Dive into the captivating world of “Modern Toss Knowtes Issue 1,” a case study that showcases the seamless blend of art, humour, and environmental stewardship in the realm of zine printing. This exploration takes you through the journey in sustainable printing practices in collaboration with Ex Why Zed. Enjoy how they push the boundaries of English language, wit and rib tickling fun while staying true to their commitment to using recycled materials. Discover the intricate dance of typography, the bold statement of the visual hierarchy, and the impact of humour and art in an illustrated zine.
Welcome to Knowtes Zine Issue 1
In our latest Case Study, we delve into the captivating realm of sustainable zine printing, as exemplified by the most recent offering from Modern Toss — printing pictures and words and a true gem in the flourishing culture of illustrated zines.
100% Recycled Sustainable Printing
Upon first glance, the 240x170mm zine strikes a bold statement with its vibrant, uncoated 250gsm Revive cover that whispers a tale of environmental stewardship. Made entirely from FSC® Recycled certified post-consumer waste pulp, it’s a tactile experience that invites touch, boasting a tangible quality that digital mediums cannot replicate. The cover’s design, playful and satirical, showcases an eclectic mix of typography and imagery—a thumb in sharp relief against the backdrop—garnering immediate visual intrigue.
Flipping through the 20 pages of 120gsm Revive uncoated text, one finds themselves immersed in a world where humour and art collide. The four-colour print throughout the zine is a testament to the brand’s dedication to vibrant, high-quality imagery, and the choice of uncoated paper adds a layer of sophistication and earnestness to the colourful visuals and sharp wit within.
Enjoy more magnificent work from Modern Toss
It Even Has Talking Page Numbers!
Typography is wielded with dexterity, dancing between bold, declarative headlines and intimate, conversational annotations. It’s a masterclass in visual hierarchy, directing the reader’s gaze to ebb and flow through the content with ease. The colour palette is a cacophony of intent, with greens that speak to the zine’s sustainable ethos, punctuated by moments of bright, contrasting hues that pull the eye and hold the attention.
The orientation of the zine, traditional yet effective, complements the content’s modern, sometimes irreverent tone. The reader appeal here is broad yet discerning, targeting those with an appreciation for art that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet delivers a punchy and poignant message.
Binding the experience together—literally and figuratively—is the wire stitching, a choice that not only secures the pages but also gives a nod to classic zine aesthetics. It’s durable, yet unpretentious, much like the content it binds.
For those inspired to venture into the realm of zine printing services, this piece from the Modern Toss Print Company serves as an exemplar. It demonstrates that sustainability need not be a sacrifice of quality or vibrancy. Through thoughtful design choices, a commitment to eco-friendly materials, and a keen understanding of their audience, they have crafted a publication that stands as a beacon for others to follow.
The message is clear: illustrated zine printing can and should be a harmonious blend of environmental responsibility, artistic expression, and unabashed humour. For anyone looking to create with purpose and impact, this zine is your blueprint—each page a testament to the power of sustainable printing.
The Modern Toss Print Journey
In a collaborative journey marked by creativity and precision, Modern Toss, led by Jon Link, reached out to Ex Why Zed with an intriguing proposal. Known for their humorous and often irreverent comics, greeting cards, and animations, Modern Toss sought to bring their unique brand of humour to life through a zine. From the outset, Ex Why Zed, represented by Harriet and Mike, embraced the project with a blend of excitement and professionalism, recognising the distinctive style and reputation of Modern Toss.
The initial discussions were a deep dive into the world of typographic zine printing. Ex Why Zed, leveraging their expertise in custom size zine printing, offered a comprehensive quote tailored to Modern Toss’s vision. This included the alluring possibility of printing a zine on recycled paper, aligning with contemporary environmental consciousness. Their proposal was not just a mere quotation but a promise of partnership, complete with a detailed breakdown of costs, an assurance of swift turnaround, and a wealth of support resources like instructional videos.
As Modern Toss’s concept evolved, so did their requirements. Jon, with a keen eye for detail, sought a more tactile and visually appealing paper. This led to Ex Why Zed suggesting the use of Evolution Uncoated stock, a choice that resonated with the satirical and edgy essence of Modern Toss. Paper samples were dispatched for Jon’s approval, an essential step in ensuring that the final product would meet his exacting standards.
Further refinements followed. Size adjustments, page count increases, and paper type considerations were meticulously discussed. Ex Why Zed’s agility in responding to these changing demands was remarkable. They provided updated quotes with each change, ensuring transparency and alignment with the client’s vision at every turn. The final specifications were a testament to this collaborative tuning process: a 250gsm Revive Uncoated cover paired with 120gsm uncoated text, chosen to bring the zine’s satirical content to life.
As the project neared completion, Jon’s decision to place an order for 650 copies marked the culmination of this detailed preparatory phase. Ex Why Zed’s guidance was instrumental in this stage, offering expertise in file setup and a preflight check to ensure impeccable quality. The logistics of payment and delivery were seamlessly handled, with Ex Why Zed accommodating Jon’s scheduling needs.
The moment of truth arrived with the delivery of the printed zines. Jon’s response was a resounding endorsement of Ex Why Zed’s craftsmanship. The quality of the printed material exceeded expectations, beautifully encapsulating the essence of Modern Toss’s humour. This successful collaboration hinted at future ventures, with Jon indicating a desire to continue this series bi-monthly.
This interaction between Modern Toss and Ex Why Zed is a sterling example of how creative visions and print knowledge can be harnessed into tangible products. Ex Why Zed’s approach, deeply rooted in understanding client aspirations and providing tailor-made solutions, resonates with the core principles of customer-centric service. Their ability to adapt to custom requests, such as recycled paper booklets and specialised satirical zine printing in the UK, speaks volumes of their commitment to client satisfaction and environmental responsibility. This project not only fulfilled Modern Toss’s immediate needs but also paved the way for ongoing creative collaboration, underscoring the enduring impact of a well-executed digital marketing strategy.
