July is observed as International Zine Month. To get you in the mood, we’ve curated a list of some of India’s most popular zinemakers who are creating a buzz with their inspired zines
Man Like Damu by Hari Damodaran Chakyar. Pic courtesy/@hari chakyar on Instagram
Zine-Making is a non-commercial print-making that was first created in the 1930s in Chicago in USA. The art involves creating a small booklet with the content of choice and making it look visually attractive. Zine-making may have existed for nearly a century, but started gaining popularity in India recently. Here is a list of zine makers and their work that is worth checking out.
Hari Chakyar
Hari Damodaran Chakyar is an advertiser by profession. He took up zine-making during the pandemic-induced lockdown and, since then, has been dabbling in the profession. He also draws and illustrates. His zine, Man Like Damu is an experiment in cyanotype storytelling in which he talks about his relationship with his father and how his quiet presence was impactful.
Log on to: @harichakyar on Instagram
The Comfort Cooking. Pic courtesy/@aditi_e on Instagram
Aditi Elassery
A graphic designer by profession, Bengaluru-based Aditi Elassery is also a zine artist. She has more than 2000 followers on her Instagram page where she posts her imaginative zines. Her work, The Comfort Cooking, is a visual treat for foodies. In the zine, she talks about the satisfaction of consuming good food, especially when you make it by yourself.
Log on to: @picturepapertext on Instagram
Zines by Reshma Ashar. Pic courtesy/Instagram
Reshma Ashar
Ashar is a psychologist by profession and uses zine-making as a therapy. She conducts workshops titled Healing Through Zine. She believes that one need not be perfect to create a beautiful zine.
Log on to: @sakura.wabisabi on Instagram
Ipsa Jain
Bengaluru-based zine maker has her roots in science as she is a scientist turned illustrator. Her zines are related to science, and she also conducts workshops for zine enthusiasts. She created zines like Protein Exists, which is about molecular processes and Crafting Mutant Fly that focuses on flies. The zines are available online.
Log on to: @ipsawonders on Instagram
Devashree Somani and Riya Behl
Zine curators Devashree Somani and Riya Behl have created a space for people to explore zine-making. They are part of the zine collective Zinedebaad through which they organise workshops, pop-up stores, and zine exhibitions. Their zine #InequalityIsUnacceptable is popular on social media platforms. The creative zine explains the unequal distribution of wealth in an informative yet interesting way.
Log on to: @zinedabaad on Instagram
How to make a zine
A do-it-yourself zine making guide. Pic courtesy/@sakura.wabisabi on Instagram
1. Fold the paper in half, lengthwise (like a hot dog). Crease the fold well, and then open it back up
2. Fold it in half again, this time width-wise (like a hamburger). Leave it folded
3. Fold the edges to the centre. Take both sides and fold them in the middle. Then open the paper fully — you will now see eight rectangles
4. Make a small cut. Fold the paper hamburger-style again. Use scissors to cut halfway through the centre fold — just the middle section
5. Fold it into a booklet. Open the paper and push both ends toward each other — the cut will open up like a diamond. Keep folding it until it looks like a mini booklet
6. Time to create. Now fill your zine with anything you like — your thoughts, doodles, poems, how-to ideas, nature notes, or things that make you feel good
Information courtesy: Reshma Ashar
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