A4 Zines
4pp Cover onto 250gsm Uncoated
20pp Text onto 120gsm Uncoated
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and wire stitched
"A Slick Summer to Remember" is a captivating lookbook by Slick Gorilla that celebrates the essence of summer through an evocative blend of lifestyle, fashion, and branding. The zine communicates a seamless connection between carefree beachside leisure and urban sophistication, encapsulating Slick Gorilla’s brand ethos. Its dynamic visuals and meticulous design elements position it as more than a promotional piece—it's a sensory journey for readers.
Styling and Content
The zine is a vibrant mix of fashion photography, branding integration, and aspirational imagery. Slick Gorilla’s branding effortlessly interacts with the environment—a beach, infinity pools, and summer attire—reflecting a lifestyle both aspirational and attainable. The photography has a tactile, film-like quality, suggesting nostalgia and warmth, yet retains a modern edge that resonates with younger, style-conscious audiences.
The integration of product placement (e.g., bottles of hair product) within the context of leisure and personal style adds a subtle but effective marketing narrative. Models are styled in a way that complements the overarching theme of youthful elegance, blending effortlessly with the visual language of summer.
Design and Aesthetic
The overall aesthetic is minimal yet impactful. The layout is clean, with ample breathing space allowing the visuals to dominate. The cover, featuring a serene poolside moment, sets the tone for the rest of the zine—a blend of indulgence and sophistication. Typography choices are bold and modern, with sans-serif fonts lending a sleek, contemporary feel.
Colour-wise, the publication adheres to a warm palette dominated by sandy neutrals, sea blues, and natural skin tones, balancing perfectly with the summer vibe. The uncoated stock for both the cover (250gsm) and inner pages (120gsm) enhances the organic, tactile feel, making the lookbook a pleasure to hold.
Binding and Production Values
The binding choice—wire-stitched—ensures durability without detracting from the zine’s minimalist charm. The A4 size is ideal for showcasing the expansive photography, while the four-colour print maintains vibrancy and clarity across images. This meticulous production demonstrates Ex Why Zed's attention to detail and ability to elevate any publication to premium status.
By combining these elements thoughtfully, future projects can achieve the same level of sophistication and emotional engagement as "A Slick Summer to Remember."
The journey of creating "A Slick Summer to Remember" for Slick Gorilla highlights the collaborative spirit and expertise at Ex Why Zed. From initial inquiries to the delivery of the final product, our mission was clear: to transform Slick Gorilla’s vision into a sophisticated, high-quality zine that would resonate with their audience.
The process began with a quote tailored to Slick Gorilla’s needs. Our email exchange with Lee Martin emphasised Ex Why Zed’s unique blend of expertise and flexibility. Suggestions for premium paper options and finishing touches, such as gloss lamination, guided the decision-making process. Slick Gorilla's team sought inspiration from sample zines we provided, which proved instrumental in solidifying their creative direction.
Lee appreciated our in-depth guides on file setup, which offered clear instructions for ensuring the artwork met production requirements. Our proactive approach, including a comprehensive preflight check of submitted files, demonstrated our commitment to a seamless experience.
One of the primary challenges was determining the optimal page count and ensuring the artwork aligned perfectly with the chosen specifications. Slick Gorilla initially considered a smaller booklet but expanded their vision to a 28-page zine. The evolution of their brief was matched by our adaptability, as we revised quotes and production timelines promptly. Danielle Muntyan, Slick Gorilla’s Brand Manager, seamlessly coordinated the handoff of artwork and confirmed final details.
The agreed-upon specification—a wire-stitched A4 zine with a 4pp cover on 300gsm gloss stock, gloss-laminated outer cover, and 28pp text on 115gsm uncoated paper—was executed to perfection. Our meticulous attention to detail ensured vibrant colours and sharp visuals, aligning with Slick Gorilla’s high standards. The tactile contrast between the gloss cover and uncoated interior pages elevated the reader's experience, underscoring the premium quality of the zine.
A final PDF proof was shared for approval, ensuring every element was flawless before printing. This step exemplifies Ex Why Zed’s commitment to quality assurance. Once approved, the production process moved swiftly, and the zines were delivered to Slick Gorilla’s Leeds address within the agreed timeline. This efficiency reflected our promise of reliability, even for large orders like their 1,000-copy run.
Slick Gorilla expressed their satisfaction with both the process and the product. The zine’s stunning visuals and premium feel captivated their team and audience alike. As a lifestyle lookbook, it succeeded in reinforcing their brand’s ethos and creating a lasting impression. Danielle’s enthusiasm throughout the process suggests potential for future collaborations.
This project encapsulated Ex Why Zed’s core values: technical precision, client-centric communication, and a passion for delivering exceptional results. "A Slick Summer to Remember" now stands as a testament to how effective collaboration and expert execution can bring creative visions to life.
By focusing on their needs and adapting to challenges, Ex Why Zed reinforced its position as a trusted partner for high-end zine printing.
