COP3 - synthesis rationale

Rationale

Zines are non-commercial, non-professional publications that have been self-produced, using very basic methods such as cut and paste and photocopying. They then go on to be published and even distributed by the individual who created them, which may be via hand or through independent book or music stores. With a small circulation, they have a distinct aesthetic, however their subject matters are wide ranging. From music to food politics, zines cover just about everything, whilst offering an experience different to any other.

Zines have always been a place for people to let their voice be heard, and are a perfect example of participatory media, where the audience is able to play an active role. This is one of the many reasons they appeal to such a wide-ranging audience, as well as creating a special connection between reader and author. They became a place where individuals could construct identities, communities and relationships in an uninhibited and irreplaceable manner. These relationships and sense of community go on to be reinforced by methods of production and distribution.

In order to synthesise this information into a practical project, there were a number of elements that had to be taken into consideration. These elements comprised of the main themes within the written element – distribution, production, social practices and the rise of technology. Initially, I set out to produce a small circulation of zines, and supporting products, that aimed to construct relationships and a sense of community. There was a focus on how each factor would affect the audience in terms of how it allowed them to play an active role. It would there be the content, or the subject matter, that would reinforce the research.

The most important aspect for me was to really instil a sense of community and to facilitate human connection within my practical work. A zines primary function is to communicate, and this type of medium allows for the possibility of gaining closeness and trust with complete strangers. In order for me to emphasise and underline this, I chose a topic that would allow me to spike interest, curiosity and intrigue. It was decided that I would explore an individual’s inquisitiveness, and their ability to be quite intrusive and ‘nosey’, through the use of their own unknown passions and interests. For me to be able to build up my content, it was necessary for me to compile a small questionnaire that focused on the interests of a number of different individuals. These interests would have to be unknown to others around them in order to create interaction with the content.

Production

Once this information was gathered, the title of ‘Involved’ was given to the publication, leading to tag-lines such as ‘Be Involved’ and ‘Get involved’. This displayed the aura of the book successfully, hinting at contribution and relationships. The content was then used to build up quotes, image and illustration. The method of production mirrored my research, following the original approach of zine creation, embracing a DIY ethic. All elements of text and illustration were produced by hand, with the overall layout being put together through the use of cut and stick, digitising this with the help of the scanner. These elements could then be played about with in Illustrator. It was paramount that I didn’t ignore technology throughout this process. From my research, it was clear that advances in technology have facilitated design, and it should be seen as a shift in the right direction. I found that it made things a lot faster in terms of print and I was able to work more efficiently as I could experiment with programmes such as InDesign, allowing me to organise and coordinate my designs. InDesign also offered me the opportunity to print in a booklet format, which could be done cheaply and with ease. Overall, it cost me 46p to print my entire publication, in greyscale to reduce cost, which reflects my research in terms of cheap production. By printing myself, I was giving myself the opportunity to create a small circulation number at extremely low cost. Research into print costs at places such as Footprint showed that printing was extremely affordable, however, I was after a much smaller print run than they were able to offer.

Distribution   

In terms of distribution, I felt that this is where I would really be able to create a connection, allowing individuals to interact with the content, finding out more about certain users. In terms of physical distribution methods, the zine itself is packaged in a way that reflects my research, using aesthetics typically seen within the zine community. The publication and its supporting products are placed in a see-through press-lock bag that is formatted so that it is able to mailed out to the audience. This will be the main method of distribution as it creates a special connection between author and reader, offering them something physical, mirroring a gift culture. The first issue would also be placed in an environment where it could be picked up and read, at no cost. This would spark interest and get people talking about the content. People are known to be inquisitive; therefore this method would introduce participation, causing the audience to play an active role. The zine would also be available from zine fairs and independent bookshops. In addition to this, I wanted to use the Internet to aid distribution, as it would allow me to reach a much larger target audience, as well as offering exposure through the use of sites such as Etsy. In order to get people involved, a website specifically designed for ‘Involved’ has been used alongside the physical elements that allows the audience to find out a bit more about the project, as well as purchase and contribute. The site and the mailing address are linked to the zine itself, as well as to supporting items that can be handed to friends in order to build up awareness. The cost of the zine itself it not of great importance, as the aim is not financial gain. The cost will simply cover printing costs, and will not be increased in order to make a profit.

COP3 - final images

COP3 - evaluation

1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?

I feel that throughout this module, I have been able to communicate theory through practical work effectively. The written element and initial research really allowed me to gain a considered understanding of the aesthetics and processes that were necessary to produce appropriate graphic products that were relevant to my content. I have been able to gather a wide range of sources that were focused and relevant to both areas, organising and evaluating these in a way which was clear and easy to apply. These research skills also led to a better understanding of audience and creative concerns, which meant I was able to demonstrate a befitting tone of voice as well as applying appropriate content to a chosen format. I believe that my theory gave me a strong foundation for the practical side of this brief, which I feel aided me in my designs and thought process, allowing my to synthesise effectively. My practical was therefore appropriate in terms of theory and also in terms of working within an existing environment. 

In addition to this, I also feel that my academic skills have improved, specifically in terms of referencing and critical analysis. Initially, I was unaware of how to reference correctly, with very little understanding of referencing images and primary research within my written work. This is something that I developed an understanding of throughout this project, using online resources and files given to us in order to improve. This allowed me to correctly format my work, including appendices and a list of illustrations. 

2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

Although I had worked with the cut and stick DIY process before, this was something that I wanted to develop and expand on in order to synthesise my project successfully. Although my room was covered in hundreds of bits of paper, the process of cutting and sticking in order to create layout was extremely enjoyable. It allowed me explore a new way of working, and made me steer clear of focusing my work purely on illustrative design. This was all kept organised through the use of folders and categories, so that it didn't all go over my head.

This year I have also conducted a primary research study in order to inform my research and argument within my written work. I initially struggled to create a set of questions that were appropriate and relevant, offering me responses that would be deemed useful. However, I made sure to focus these questions on my research themes, in order to give me feedback that could be used throughout. I wanted to gain some contemporary theories and view points, as I was investigating zines within today's society. The results were extremely beneficial, aiding me towards my own conclusion, as well as influencing my opinions and my practical work.  

3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

In this module, I feel that my academic writing has been particularly strong. I have always had a keen interest in writing, and enjoy researching into topics that stand out to me. As I had chosen a topic that I had particular interest in, it was much more enjoyable and I was able to get really involved in this particular brief. As I felt this part of the module was strong, it gave me a good foundation for the practical side, giving me a better understanding of audience, tone of voice and visuals. 

Organisation was definitely key during this project also. As my project was cut and stick based, I was lumbered with a lot of sheets of paper and images. If I hadn't organised myself from the beginning then I probably would have found myself in a bit of a panic. In order to make sure things went smoothly, I created a number of separate folders that I was able to use to categorise all of my images and content. I feel that my final piece represents, all with relevant image and content. All of this was helped by my research skills and keen interest in the subject matter. I was also organised in terms of balancing my work. I made sure that I had drafts complete for each deadline given to me by my tutor, as well as having a full first draft finished during the first week of Christmas. This allowed me to carry on my synthesis of practical work and get it to a high standard. 

I also feel that I have effectively followed my project proposal. I initially stated that I wanted to make sure I obtained a large number of different types of fanzines so that I was able to make observations across a broad range of publications, and not simply focus all my attention on one genre or one movement. This is something that I feel I have successfully achieved. I have also directly contacted a number of different printers and individuals etc in order to gain a better insight and understanding into my topic. This was done through the use of a questionnaire, which gave me qualitative data that was in depth. 

4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?

I feel that one weakness to my work is that I could have expanded my practical further, getting the most out of it. It could have been pushed further to include appropriate supporting material that reinforced my concept. I also wish I had spent more time in building up a website that worked alongside my physical products, in order to allow for a more contemporary mode of distribution. 

My blogging also could have been to a higher standard. I initially started off blogging as I went along, however, as Extended Practice began to take over I started to slack on this. As I started to synthesise my written element with my practical work, I wasn't documenting this process. I feel that this affected my organisation towards the end of the project, as I had some catching up to do in terms of getting all my practical work up there. It was also more difficult to blog the lectures, as the information was quite in depth and hard to document. It could also be accessed at a later date online when it became more relevant. 

 5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?

1. I would have liked to have expanded on my primary research by perhaps getting in touch with more individuals that were connected to the movement. This way I could have gained an even better understanding of the subject by collecting first hand accounts. Confidence issues stopped me from doing this, and I want to make sure that I push myself next time in order to get most out of a brief. 

2. I would have liked to have expanded on my publication in terms of creating other issues or other volumes. This would have given the user an idea of what is to come or what is to be expected of 'Involved'. 

3. I should have created a larger body of supporting material that could have strengthened my concept as well as my themes of production and distribution. 

4. I wish that I had put my products in a place where the individuals who contributed their interests to it could have interacted with it and got involved. This would have given me feedback as to whether or not my concept was successful. 

5. I would like to place my products in the environment. For example, if I had had more time, I could have actually sold my zines on an online store, such as Etsy, or I could have included them within a zine fair. By doing this, I could gain feedback and a better understanding of what the audience wants. 

How would you grade yourself in the following areas (5 - excellent to 1 - poor):

• Attendance: 5
• Punctuality: 5
• Motivation: 4
• Commitment: 4
• Quantity of work: 3
• Quality of work: 4
• Commitment to the group: 4

COP3 - supporting website

In order to create another mode of distribution, I have mocked up a simple website where a user would be able to purchase the zine. The website is extremely reflective of the practical work, whilst offering a humorous and light hearted experience, with a conversational tone of voice. There is a landing page, along with an about section, shop and contact page. 

This site is linked to the publication, printed in the back so that the user can visit and purchase the next issue. I don't want to push the zine on people, as I feel this contradicts with the message, however there needs to be a way for the audience to interact with the product. Although technology is there to aid zines in modern day society, I wouldn't go as far as advertising my zine, or putting it on social network sites. The zine would only be available via it's own simple page, as well as Etsy. 

Landing Page

This is the page that the user would land one when visiting the address. It simply states the title, and the purpose of the publication. There are then three links at the bottom of the page, which clearly state in digital type where each section takes you. 

About

The about section uses the hand drawn type to create an eye catching about me section, offering a little bit more information about the zine itself. I felt that this was necessary, as even though the concept behind the zine doesn't have to be blatantly obvious and it creates communities and experiences without you realising, I wanted to explain the subject matter further. 

Contact

The contact page allows users to get in touch with the author, in order to extend relationships where the work can be discussed. It also allows the user the opportunity to submit their own interest or work to the zine, which can then be included in the next issue. This is an efficient way of building up content, and spreading the zine further, away from the group that it is currently in. Individuals can therefore interact and play a role in what goes inside. 

Shop

The shop is a simple way for the user to view the zine and the purchase it. It is priced at 99p, which covers printing and effort costs. The user is able to flick through various images using the three buttons below. The 'add to bag' link leads to a separate page where the user can use paypal to buy the product.

COP3 - InDesign

When it came to printing my zine, I encountered a few problems which really set me back. Each page was exported as a PNG and placed into InDesign. When printed, unfortunately the resolution was not high enough, and they printed out extremely bad quality (even worse than 'bad zine quality'). This meant that I had to go through every single file again and export them as a high file. I was advised by a peer to save them as PDFs and then put them into an InDesign document. I spent a large amount of time doing this, to then find that the PDFs do not save with a white background, but simply saved each image separately. Because I'd re-saved my files, all of my original images became un-linked, and had linked everything up to one single image. This now meant that I had to go back through all of my files re-linking every single image and laying them out again. This was extremely stressful, and highlights some of the issues a user can experience with technology. Although it may initially aid design, it can also cause problems and set backs such as this.

Once each file was re-linked, I was re-advised to export each file as a high res Tiff in grayscale. This heightened the contrast on all of my images, which was a really nice effect as some quality had been lost during scanning and so on. Eventually, I had a complete document ready for print.

I am fortunate that throughout this process I managed to keep myself organised, otherwise it would have been impossible to re-link all of my files, searching for different images. I kept myself organised by using a filing system that allowed me to know where everything was.

COP3 - design development

Final layouts

Below are the final scanned in layouts that show how each page of the final zine will work. I am happy with how they have came out, and believe that the hand written text really adds a personal element to the publication, speaking the words of the individual to the user. I feel that I have successfully followed the production methods of zine making, that uses both original and modern day aspects of creation. These pages can now be put into InDesign and printed as a booklet. Altogether it should cost around 46p to print as an A4 double sided black and white print is 3p, which is extremely low cost and reflective of usual production. These zines are not designed to make a profit, and therefore will either be sold at a cost that covers production costs, or simply distributed free of charge.

Andy

Eve

Joel

Jenna

Sam

Simon

Tom

Katie

Martin