Category: The Joy Of Print

  • ZineArranger: Streamlining the Creation of Printable Zines

    ZineArranger: Streamlining the Creation of Printable Zines

    For zine enthusiasts, the process of arranging a multi-page PDF into a printable format can be daunting. This is where ZineArranger, created by Nash High, steps in to simplify the task. Available on itch.io, this innovative tool is designed to automate the layout process, making it easier for anyone to create great-looking zines.

    Key Features

    ZineArranger supports several popular zine formats, including:

    • Minizine (Eighth-Size)
    • Quarter Size
    • Half Size

    You can choose between portrait and landscape orientations and specify if you want single or double-sided printing for Mini and Quarter sizes. The tool accommodates various paper sizes, including US Letter, A4, and custom dimensions.

    How It Works

    ZineArranger leverages your browser’s print function to lay out the pages correctly. You can print the zine directly from the tool or save it as a PDF for later use. However, since different browsers have unique print tools, the performance may vary slightly depending on which one you use.

    For double-sided printing, you need to set your printer to “Flip on the long edge” or “Flip on the short edge,” depending on the orientation of your zine. Ensuring the correct page size settings in your print app can help avoid issues with folding and alignment.

    Troubleshooting Tips

    Here are some common troubleshooting tips provided by ZineArranger:

    1. Content Shrinking: If your zine’s folds and pages aren’t lining up, check your print settings. Ensure the scale is set to “Actual Size” or 100%. If not, trimming the blank margins added by the printer might resolve the issue.
    2. Print Borders: Most printers cannot print to the edges of the paper, which might result in a white border. To fix this, set the print scale to “Fit Page” or manually adjust it to around 90%. You can then trim off the white borders with a paper cutter.
    3. Aspect Ratio: To maintain the correct aspect ratio, set your page size to match the printed and folded dimensions of your zine. This step ensures that the content fits well without extra space at the top, bottom, or sides.

    Community Feedback

    The response to ZineArranger has been overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate how it simplifies the zine creation process:

    • One user mentioned, “This tool is incredible! I’ve just made my first zine, and it saved me soooooo much time with figuring out the printing for a quarter zine.”
    • Another added, “This is amazing! Thank you so much for making this tool ♡♡♡ you beautiful moonbeam!!”

    These testimonials highlight the tool’s effectiveness and the gratitude of its users for making a previously tedious task manageable.

    Conclusion

    ZineArranger is a game-changer for both novice and experienced zine makers. Its ability to automate the layout process, combined with its user-friendly design, makes it an invaluable resource. Whether you’re creating a minizine, a quarter-size zine, or a half-size zine, ZineArranger helps ensure your project comes out perfectly every time.

    Nash High – ZineArranger

  • Portland Button Works

    Portland Button Works

    Portland Button Works stands as a beacon for zine enthusiasts and creators alike, offering a vibrant oasis of independent voices and boundless stories through its meticulously curated zine distro. Nestled within the eclectic and creative heart of Portland, this unique shop extends far beyond its name, embracing the rich tradition of zine culture and the DIY ethos that has long empowered writers, artists, and activists to share their stories and ideas.

    At the core of Portland Button Works is an expansive distribution of zines, a testament to the shop’s commitment to fostering a thriving scene for self-published works. These zines cover a kaleidoscope of themes, from personal narratives and DIY guides to intersectional politics and witchcraft, ensuring that there’s something for every reader’s taste and interest. The diversity of topics not only highlights the inclusivity of the zine community but also encourages exploration into new and perhaps unfamiliar territories of thought and creativity.

    But the journey through Portland Button Works doesn’t stop with zines. The shop also offers a carefully selected range of books, catering to a wide array of interests. Whether you’re drawn to the fantastical realms of graphic novels or the reflective depths of literary fiction, there’s a book waiting to transport you to new worlds. This selection complements the zine distro by providing readers with more extensive explorations of subjects touched upon in the zines.

    Portland Button Works is more than a shop; it’s a community hub where readers of all backgrounds can find common ground in their love for storytelling and self-expression. The shop’s dedication to themes of social justice, identity, and personal experience resonates through its collection, connecting readers with not just stories, but with each other. It’s a place where shared narratives foster a sense of belonging and understanding among those who venture through its doors.

    The invitation to explore, discover, and be inspired is at the heart of Portland Button Works. Whether you’re a long-time zine aficionado or newly curious about the world of self-publishing, the shop offers a gateway to a universe of creativity and inspiration. By supporting independent voices and providing a platform for diverse stories, Portland Button Works plays a crucial role in keeping the vibrant and varied tapestry of zine culture alive and thriving.

    So, if you’re looking to embark on a literary adventure, delve into unique perspectives, or simply find a community of like-minded individuals, Portland Button Works’ zine distro and book collection await. Step into this haven of creativity and let your explorations begin.

    Portland Button Works Zine Distro
  • Alternatives to Adobe for Creating Zines

    Alternatives to Adobe for Creating Zines

    Creating zines, or small-circulation self-published works, has long been a medium for artists and writers to express their creativity. While Adobe programs are often used in the creation process, there are many alternatives available that cater to different needs and budgets. Here are some of them:

    1. Inkscape: This open-source vector graphics editor is a great tool for designing and editing zine pages. It’s free to use and offers a range of features similar to Adobe Illustrator.
    2. Scribus: This is a free and open-source desktop publishing application. Scribus is ideal for creating magazine-style layouts, making it a good choice for zine creators.
    3. Canva: This popular online design tool is known for its user-friendly interface and vast library of templates, images, and fonts. It’s a great option for creating individual pages of a zine.
    4. Microsoft Publisher: Part of the Microsoft Office Suite, Publisher is a user-friendly desktop publishing software that offers a range of page layout and design options.
    5. Pages: Available on Apple devices, Pages is a word processing software that also allows for creative page layouts. It’s a good choice for those who prefer to work on an iPad or Mac.
    6. Affinity Publisher: This is a professional desktop publishing software that rivals Adobe InDesign. It’s not free, but it’s considerably cheaper.
    7. Keynote: Originally designed for presentations, Apple’s Keynote can also be used for designing zines. It’s free and offers a range of design tools.
    8. Microsoft Word: While primarily a word processing software, Word also offers various formatting and design options that can be used for creating simple zines.
    9. Electric Zine Maker: This is a printshop and art tool for making zines. It offers several formats and is ‘pay what you want’, making it accessible for all.
    10. Swift Publisher: A desktop publishing software for Mac, Swift Publisher offers page templates and design options. It’s not free but it’s cheaper than Adobe products.
    11. Procreate: Mostly used on tablets, Procreate is great for creating artwork for zines. It’s not free, but it’s a one-time purchase.

    Each of these tools has its own strengths and caters to different needs, so it’s worth trying out a few to see which one works best for your zine creation process.

  • How My Love of Zines Determined My Career in Graphic Arts

    How My Love of Zines Determined My Career in Graphic Arts

    From a young age, I found myself drawn to the world of graphic arts, a fascination that was kindled during a grade school field trip to a paper company. The sight of everyday items like notepads being created ignited in me a curiosity about the process behind it all. This curiosity was further fueled by my proximity to a high school, where I would often find myself rummaging through their discarded paper and binders. It was an unconventional hobby, but one that laid the groundwork for my future career.

    As I entered high school, my interest in graphic design took on a more tangible form. I began frequenting a local copy shop, creating stickers and cassette j-cards for albums that I was producing on 4-track cassettes. This was my first taste of applying design principles in a practical setting, and I was hooked.

    Upon graduating from college, I made the decision to relocate to Salt Lake City. Determined to break into the graphic design industry, I sent out letters to dozens of businesses in the hope of securing an interview. AlphaGraphics was the one that responded, marking the start of my professional journey in the graphic arts.

    My early days in the industry were characterized by a strong DIY ethic. I purchased an end-of-life Macintosh 512K and started publishing GAJOOB in 1986, a zine that I designed, ran copies of, and bound all by myself. Many nights were spent either at the computer or in the shop, tirelessly working on producing GAJOOB Zine.

    Looking back now, it’s clear to see how my love for zines and the DIY culture played a significant role in leading me to a career in graphic arts. From the grade school field trip to the high school dumpster raids, from the local copy shop to AlphaGraphics, every step of the way was marked by a deep-rooted passion for creating and designing.

    Yeah, I’m a little weird; but I like it.