📚 What Is a Zine?
A zine (pronounced “zeen”) is a small, self-published booklet — often created by combining writing, drawings, collage, or digital design.
The word zine is short for fanzine — a term that traces back to the early 20th century when sci-fi fans began publishing their own speculative writing, commentary, and fan theories. These DIY publications were mailed out, shared in tiny circles, and marked the beginning of an entire underground publishing movement.
In the 1950s, beat poets created leaflet-style zines to self-publish their poems.
Zines have deep roots in history, especially in underground art and music scenes like the 1970s punk movement, where they were used to share bold ideas and creative voices.
By the 1990s, zines had become central to feminist and queer movements — especially the Riot Grrrl wave — as a way to bypass mainstream media and say what needed to be said.
Today, zines are still thriving — across art schools, activist spaces, craft fairs, and yes, tiny studios like mine in Montreal. They are the printed proof that you don’t need permission to create.
They are making a powerful comeback in modern culture, embraced by artists, activists, and storytellers across the world. Why?
Because zines are limitless — they break the rules, celebrate individuality, and invite anyone to express anything
✨ What Can Your Zine Be About?
Anything you want. Truly.
Traditionally, zines are a mix of text and visuals used to share a message or tell a story.
Here are just a few ideas:
A slice of your life
A personal memory or tribute
A story — real or imagined
A passion, a hobby, or a how-to guide
A moment of protest or celebration
Or simply... a love letter to someone who matters
Your zine is your voice, on paper. And I’m honored it’s now part of your story.
Why I Create Them — and Why You Might Want to Hold One, Too
Long before “content” ruled the internet and digital algorithms decided what was worthy of our attention, there were zines: small, handmade booklets, stitched or folded or photocopied into existence — not to sell something, but to say something.
And not just anything — something personal. Something political. Something heartfelt, or angry, or quietly brave. Something true.
❤️ Why I Make Zines (And Why They Matter)
For over 30 years, I’ve been a memory-keeper — through scrapbooking, journaling, and now zines. For me, they’re not just booklets. They’re tiny vessels of care and creativity, filled with emotion, intention, and healing.
Where a scrapbook might hold photos, a zine holds feeling.
Where a journal is private, a zine is an invitation: Here. This is my story. Does it echo something in yours?
When I started making zines, it was simply a way to share my drawings, my lettering, and my obsession with beautiful found paper. But soon, it became something deeper:
A way to encourage, to celebrate.
To affirm.
To create portable pockets of kindness you can gift, frame, tuck into a book, or keep beside your morning coffee.
📚 What You’ll Find in My Zines
I design zines that feel like a love letter from a creative friend — small enough to hold, but layered with thought. Inside, you’ll find:
Hand-lettered affirmations and uplifting words
Gentle prompts for reflection, creativity, and self-trust
Themes like courage, presence, rest, grief, self-worth, and rebirth
My illustrations, collage-inspired layouts, and space to breathe
Some zines are meditative. Some are joyful. Some are for the days when you just need to feel held by something quiet and true.
🛍️ Want to Hold One?
Start Here:
I’ve curated two collections in my shop — perfect for gifting, journaling, vision boards, or simply bringing more soul into your everyday:
Three ready to print zines made to gently as a last minute gift to save you, featuring:
🎂 Birthday
👨👧 Father’s Day
✈️ Vacation Wishes
🌸 Printable Zine Gift Bundle (Set of 6)
A printable set of six themed zines you can give, keep, or tuck inside letters and care packages.
All are ready to print, fold, and gift. And the bundle include:
🎂 Birthday
👨👧 Father’s Day
✈️ Vacation Wishes
💌 Valentine’s Day
📚 Back to School
🍂 Thanksgiving
✂️ How to Fold Your Zine
🧡 What You’ll Need:
One printed zine (on A4 or US Letter)
A pair of scissors
A flat surface to fold on
📄 6 Easy Steps:
Fold your page in half lengthwise (like a hot dog). Crease and unfold.
Fold the page in half widthwise (like a hamburger). Crease.
Now, fold each short edge into the center to make four equal sections.
Unfold everything — you should see 8 rectangles.
Fold widthwise again and cut along the center fold, only through the middle two boxes.
Holding the paper by the short ends, gently push inward so it forms a cross, then fold into a booklet.
🎥 Need a visual? Watch my demo video here
💡 Did You Know?
All illustrations featured in my signature zines are 100% original and exclusive, lovingly created by me.
Many of them are also available as art prints or canvas wall art.
✨ These printable zines are beautiful and meaningful — but they’re also a Plan B.
Because when you give a little more notice, I can create something even richer for you: 💖 a personalized GIFT designed just for your person, with details only you could give.
That’s not just a gift — it’s a keepsake with soul.
Reach out anytime for custom orders: contact@kellengondo.com— I’d love to help!
🧵 Final Thoughts
In a world of curated feeds and quick clicks, zines slow us down.
They ask us to sit, hold something real, and read with intention.
They remind us that your story — no matter how quiet or complex — matters.
And sometimes, a tiny folded booklet can say what a thousand scrolling posts can’t.
Thanks for spending time in my little corner of BloGondo.
Now go check out my https://www.kellengondo.com/shop/p/6-zine-printable-gift-bundle — or make one of your own.
With love and gratitude,
Kellen Gondo
