Zines are the ultimate playground for creative minds—a freeform experiment where the only rule is that there are no rules. Whether cutting out magazine clippings, doodling with crayons, or experimenting with typography, the essence of zine-making is its boundless freedom and fierce individuality. However, we get it: sometimes, a crafty hand could use a nudge in the right direction.

So, in the spirit of camaraderie and elevating your zine game, we spoke to four zine experts. You’ll hear from Photographic Center Northwest zine experts Paulo Gonzales, Twyla Sampaco, and Jake Alexander—as well as Blurb creative Teri Hofford. Their guidelines (definitely not rules) can help you unleash your creative potential.

What’s a zine?

Zines are self-published mini-publications that often focus on unconventional or niche topics. They’re typically produced in small batches and can cover anything from music and politics to personal stories and photography. “[Zines] step aside from the traditional publishing world to disperse information without the bureaucracy,” says Alexander.

The line between zines and books has blurred significantly in today’s world. “Zines used to be hand-drawn, photocopied little booklets, and books were professionally printed and bound,” says Sampaco. “But now we live in the future, and high-quality printing is much more accessible to the general public…Ultimately, [a zine is] what the artist decides to call it, and in the context of their other work.”

So, if you’re calling your project a zine, a zine it is!

Why is layout important?

The layout of your zine is paramount—it’s the first thing readers notice and sets the tone for the entire experience. A well-thought-out layout captivates your audience and guides them through your story or message. Here are Hofford’s top reasons that layouts are important.

• Understandability: Ensuring your zine is easy to read is a no-brainer but often overlooked. Hofford says, “making sure that everything is readable, legible and people’s heads aren’t getting cut off by the center” is the most critical part of the layout. That is, “unless you want to take that creative path!”
• Clear messaging: Zines usually present a unified message rather than a random collection of images and text. Hofford also advises against “putting images in simply to put them in.” Instead, you should include content with a cohesive sense of theme.
• Intrigue: The sequencing and pacing of your content can dramatically impact its effect. “Because I focus heavily on the photography aspect of my zines, I lay them out in a way that makes each image stand out,” Hofford explains. Mixing close-up shots with broader views and strategically placing text can keep your audience engaged from cover to cover.
• Creativity: The layout is your playground—use it to introduce elements of surprise, pauses, and emphasis. Hofford shares an innovative approach: “In one of my recent zines, I opted to leave a lot of blank spaces because I will occasionally go in and keep adding to it with a Sharpie.” This personalizes her zines and invites readers to participate, making the experience interactive and dynamic.

Remember, the layout isn’t just about putting images and text on a page. It’s about creating a dialogue between your work and the reader, ensuring you communicate your creative vision clearly and effectively.

Layout dos

We know why a layout is important. But what are some things you should do to create an impactful layout? Here are our experts’ top tips.

Make it cohesive

Creating a cohesive design is crucial in ensuring your zine is more than just a hodgepodge of images and text. It’s about crafting an experience that seamlessly guides your reader from one page to the next, maintaining their interest and enhancing engagement.

Here are some tips to elevate your zine’s cohesiveness.

• Ask yourself about your aesthetic: Alexander suggests contemplating how polished or punk rock you want your zine to be. This will help you narrow down many design choices (and formats!).
• Choose a consistent theme: Stick to one theme or concept that runs throughout your zine. This could be reflected in your color scheme, typography, or overarching storyline.
• Pick a color scheme: Find a color palette that reflects the mood or tone of your zine. This helps set the atmosphere and creates consistency throughout the pages.
• Use consistent fonts and formatting: Just like colors, using consistent fonts and formatting can bring cohesiveness to your zine. “At some point, I picked two font families that I liked together,” says Sampaco. “Pretty much everything I design has been in those two fonts.”
• Create a grid: Establishing a simple grid can help bring order to your layout. It also makes it easier for readers to follow the flow of your content, making it more appealing and easier to digest.

Experiment with sequencing and pacing

Of course, while cohesion is essential, zines are all about experimenting. Play around with the sequencing and pacing of your content. This allows you to tell your story in a unique, engaging way.

Sequencing is managing the story and the relationships between images. It determines when the parts of the story are revealed and the order in which they’re revealed. Pacing, on the other hand, is about rhythm and speed. It’s how fast or slow your story unfolds.

“Both are very important because if your sequence is bad, you’re not telling the story,” states Sampaco. “But if the pacing is bad, your audience isn’t receiving the story.”

• Spend time on sequencing: Take your time with the process of laying out your zine. “I personally spend the most time in isolation on sequencing,” says Sampaco, “making sure the right things are included and that the images talk to each other the way I want them to because this is the foundation of the emotional timeline I’m building.”
• Use printouts to sequence: Printing and laying your images out physically can help you see the connections between images. You can easily move them around to experiment with different sequences.
• Find your anchors: Alexander uses his printouts to find his most important images. “Anchors are like making an outline when you’re writing an essay,” he says. “You have your intro, your middle, and your end—and then you can work from that.”
• Vary pacing: Feel free to mix it up! Use blank pages, longer captions, or different-sized images to create pauses and add interest to your zine’s pacing. Alexander suggests allowing your audience time between major moments—no need to layer intense images and words one after another.
• Juxtapose your content: Experiment with placing different images and text next to each other, creating a dialogue between them. “I [want] each image to stand out.” Hofford offers. “Even if there are multiple images on a spread, I try to make sure that they are interestingly different but still connected.” Think a close-up shot next to a pull-back landscape of the same scene.
• Adjust pacing based on interactions: Once you have a rough sequence, show it to others and get their feedback. “I’ll ask if it is too slow or fast,” Sampaco explains. “I’ll watch the rate at which someone is flipping through the draft…and if they’re pausing where I want them to pause.” 

Embrace negative space

Negative space, often called white space, is a powerful tool in zine creation that can elevate your layout from good to extraordinary. It’s not just about leaving parts of your page blank; it’s about creating a balanced composition that enhances readability and guides the reader’s eye.

Here’s how to embrace it in your layout.

• Balance is key: Ensure that your use of negative space complements and balances out your content. Avoid clutter and give each element room to breathe.
• Highlight what matters: Use negative space to draw attention to critical areas of your zine. Whether it’s a striking image or a poignant piece of text, negative space can act as a spotlight.
• Interactive elements: Remember Hofford’s innovative approach of leaving blank spaces in her zines? “This also allows the purchaser of the zine to go in with their own thoughts, dreams, desires and fill in the space,” she shares. “Art begets art!” This space can transform your zine into a living, breathing work of art that evolves with the reader.

Prioritize readability

When it comes to zine creation, it’s wise to think about how your audience will understand your messages. Ensuring that your text is easy to read guarantees that your message comes through loud and clear.

• Start with extremes: “My top tip for font choice is to go to extremes in font usage,” says Gonzales. “Looking at the most sterile, clean, and even boring fonts helps generate ideas as much as the most visually disruptive fonts. I like to land somewhere in between [with] a font that enhances the subject of the zine.”
• Don’t be afraid of unpopular choices: Comic Sans and Papyrus are all valid to Alexander. “I don’t think we should tell people not to use certain fonts,” he says. “But if you do use a weird font, people will notice it.” Trust your gut and take risks!
• Mind your spacing: Adequate line spacing (leading) and character spacing (kerning) are crucial. Cramped text can be a strain on readers’ eyes and can detract from the overall experience. Ensure that there’s enough space between lines and characters to make your text easy on the eyes.
• Use color strategically: Use high-contrast colors between the text and the background. Avoid busy backgrounds behind text, as they make reading difficult.
• Express yourself with handwriting: “Reading someone else’s handwriting creates this very, very, inmate experience and cuts straight to the heart,” Alexander says. “I was proud to share my original journal entries in a zine I made, because it felt authentic and very personal.”

Go bold with your creative freedom

Zines are all about creativity and self-expression. So, push the boundaries and experiment with different techniques, materials, and styles.

• Find inspiration in the past: Take inspiration from old-school zines and alternative publications. “Spend some time with the work that’s come before you and try to find a thread of interest you could pull from into the future,” encourages Alexander.
• …and from weird places: “A simple trick I like to do to enhance my visual flow is to look outside of zine and bookmaking for inspiration,” says Gonzales. “The way a song or film is structured and sequenced are good examples to help with the visual flow of the zines I make.”
• Try unconventional layouts: There are no rules for zine creation, so let your imagination run wild! Experiment with different page sizes, fold-out pages, or even non-linear storytelling to make your zine stand out.
• Play with media: Don’t limit yourself to just photographs or text. Consider incorporating mediums like illustrations, collages, or even found objects in your zine for a unique and dynamic aesthetic.
• Collaborate: Try working with friends, fellow artists, or strangers to create a collaborative zine showcasing different perspectives and talents. “It’s so much less daunting and more fun if you’re working on a project with someone else,” Alexander says. Try it!

Pay attention to the cover

Cover design is crucial in capturing the attention of potential fans and enticing them to pick up your zine. It’s often a good idea to leave it for last so you can really know your zine inside before delving into the outside!

• Convey a sense of your work: You don’t necessarily need to show an image that lives inside the zine, but it’s smart to give your viewers clues about what to expect. “The cover design should be honest with the rest of the images therein,” suggests Gonzales. “I think the most successful zines are the most sincere in their attempts. Including the cover.”
• Evoke strong emotions: Sampaco suggests using colors, images, and text to evoke a strong emotional response from potential readers. Make them feel intrigued, curious, or even uncomfortable.
• Tease the viewer: Exciting, impactful, curious—these are the adjectives Hofford uses to select her cover images. These hints create an element of mystery, enticing viewers to pick up the zine and discover more.
• Make it something you like: Remember, you’ll look at this cover a lot after you make it. “Put something on the cover you’re proud of looking at, and that encapsulates the project without giving away the whole thing,” says Alexander.

Layout don’ts

As you design your zine, keep in mind a few important common pitfalls to avoid and ensure your zine looks polished and professional. We looked to our pros for their best advice.

Not editing

One of the most common layout mistakes in zine creation is the failure to edit rigorously. Including every idea, image, and piece of text you love can be tempting, but overloading your zine can dilute its impact. Less can be more.

Gonzales says, “The biggest layout challenge is practicing restraint in an edit. Being honest with myself and noticing what works and what doesn’t work can be daunting, but worth doing in the end.”

• Avoid clutter: Leave out elements that don’t contribute to the overall narrative or aesthetic. Your zine should have a clear, cohesive flow that guides the reader through your content without overwhelming them.
• Reflect on your intent: Before finalizing your layout, take a step back and consider the purpose of each piece. Does it enhance the story or aesthetic you’re aiming for? If not, it may be time to hit the delete key.
• Proofread: In addition to editing for content and visuals, make sure to proofread your text thoroughly. Typos and grammatical errors can be distracting and take away from the overall quality of your zine.
• Start small: Print mini-proofs and use techniques like sticky tack for easy rearrangement. Sampaco uses Craig Mammano’s technique of using sticky tack to lay things out and move pieces around before finalizing her zines.
• Seek feedback: Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can make all the difference. Share your draft with trusted friends or collaborators who can offer constructive criticism. Their insights might reveal areas for improvement that you hadn’t considered.

Not finding the right feedback

Speaking of feedback—even the most creative and seasoned zine-makers benefit from fresh perspectives and constructive criticism.  Don’t be afraid to seek input from others and use it to improve your zine.

• Ask for the feedback you want: Are you concerned about your layout, image selections, or pacing? Ask for feedback on those particular elements. Alexander always asks his reviewers to tell him about the themes and how the zine affected them. He says: “The big mystery is often how my art is going to be consumed and what the audience is going to get from it.”
• Test different versions: Sampaco prints a few softcover versions of her zines to experiment with materials and layouts. She also uses these tests as review pieces for her community before she prints a final copy.
• Print a proof: “Every time I’ve made a project, a test zine has saved me!” says Alexander. Making a single copy lets you make adjustments before investing more time and resources into the final product. Again, get feedback on the proof, too! New eyes see things you won’t.
• Seek diverse feedback: Engage people inside and outside the zine community for varied perspectives. “I showed a zine I’m working on to a graphic designer recently, and he had great input,” says Gonzales. “I also showed my zine to a musician, and he had opinions and suggestions I never would have thought of.”

Worrying too much about others

It’s easy to get bogged down by the opinions and expectations of others when making your zine (especially when you’re asking for feedback!). But, focusing too much on pleasing an audience can stifle your creativity.

Gonzales reminds us, “Making a choice in the process because other people think it’s ‘cool’ can lead to a final product that lacks authenticity.”

• Trust your instincts: Your zine is an extension of your creative vision. Don’t let the fear of judgment keep you from exploring unconventional ideas.
• Embrace mistakes: Every zine-making journey involves trial and error. Instead of worrying about creating the perfect zine on your first go, focus on the process and what you can learn from it. After all, “if it turns out bad, you don’t have to show anyone,” says Sampaco. “And then you can start the next one with what you’ve learned.”
• Create for yourself: At the end of the day, your zine should reflect your passion and interests. Create something you are proud of, even if it doesn’t align with popular trends.

Forgetting the journey is the crucial part

When asked about the most enjoyable part of zine-making, Gonzales replies, “The process…The contemplation, the frustration, the challenges, the connections, the learning, the joy. The human aspects of what goes into making a zine are what gives me the most enjoyment.”

We’d have to agree!

• Take the pressure off: “Zines, by nature, are meant to be temporal and somewhat fleeting,” says Alexander. “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to create the next masterwork—be easy on yourself and don’t take it too seriously.”
• Experiment without fear: Hofford agrees with Alexander and encourages, “Make one, see what you like, don’t like, and then make another. Like anything else…it’s a practice that the more you do it, you will eventually find your style.”
• Reflect on your journey: Take time to appreciate each step in your zine-making adventure. Celebrate small victories and learn from setbacks. Remember, every page turned in your zine is a testament to your creative journey and growth.
• Have fun: Focus on what you’re learning and experiencing as you create your zine. The skills you develop and the insights you gain will be far more rewarding than the final print alone!

Free zine templates to get started

If you’re inspired to begin but still want a little help with your layout, Blurb offers free, customizable zine templates. Whether you want to craft a photo-centric piece or a text-heavy masterpiece, these templates give you a head start.

Magazine templates

Use these templates with Blurb’s super affordable, yet high-quality magazine format. You’ll be creating in a snap.

• Basic: Built with a focus on text, this template offers a clean and simple layout for your zine. Download.
• Primary: Similar to Basic, but with beautiful background colors ready to go. Download.
• Vibrant: Bold with great font and color choices to make your zine pop. Download.
• Modern: Simple, clean,  and classic. Use this template to create a timeless zine. Download.

Photo book templates

There are many photo book template options available for Blurb’s photo books. Try using softcover, standard paper, and smaller sizes to keep your costs manageable. Or go big with a hardcover, premium paper, and large sizes!

Visit the Blurb template page to preview all your options, or select the links below to download!

• Cookbook: Portrait: Basic, Portrait: Neutral, Portrait: Chromatic
• Family book: Landscape, Portrait
• Travel book: Landscape, Portrait
• Baby book: Landscape, Portrait
• Portfolio book: Landscape, Portrait

How to use these templates

To download and use these templates in BookWright, follow these simple steps.

1. Install the BookWright app on your Mac or PC.
2. Download your chosen template above.
3. Locate the .blurb file in your Downloads folder.
4. Double-click the .blurb file to launch BookWright.
5. Choose Save As and give your book an original file name.
6. Design!

Make your zine!

Now that you know all about zine layout dos and don’ts from a cadre of experts, it’s time to take your knowledge and put it to work.

Stay true to your creative vision, trust your instincts, and, most importantly, have fun! We can’t wait to see what you create.

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Blurb offers the perfect platform to take your zine-making journey to the next level. Hofford says, “Blurb is fast, convenient, and [I love to] just get it out there.” Sampaco appreciates that print-on-demand services will mail the publications directly to the buyer—saving time and energy. Get started with Blurb now.