Hey, I'm back!

If you're not very involved in the art or fandom communities on tumblr or twitter, you may not have known: Artbooks & fanzines have been steadily gaining traction in the last year or so, and are more popular than ever. I've participated in several and am currently running Voltron AU Zine and the Studio Ghibli Artbook! Applications are currently open for the Studio Ghibli one, so be sure to check it out on ghiblizine.tumblr.com/ or twitter.com/ghiblizine, or apply here: goo.gl/forms/jlrRNQknMMAE7ibI2!

What is a zine?

A zine (in this case) is usually an artbook of sorts revolving a certain fandom or topic. They may also include writing, cosplay, and many other elements. They can be almost professional like, or simple handmade ones.

Why do people want to join?

Not only are zines an incredibly fun way to contribute to a community or show your love, you usually get a free copy, or even a share of the profits! But mostly it's a really fun way to talk to others, since many zines also have discord servers, etc.

How do you join them?

Most zines either invite artists or open applications where people can apply! The form linked above is a typical example of what you'd be asked to submit. Most zines have artists of 20-30, though this can include up to 80 or more. Many artists may also draw their own zines, at most inviting a couple friends or "guest artists".

Why do people buy them?

Many people love buying merch or prints, but these can be relatively expensive. Zines are usually relatively inexpensive, holds many art pieces, and often includes extras like charms or stickers, etc.

Where can I find these to join or order?

fandomzines.tumblr.com/ is an excellent blog to keep up with zines, and there are often smaller blogs for keeping track of one fandom's events. twitter.com/zineappcalls also shows zines that currently are looking for artists.

Where does the money for this come from?

Most zines sell from preorders, meaning people order, and the organizers use this money to order the products and them ship them out. Some (original) zines also use kickstarter or indiegogo to fund them.

Where do the profits for zines go?

Profits are usually split between artists, or donated to charity!

How do I know people won't cheat me out of my money?

Zines are usually pretty public, meaning we know the organizers, and there are often multiple helpers. Many zine organizers are fairly well known and trustworthy, or have done zines before. If a zine has an anonymous organizer or seems shoddily organized, this may be a sign that you don't want to apply or buy this zine.

I applied to a zine, but I didn't get in!

Zines are no indicator of artistic ability! Many times, a zine will get literal hundreds (and I wish I weren't joking) but only a couple dozen spots. That means not everyone will get in, but doesn't mean they believe your art sucks. It just means maybe someone else had a better portfolio, or they had too much of one style.

These are the basics, but feel free to ask questions! I'm not often on dA, but feel free to message me at @/runqii on tumblr or twitter.