57 Comments
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Aryaman's avatar

This was so interesting. You have inspired me to start making zines whenever I travel. Would love to read a tutorial for how to design the layout, print the pictures and putting it all together

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Mat's avatar

I'm slowly working on a tutorial as I put my next book/zine together. I'm posting bits and pieces, then I'll post a full tutorial in a newsletter.

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Ross Duncan gets curious.'s avatar

That's great Mat, I'm sure a lot of us will be very interested in the process. 👍

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Derrick Buckner's avatar

I’m currently working on two zines. They really are a lot to fun to make, the hardest part is the photo curation 😂 I think this time I’m gong to use my Canon SELPHY printer to print small prints to help curate and design the layout.

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Mat's avatar

The SELPHY printer is a great idea! Small prints will definitely help design the layout. And, you can make a mini-zine out of them too!

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Derrick Buckner's avatar

💯 need to get more paper and ink but I’m excited to try it!

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Andy K's avatar

I love my little Selphy because it has led me to… ACTUALLY PRINT MY WORK! :) It’s so different seeing your photos in print, even on that small scale. Though I was not as satisfied with my Instax Wide printer…

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Derrick Buckner's avatar

Yeah the Instax wide printer is OK. Looks good when you print film scans.

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Nik Stanbridge's avatar

Very inspirational in the making of stapled zines. I’m going to have a go. I’ve made a few stab bound zines (articles here on Substack). I’m loving the process, and have even sold a few. Am about to produce a tutorial PDF for free download (I love sharing my processes).

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Mat's avatar

Nice work, NIk. I subscribed!

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Lauri Novak's avatar

I love this! The added bits of map, campground ticket and items like that are something I wouldn't have thought of.

I have made three photo chapbooks, two of Everyday Shadows and one of Clouds. I print them on art/watercolor paper and hand-sew/tie the bindings. They are really fun to do.

You can find them here: https://laurinovak.com/product-category/products/books-chapbooks-printedmatter/

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Mat's avatar

Beautiful work, Lauri! Hand-binding is wonderful, isn't it?

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Lauri Novak's avatar

I really had fun doing these once I figured out the stitching. Thanks for taking a look.

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arenosa's avatar

This is super interesting. Subscribed and eager to read the tutorial.

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Mat's avatar

Working on it!

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Carmen Drake's avatar

It’s like Substack read my mind and showed me this post about zines! I am contemplating going this route and starting to make my own zine !

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Mat's avatar

I love the possibilities with a zine. I teach photography and I'm considering a zine format as a teaching aid for my students.

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sei marseille paix's avatar

Very inspiring and thank you for the mini tutorial.

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Mat's avatar

Glad it inspired you, I almost didn't make a tutorial!

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kayla noel johnson's avatar

the fold out pages are amazing. I'm inspired. thanks for sharing!

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Mat's avatar

You're welcome, Kayla! Yes, the fold-out pages are my favourite part :)

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Gettin' Some ~ Jim Golden's avatar

This is great, love the scraps! Got my gears turning…

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Mat's avatar

Your work is great, you'd love doing this!

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kayla noel johnson's avatar

the fold out pages are amazing. I'm inspired. thanks for sharing!

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Bryan Mitchell's avatar

Very cool idea and a good time for me to stumble onto this. I have been thinking more and more how so many of my images are not printed and will be lost in the digital void. Thank you for sharing.

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Mat's avatar

You're welcome, Bryan. This really is a unique and quick way to get our images into print.

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The Minimal Frame®'s avatar

Love it!

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Sergey Golovkin's avatar

So cool!!! Definitely waiting for the tutorial to make my own Zine! And the idea of both sides, triptych and panorama - absolutely amazing 🤩

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Mat's avatar

Thanks, Sergey! One tip - slap something together really quick and then think of ways to improve it next time.

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Leon Goossens's avatar

Awesome job, well done 👌Thanks for sharing! Would love to read a tutorial how you’ve putting the zine together

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Mat's avatar

Thanks, Leon! I’m slowly putting a tutorial together. I’m posting bits and pieces as notes and will compile it into newsletter within a couple of weeks.

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Suella Wynne's avatar

Your zine looks great, well done. May I ask what paper you use?

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Mat's avatar

Thanks, Suella! I will find out the exact type and post it as soon as I know.

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Suella Wynne's avatar

Thanks Mat

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Xavi Buendia's avatar

This is so cool, congratulations!

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Mat's avatar

Thanks, Xavi!

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