ZINE UPDATE: The Collective Imprint - A Global Zine Capturing Analog Creativity in 2025

Be part of creative history.

Jan 21, 2025

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Welcome to The Collective Imprint, a worldwide zine collaboration that celebrates the pure, unrefined creativity of 2025. As digital progress and changing environments influence our world, this initiative invites artists, writers and creatives of all kinds to capture and share the essence of human creativity in the present day.

An array of artistic zines from the Substack community, featuring varied designs and colorful illustrations, each expressing unique themes and ideas. — The response was overwhelming, check out these zines from talented creatives!

How did this Zine project come about?

I posted a note on Substack, spontaneously inspired by Mehret Biruk’s Zine and their way of living. (Mehret, I hope you join the project). The note below gained considerable attention, highlighting a resurgence in the interest of zines during the cusp of an AI era, people are increasingly seeking out analogue creativity.

I had a look at Google Trends, you can see that the term has been trending upwards since 2021 in this hyper-digital age!

What Is a Zine?

A zine, pronounced ‘zeen’, abbreviated from magazine or fanzine, is a self-published work that epitomizes the DIY ethos of grassroots publishing. These publications are typically the product of individual passion or a small community's effort, focusing on a wide array of subjects from music, art, and poetry to social activism and personal narratives. Zines thrive on their ability to push boundaries and challenge mainstream media conventions, providing a platform for voices and ideas that are often underrepresented or too niche for traditional outlets. Their handmade or low-budget aesthetic not only underscores the authenticity of their content but also enhances their appeal as collectable and unique artefacts of cultural expression.

Collection of creative zines from the Substack community, featuring diverse designs, illustrations, and themes. — Some stunning examples of Zines from the Substack community.

Zine Project Details

Theme: Analog Creativity in 2025

The theme challenges contributors to explore what creativity means in a world influenced by digital and technological landscapes.

Questions to get your creative juices flowing…

How does art flourish naturally in this new era?
What does creating mean in the face of rapidly changing tools and platforms?
How can we blend technology with creativity effectively?
How can creators merge traditional and innovative approaches while keeping their work genuine?
How can you express yourself authentically without limitations?
What would you like to express to someone 100 years in the future?

100 Artists, Writers and Creatives

The zine will feature 100 unique voices, with each contributor given a single page to share their vision on a first-come basis. (If we do get more submissions, I can’t bear to cut you off, so let’s see how it goes! We can work something out!)

Zine Format and “Rules”

Total Pages: 50 pages, each A4 (C4) size, folded and stapled.
Content Allocation: Each artist or writer receives one page to showcase their work.
URL Inclusion: Contributors should include their Substack or website URL on their page.
Cover Design: We require an individual or group to design the zine cover.
Introduction Writer: A writer is needed to craft the zine's introduction.
Layout Designer: Someone is needed to handle the layout of the publication.

Display of imaginative zines from the Substack community, each with distinctive artwork and themes, showcasing the creative diversity of its members. — Exploring Creativity: A Glimpse into the Diverse World of Zines

Key Dates and Events

Interest Submission Deadline: January 31, 2025

[Note: We received 130 entries for the project. Please subscribe to my Substack for updates on its progress and future projects.]

Artwork Submission Deadline: February 29, 2025

Ensure your work is uploaded before this date so we have time to produce and print the zine.

Worldwide Auction: April 2, 2025

The zine will be sold as a limited run of 1,000 copies, auctioned to collectors and fans worldwide. Contributors will assist with local logistics, posting copies to buyers within their countries.

Time Capsule Project

Each participant will print a personal copy of the zine to include in a time capsule, burying it locally as a testament to the creativity of 2025. Wrap it in waterproof material to preserve it for future generations.

(Below: Ballet Book - Joffrey Ballet School)

Why Join This Zine Project?

Reflect the Spirit of 2025

Incorporate elements of technology, nature, and raw emotion to reflect what creativity means today.

Collaborate With Creatives Worldwide

Connect with like-minded artists and writers to create a collective legacy.

Reach Global Audiences

Be featured in a limited-edition publication that reaches art collectors, readers, and fans worldwide.

Leave a Legacy

Through the time capsule project, contribute to a piece of history, ensuring your creativity lives on.

How to Secure Your Place

Confirm Your Interest: Submit this form to confirm your participation. Thank you to those who expressed interest already, sorry you have to fill this in, but it’s easier to track! Cheers in advance.

A wicked selection of zines from the Substack crew, each packed with top-notch scribbles and smart themes, proper showing off their creative chops. — Check Out These Proper Bangin' Zines from the Substack Lot!

How to Submit Your Work for the Zine

After you sign up here, you will be sent a link to upload your files in due course.

Artwork Submission Guidelines

Submit a high-resolution scanned image of your work or a clear photo.
Upload your file to the Google Drive folder (link provided after signing up).
All submissions must align with the theme and be received by February 29, 2024.

Preparing Your Artwork

Use your page to explore your vision of raw creativity in 2025.
All creative formats include visual art, photography, poetry, short prose, or graphic design (It’s Art! There are No Rules).
Ensure your file is print-ready to maintain the highest quality for publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who Can Participate?
Anyone with a creative spark—whether you're an artist, writer, or poet.
Q: Is It Open to Substack Writers Only?
A: No, it’s open to anyone! Writers, artists, photographers, anyone who has the desire.
Q: Can I Collaborate with someone?
A: Yes, you can collaborate with another artist or writer for your page. Just mention it in your submission.
Q: What About Printing?
A: All participants will print one personal copy for the time capsule. Then, collectively, we will coordinate the limited-edition print run for global auction sales.
Q: Can I submit more than one piece?
A: Due to space limitations, each contributor is allowed one page. Choose your strongest piece that best fits the theme of Analog Creativity in 2025.
Q: Where will the zine be auctioned?
A: This will be decided nearer the time, if you have any ideas, please get in touch or comment below! Why not Sotheby’s? Let’s create a buzz.
Q: How will pages be submitted? Is it 1 two-sided page? Or just one side of an A4 page?
A: It’ll be one side A5/C5 size format, and the finished pieces can be easily curated into the finished publication.