InfoGuides: Zines and Related Resources: Resources to Create

Last Updated: Feb 27, 2025 11:29 AM

Get Started!

"Mid fold of zines" by GM Zines is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

What do you need to get started??

All you need is an idea, paper, and something to write or draw with! Check out some of the information below on folding and design techniques.

Tips for getting started
Check out this guide from Cornell University for tips to get started!
Printing at RIT
Printing resources available at RIT through HUB Express.
How to Make a Zine
Folding instructions and basic information on zine creation.
Creative Commons
Information on Creative Commons Licenses and how they apply to sharing your work.

Need magazines to cut up for pictures? Contact Claire Payne or Alison Bersani in Wallace Library!

Below are some sources for finding Creative Commons licensed or public domain images. Remember to give credit when attribution is required!

If you have questions as you begin your research, please feel free to contact me – I am always happy to help!

Artstor on JSTOR This link opens in a new window
Try searching ARTstor to find inspiration! Search for the word "zine" or type artworktype:(fliers) or artworktype:(posters) to limit your results to fliers and/or posters, an often related medium.

Creative Commons Search
Photographers, designers, artists, and other content creators can assign Creative Commons licenses to their works. This is an easy way to allow others to use your work for their projects without jumping through an array of legal hurdles. Search for Creative Commons licensed resources to use in your own projects.
Flickr
Many Flickr images contain Creative Commons licenses (see above). Be sure to use the Creative Commons filter to find images you can easily reuse.
Google Images
When looking for public domain or Creative Commons licensed material, use the "Usage Rights" filter or add site:.gov to the end of your search to locate images on government websites.
Pexels
Download free, high-resolution stock images that have been licensed for reuse without attribution or added to the public domain.
Pixabay
Download free, high-resolution stock images that have been licensed for reuse without attribution or added to the public domain.
IconFinder
Find vector icons to use in your publications; use the "license type" and "price" filters to find free options that are licensed for reuse.
Noun Project
Find icons and other small-scale images added by graphic designers from around the world explicitly to be reused and shared by others. All free icons must include an attribution statement when reused.

Copy Machine Manifestos by Drew Sawyer; Branden W. Joseph
ISBN: 9781838667085
Publication Date: 2024-01-24
Ari Marcopoulos: Zines by Ari Marcopoulos (Photographer); Maggie Nelson (Text by); Hamza Walker (Interviewer); Roger Willems (Designed by)
ISBN: 9781597115551
Publication Date: 2023-06-06
Make a Zine! by Joe Biel; Bill Brent (As told to)
ISBN: 9781621067337
Publication Date: 2017-05-23
Make a Zine! by Bill Brent; Joe Biel
ISBN: 9781934620069
Publication Date: 2008-12-01
Whatcha Mean, What's a Zine? by Esther Watson; Mark Todd (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780618563159
Publication Date: 2006-06-26
Zines! by V. Vale
ISBN: 0965046907
Publication Date: 1996-06-01