with our no minimum order quantity policy, we can print as many or as few copies as you need.
Choosing the right printing company can make all the difference in the final product. You want to work with a company that values your work as much as you do. At Ex Why Zed, we take pride in being one of the best zine printing companies out there. We’re committed to providing top-notch service and exceptional results, all while keeping the process fun and engaging.
Zine FAQs
How much does it cost to print a zine?
The cost of printing a zine can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size, the number of pages, the type of paper used, and the quantity you need. At Ex Why Zed, we offer fair pricing and will work with you to find a solution that fits your budget.
How do I print a zine?
Printing a zine with Ex Why Zed is a breeze. Simply send us your design, choose your specifications, and we’ll take care of the rest. We even offer a test print option so you can see exactly how your zine will look before the final print run.
What paper is best for zines?
The best printer paper for zines depends on the look and feel you’re going for. We offer a variety of paper options and can provide a sample pack to help you make the best choice for your zine. Old school zines hand-crafted on the library photocopier would have been printed entirely onto 80gsm Uncoated – standard photocopier paper. These have a flimsy charm and light weight quality that started a genre. Nowadays, you can still go for a professionally printed zine onto a lightweight paper or you can choose a thicker card card to make it feel more substantial.
How do I print a one page zine?
Printing a one-page zine is not really possible. A one page zine, one sheet single-sided would be a leaflet. We can print the too though. Just send us your design and we’ll print it to your specifications.
How much do zines sell for?
The selling price of a zine can vary greatly depending on factors such as the content, the quality of the print, and the market. Some zines sell for a few pounds, while others can sell for much more.
Check out a few recognisable zines to see their cover price:
What format is a zine print?
Zines can be printed in a variety of formats, from traditional booklet style to more unique and creative layouts. The format of your zine print is entirely up to you.
Can you make money selling zines?
Yes, you can make money selling zines. However, it’s important to remember that creating and selling zines is often more about sharing your passion and connecting with a community than about making a profit. That being said, with a well-crafted zine and a targeted audience, you can certainly generate income.
How many pages should a zine be?
The number of pages in a zine can vary greatly. Some zines are just a single sheet of paper folded in half like a pamphlet, while others can be dozens of pages long. The length of your zine should be determined by your content and your creative vision. Wire stitched zines should be a multiple of 4. Perfect bound zines can be a minimum of 32 pages but can be as thick as 300…400….500….well, the limit is your imagination and content.
Can anyone make a zine?
Absolutely! Zines are all about self-expression and creativity. Anyone with a story to tell or an idea to share can make a zine. And with our professional zine printing services, we make it easy to bring your zine to life.
We have made zines for new Mums discussing their eye-opening adventures, for uber fans trying to meet Bruce Springsteen and for an illustrator who stayed up for 7 days without sleep to see what happened! Challenge us with your creativity.
Wrapping up…
So there you have it, a comprehensive introduction to the creative world of zine printing. Whether you’re an artist looking to share your work, a storyteller with a tale to tell, or simply someone with a passion for self-publishing, we hope this guide has given you some insight into the process of creating and printing your own zine. Remember, at Ex Why Zed, we’re here to help you transform your ideas into print. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started with your zine printing quote now!