A Showcase of Wire Stitched Zines: Paper, Design, and More
In the world of self-publishing, zines have emerged as a powerful platform for illustrators to showcase their creativity. These small, self-made publications offer a unique canvas for visual storytelling, allowing artists to share their work in a tangible format that can be easily distributed and enjoyed. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential tools for zine publishing for illustrators, offering tips and insights to help you transform your artwork into print.
Wire-Stitched Zines: An Overview
Wire-stitched zines, also known as stapled zines, are a popular choice among DIY creatives. They offer a unique blend of versatility, ease of assembly, and the ability to accommodate various content types. Whether you’re looking to showcase your photography, illustrations, or written works, wire-stitched zines provide a flexible and cost-effective solution.
At Ex Why Zed, we’ve had the privilege of printing a wide array of wire-stitched zines, each with its unique design and aesthetic. In this guide, we’ll delve into some of our past projects, highlighting the design elements, paper choices, and printing techniques that made each zine a standout piece.
Showcasing Wire-Stitched Zines: A Look at Our Past Projects
Optimism and Swirl
These two feature 300gsm uncoated zine covers with matt lamination on both sides, giving them a substantial and premium feel. The inside pages are printed onto 115gsm uncoated paper, providing a bright white finish that beautifully showcases the vibrant colours and illustrations. Despite the thicker cover, these zines still retain a certain charm, with the cover naturally trying to flatten itself out when opened.
Adidas x Stella Sport
This zine is printed entirely onto 100gsm uncoated paper, giving it a slightly more flexible feel. Despite having 40 pages in total, the zine retains a certain charm, with a slight curl in the middle adding to its collectible appeal.
Hate Zine
Pushing the boundaries of wire-stitched zines, Hate features a whopping 76 pages printed onto 100gsm Evolution Uncoated paper. Despite the large number of pages, the zine maintains its integrity, with a big curl on the spine and a lot of bounce adding to its unique appeal.
Speed Queen, There There Then, Fly Boy, and The Jungle
These four zines showcase the flexibility of wire-stitched zines in terms of size. Ranging from A5 to A4, these zines demonstrate that any bespoke size larger than A5 up to and including A4 can be achieved at the same price point. Whether you’re looking to create a compact A5 zine or a larger A4 publication, we’ve got you covered.
FAQs
What is the best paper to print zines on?
The best paper for zine printing depends on your specific needs and preferences. For a more premium feel, a 300gsm uncoated cover is a great choice. For the inside pages, a 115gsm uncoated paper offers a bright white finish that beautifully showcases your images. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly paper options, our 100% recycled Evolution Uncoated paper is a great choice. For more insights on paper choices, check out our guide on choosing the right paper for zine printing.
How do you format a zine for printing?
Formatting a zine for printing involves several steps, including setting up the correct page size, creating a layout that suits your content, and ensuring your images are high-resolution. You can find a detailed guide on how to format a zine for printing on our comprehensive guide for zine binding.
What paper is used for zine?
Zines can be printed on a variety of paper types, including uncoated, silk, and gloss paper. The choice of paper can greatly influence the look and feel of your zine, so it’s important to consider your options carefully. Check out our blog exploring lamination for zine covers for more insights.
What is the best binding for a zine?
Wire stitching, also known as stapling, is a popular binding method for zines. It’s cost-effective, easy to assemble, and can accommodate a variety of content types. However, the best binding for your zine will depend on your specific needs and preferences. For more insights, check out our comprehensive guide for zine binding.
How do you make a zine design?
Creating a zine design involves several steps, including brainstorming ideas, creating a layout, selecting images or illustrations, and choosing typography and colours. It’s important to consider your target audience and the message you want to convey when designing your zine. For more insights, check out our YouTube video on zine design.
How much does it cost to print a zine?
The cost of printing a zine can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the zine, the number of pages, the type of paper used, and the printing method. At Ex Why Zed, we offer competitive pricing for zine printing. You can get a quote for your project on our Printed Project Builder.
What makes a good zine?
A good zine is one that effectively communicates its message and engages its audience. This can be achieved through a combination of compelling content, eye-catching design, and high-quality printing. For more insights, check out our YouTube video on what makes a good zine.
What are the different types of zines?
Zines can cover a wide range of topics and come in various types, including fanzines (focused on a particular band, celebrity, or TV show), per zines (personal zines that serve as a form of self-expression), art zines (featuring artwork or illustrations), and many more. For more insights, check out our YouTube video on different types of zines.
The last word
Creating a wire-stitched zine is a creative endeavour that allows you to express your ideas and share your work in a tangible format. With the right design elements, paper choices, and printing techniques, you can create a standout publication that truly reflects your vision.
At Ex Why Zed, we’re committed to providing high-quality zine printing services that elevate your visual storytelling. Whether you’re looking to print a photography zine, an art zine, or any other type of zine, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to start your zine printing journey.
Remember, the best zine printers are those who understand your creative rigour and can provide the definitive operational strategy to bring your vision to life. At Ex Why Zed, we’re proud to be a trusted partner to many superstar creatives, helping them relax and focus on their craft while we take care of the printing. So why wait?
Start exploring the world of zine printing with us today.
