Zine Midterm Project

Objective: The main objective of this assignment is for you to explore and experiment with the various forms and styles of a little magazine. You will curate a collection of creative works, which may include art, photography, poetry, plays, or any other form of expression that resonates with you. The focal point of this assignment will be your Editor's Preface, where you articulate the vision, theme, and purpose of your magazine. As I shared in class, you can be quite expansive with what a little magazine is. You can start a digital publication, you can print something out, you can create a soundcloud. Feel free to rethink and remix what a little magazine is.

Instructions:

  1. Select Your Works: Curate a minimum of five creative works for your little magazine. These can be original pieces, or you may draw from other sources (with proper attribution) or collaborate with friends to include their work.

  2. Editor's Preface: Write an editorial note or editor's preface that serves as the introduction to your magazine. In this preface, you should:

    • Define the Vision: Explain the overarching theme or vision that guided your selection of works. What is the message or mood you want to convey through this collection? What is your ethos? Your manifesto? What do you publish?

    • Contextualize Your Choices: Provide brief insights into why you chose each piece. What drew you to these works? How do they contribute to the overall aesthetic and message of the magazine?

    • Address Your Audience: Consider who your intended audience is. How do you envision your readers engaging with this collection? What do you hope they take away from it?

    • Reflect on Form and Style: Discuss the creative choices you made in designing the magazine. How does the layout, sequencing, and visual elements contribute to the overall experience?

  3. The Details: How much is your magazine? Is it free? Does it cost $20? Where can we buy it and find it?

  4. Design and Presentation: Pay attention to the layout and presentation of your little magazine. Consider how the arrangement of works, typography, and any visual elements enhance the reader's experience.

Grading Criteria:

  • Editor's Preface (40%): Clarity of vision, thoughtful contextualization of works, consideration of audience, and reflection on design choices.

  • Selection of Works (30%): Diversity, coherence, and relevance of the chosen creative pieces.

  • Design and Presentation (20%): Attention to layout, typography, and visual elements that enhance the reader's experience.

  • Overall Creativity and Originality as well as Attention to the Details (10%): Innovative approaches to form and style.

Submission Details:

  • Make sure to properly attribute any works that are not original to you or your collaborators.

Deadlines:

Final Zine: 10/30 by 11:30 AM

Place either a physical copy in my mailbox OR a digital copy (only if it is a digital project e.g. Soundcloud, webpage, etc)