Can Zines cure depression?

Can they help you find community?

Can they make you cooler?

Can independent publishing offer you a respite in these trying times?

The answer to all of these questions is YES.

In this course, we will be examining the history and form of self-published zines while producing our own expressions of the art form. Over the course of 6 weeks, we will learn more about the revolutionary roots of independent publishing, and learn how to design and make physical and digital zines.

If you’ve ever been curious about making a zine, or if you've experimented with the art form in the past but want to know more, this course is for you! You will gain experience using graphic design software such as Adobe inDesign, basic HTML/CSS for webzines, and explore the outer reaches of independent publishing.

• Students will learn the history and significance of Zines and Independent Publishing
• Students will learn how to make zines in both physical, and digital forms.
• Students will engage in a constructive critique process learning how to critique each other's work for the purpose of an iterative design process.
• Students will leave with a copy of each lecture/instructional presentation

Week 1: Intros + Presentation

The history of zines & independent publishing + long-term project brief.

Week 2: Zine-Making Basics

Making a zine with a single sheet of paper and the materials you have around you.

Week 3: Critique Process & Zine Ideation

Class critique of the long-term projects.

Week 4: Internet Zines

What if a website were a zine? Making zines on the web.

Week 5: Zine Making Studio & Crit

Final review & critique of long-term projects.

Week 6: IRL Meetup

IRL meetup and printing session for long-term projects.

“We who draw do so not only to make something visible to others, but also to accompany something invisible to its incalculable destination.”

—John Berger, Bento’s Sketchbook

Andrew Diemer (he/him) is a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Artist and Educator based in Brooklyn, NY. Andrew works as a Senior Brand Designer at Droga5. Outside of the advertising industry, he has an active freelance and personal practice, making work for clients primarily in the music, restaurant, and skateboarding spaces. Andrew enjoys making zines, skateboarding, practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and watching sports on television. He wrote this in the third person. His website is andrewdiemer.com and his Instagram is @1800violence.

Index scholarships are designed to benefit underrepresented groups, BIPOC members of our community, and those for whom the class price is not accessible. These need-based scholarships will go to the candidates who best demonstrate why they should be chosen for the free spot to our class based on the following criteria:

• Belong to groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the graphic design and creative industries
• Do not have jobs that would pay for these courses as professional development
• Cannot independently afford the class at list price
• Share our value of intentional community

The number of selected applicants chosen is subject to the discretion of Index and the instructor, but every course will select at least one. Apply for a scholarship here. Applications close February 24th.

We get that things come up, but we rely on headcounts in our programs to survive as a business. If you request a refund...

More than 4 weeks before class begins → 100% refund
More than 2 weeks before class begins → 50% refund
Fewer than 2 weeks before class begins → No refund

Thanks for understanding and for supporting our ability to provide cool offerings through your purchase.