(Featured image for Zine Workshop Retrospective, created by Satya Patel, 2025)
On December 14th, 2024, the School of Zines hosted a vibrant zine workshop infused with the spirit of music.
Zines have surged in popularity over the past few years, like a phoenix reborn. They provide a tangible outlet for creative expression, using anything from paper and cardboard to old newspapers and childhood picture books. The possibilities are truly endless.
Wolfbound Books, a Filipina-run book studio and zine distribution centre dedicated to supporting independent creators across Australia and beyond, is at the heart of the ‘School of Zines’ initiative. It serves as a platform for individuals to self-publish, share their work with audiences, and connect with like-minded people.
I interviewed Satya Patel, W’SUP’s Design Officer, about his thoughts on the experience and his general expertise in zine-making and art.
Have you always been into zine-making, or was this your first time trying it out?
I haven’t always been into zine-making, but I’ve always wanted to make them. This event was my second time making a zine, with my first zine being a practice for the workshop.
What inspired the zine you created during the workshop?
As music was the workshop’s theme, I drew inspiration from one of my favourite music artists, Cavetown. His alternative/indie music and trans identity inspired me to create a lyric zine on ‘Lemon Boy’, a song I often listened to while questioning my identity.
What kind of music do you enjoy, and did it influence your zine-making process?
I enjoy an extensive range of music, from indie to rock music. Indie and alternative music’s traits of heartfulness and gentleness inspired my zine-making process by influencing me to take a personal and earnest approach. I created layers of paper cutouts, a standard method for making zines, followed by writing in my favourite lyrics from the ‘Cavetown’ using my favourite pens.
Have you attended these zine workshops before, or was this your first time?
This event was my first time attending this zine workshop!
What advice would you give someone who wants to make a zine but doesn’t know where to start?
My main advice to anyone who wants to make a zine but doesn’t know where to start: Let yourself be free. Gather any materials you have around, then start! Be messy, be clean – just start!
What was your favourite part of the workshop, and why?
My favourite part of the workshop was the sense of community because creating with fellow creatives around you is a warming feeling. You also make so many new personal and career-based connections. I can’t wait to attend the next workshop on the 15th of March
This inspiring event allowed attendees to create something deeply personally rooted in their individuality, imagination, and craft materials. It was also unique in how we all incorporated our favourite music into our pieces, as it let us be introspective about who we are at our core through external means. It’s an experience everyone should try, regardless of whether they consider themselves creative or not.
