The Second Zine We Ever Printed: Slutever by Rayner Books

A5 Booklets
4pp Cover onto 250gsm Uncoated
24pp Text onto 120gsm Uncoated
Printed in full colour throughout
Staple Bound

Engaging Analysis of "Slutever" A5 Zine Printing

"Slutever," created by Rayner Books, is a bold and unapologetic exploration of identity, sexuality, and youth culture, brought to life in a zine format that exudes raw creativity. Designed and printed as a staple-bound A5 booklet with 4pp cover on 250gsm uncoated paper and a 24pp interior on 120gsm uncoated paper, the book is a tactile reflection of its content—provocative, intimate, and deeply personal.

The design draws readers into its chaotic, unfiltered world with a mix of candid photography, gritty narratives, and striking typography. Each page feels like a carefully curated fragment of the creator’s life, offering an immersive reading experience that transcends traditional storytelling.

Styling, Design, and Aesthetic

1. Binding Type and Layout The staple-bound structure reinforces the zine’s DIY ethos, giving it an authentic underground feel. This binding style not only complements the raw and unpolished aesthetic but also enhances the handling experience, ensuring the zine feels approachable and personal.
   The page layout alternates between structured blocks of text and full-bleed imagery, creating a dynamic rhythm. This interplay between order and chaos mirrors the book’s themes of self-discovery and rebellion.
2. Typography Typography takes centre stage, with bold, sans-serif fonts dominating the headlines. These are juxtaposed against clean, minimal body text that invites focus on the narrative. The typefaces feel intentionally chosen to evoke a sense of immediacy, echoing the confessional tone of the writing.
3. Use of Colour The zine is predominantly monochromatic, relying on black-and-white photography and text with occasional splashes of muted colour on the cover and select spreads. This restrained palette places emphasis on the content and imagery, adding a layer of grit and realism.
4. Photography The photography, integral to the narrative, captures intimate, candid moments. Each image tells its own story, inviting the reader into private scenes of vulnerability, joy, and defiance. The lack of retouching and the grainy texture of the photos enhance the raw, documentary-style aesthetic.

Message and Impact

The collaboration between Karley Sciortino (author) and Rayner Books (publisher) delivers a publication that is as provocative as it is thought-provoking. The zine format becomes a metaphor for its subject matter—unrefined, accessible, and deeply personal. Through its content and design, "Slutever" breaks societal taboos and invites readers to confront their own preconceptions about sexuality and identity.

The editorial voice is a testament to fearlessness, and the design amplifies this by creating an intimate connection with the reader. The tactile nature of uncoated paper complements the honesty of the content, making the reader’s experience visceral and memorable.

Unique Selling Points

1. Authentic DIY Ethos The A5 staple-bound format lends a raw, authentic edge, distinguishing it from polished, mass-produced publications. This design choice reinforces the zine’s rebellious spirit.
2. Immersive Design The interplay of typography, layout, and imagery creates a layered reading experience, encouraging readers to engage with both the text and visuals on a deeper level.
3. Tactile Appeal The uncoated paper enhances the sensory experience, adding a tangible quality that mirrors the zine’s unapologetic exploration of physicality and identity.
4. Narrative-Driven Imagery The use of candid, unfiltered photography makes the visual storytelling as impactful as the written narrative, creating a cohesive, immersive experience.

Actionable Insights

1. Choose Binding to Reflect Content
   • For projects with a personal or subversive tone, consider staple binding or other DIY-inspired methods to reinforce the narrative.
   • Example: "Slutever" uses staple binding to amplify its zine-like, underground culture vibe.
2. Use Typography to Set Tone
   • Match typography with the story’s mood. Bold, sans-serif fonts lend immediacy, while restrained body text ensures readability without detracting from the message.
3. Balance Colour and Monochrome
   • Limit colour use to key areas like the cover or standout spreads. The monochromatic interior of "Slutever" draws attention to its content while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
4. Leverage Tactile Materials
   • Opt for uncoated paper to enhance the reader’s sensory engagement. The matte texture of "Slutever" adds to its raw, organic feel.
5. Integrate Visual Storytelling
   • Use photography or illustration to complement the written word, ensuring that both elements enhance each other. The candid photos in "Slutever" add emotional depth and visual interest.
6. Craft a Dynamic Layout
   • Alternate between structured text blocks and full-bleed imagery to create a rhythm that keeps readers engaged. This technique is evident throughout "Slutever," making each page turn unpredictable and exciting.

By combining thoughtful design choices with compelling content, Ex Why Zed has created a product that not only meets but exceeds the client’s vision. "Slutever" is a shining example of how print can be used to convey bold, unfiltered narratives with sophistication and impact.

The Print Journey of Slutever: Bringing Rayner Books’ Vision to Life

An Unfiltered Collaboration With Ben Rayner

Our journey with Ben Rayner and Rayner Books to bring Slutever to life began with a shared vision: creating a zine that captures the raw, unapologetic spirit of its content. Through a series of thoughtful discussions, meticulous attention to detail, and expert problem-solving, Slutever evolved into a project that reflected the ethos of bold storytelling.

From Quote to Concept: Laying the Foundation

The initial email exchange revealed Ben’s clear intent to keep Slutever true to its underground roots while ensuring professional production quality. Starting with his detailed brief, he requested:

• A5 booklets featuring a colour-printed front cover, blank inner cover, and black-and-white back cover.
• Uncoated and silk stock options for the 24-page interior, highlighting the importance of tactile quality.

After providing an itemised quote, we suggested using 250gsm uncoated paper for the cover and 120gsm uncoated paper for the interior. This decision prioritised a tactile and organic feel to complement the zine’s raw imagery. Ben quickly confirmed his preference for uncoated stock, praising the aesthetic from his previous project: “Uncoated pls. It looks so good on Slutever!”

Navigating Design Challenges

As we moved toward production, some creative and technical adjustments were necessary to align Ben’s vision with the realities of print:

1. Extending Bleeds

In our correspondence, we flagged a potential issue with page trim. “Your white borders are probably going to give us an issue... extend them by 3mm into the bleed area,” we advised. This ensured that images flowed seamlessly to the edge without unintended white slivers after trimming.

2. File Setup Adjustments

Ben adapted his artwork to fit the precise A5+3mm dimensions required for bleed, ensuring the zine retained its visual impact. Adjustments included ensuring full-bleed images reached the edge and resizing borders where needed.

3. Fine-Tuning the Finish

Ben also sought input on cost-effectiveness, asking whether including our credit could warrant a discount. While the idea wasn’t implemented, this exchange reflected the collaborative, open nature of the project.

Precision in Production

Printing on our Indigo digital press, renowned for its accuracy and ability to render fine details, brought Slutever to life with unmatched quality. The uncoated stock absorbed the ink beautifully, lending a tactile, gritty texture to both imagery and text. Our proofing process ensured tonal consistency, especially for the heavily monochromatic pages.

We prioritised:

• Spot checks during the run to maintain alignment and colour fidelity.
• Staple binding precision, ensuring durability and a polished finish.

The Moment of Delivery

After dispatching the zines via courier, we were thrilled to receive Ben’s enthusiastic feedback: “Received Slutever! Looks amazing, thank you!” It was a rewarding moment that affirmed the success of our collaborative efforts.

Ben’s satisfaction with the final product extended beyond visual appeal; he recognised the importance of print craftsmanship. In his words, “Digital printing has really moved on, hasn’t it!”

Overcoming Challenges Together

Our collaboration underscored the importance of clear communication and problem-solving. By addressing bleed concerns and fine-tuning the files, we ensured a flawless print that reflected Ben’s artistic vision. Each email exchange strengthened our partnership, transforming creative challenges into opportunities for excellence.

Reflection: A Zine That Resonates

The success of Slutever lies in its ability to merge artistic rebellion with production finesse. Ben’s audience responded positively, praising the zine’s tactile quality and visual storytelling. For us, this project demonstrated the power of collaboration in delivering creative ideas with precision and flair.

This partnership has set the foundation for further collaborations with Rayner Books, as Ben continues to explore new projects. By understanding and elevating his creative voice, we reinforced Ex Why Zed’s reputation as a trusted partner for bold, unconventional publications.