Self-published magazines, also affectionately called zines, are enjoying a surge of popularity in Singapore. Created with a broad paintbrush of interests in mind, zines can cover anything the publisher desires, and one in Singapore even regularly sells out when it hits the stands. Many of these zines will be featured at the upcoming Singapore Art Book Fair. The number is higher than last year, highlighting the growth of the art book genre in Singapore.
Nearly ten new zines have popped up in Singapore over the last couple of years. While they all come usually with a small following, their advantage is in what they cover. Since they are independently produced often with no thought of turning a profit, zines can cover whatever their creator wants. One of the most popular zines in Singapore, for example, most recently covered a family’s trip through Japan, as well as some of their favorite recipes. It sold out at fifty dollars per copy.
Anyone can make a zine as long as the desire and funding is there. For example, one zine, which examines the experiences of young people around the globe, was founded by four friends and a $10,000 grant from the Singaporean government. Other topics for zines have included a small run on collective thought, and a zine that examines what it’s like being an artist in Singapore.
Everyone who makes a zine agrees that the format of the publication is key. Something about the tactile sense of paper lends more importance to the words each zine contains. There isn’t any advertisement or links to distract the reader from the message. And afterwards, the zine itself makes for a nice keepsake. People who love books can often find a niche they love in zines, and Singapore’s zine creators are counting on that to reach an audience.
Design is just another facet of art. Investigate all the different ways art might infiltrate your life without you realizing it by visiting SGArtClass.com. Explore multitudes of articles about different art genres, find excellent deals on discounted art supplies, and enroll in any one of a vast number of art classes. You can take classes on everything from Chinese ink painting to photography, art therapy to jewelry art, 3-D sculpture to acrylic painting, and everything in between. Expert teachers are on hand to teach you the skills you need to complete the projects you want. It doesn’t matter if you have zero artistic background whatsoever. Even if you’re already an artist, teachers can help you complete projects you’re stuck on, boosting your techniques to take you to the next level. Meet with art teachers in the comfort of your own home, or in the convenience of a place close to your work or school. If you’re too busy for a traditional art class, you can also take online art classes at your own pace.
To read more about the surge of locally produced zines in Singapore, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/arts/zine-boom-in-singapore.