Setting the scene
Looking for your next DIY project? If so, I have a zine making tutorial just for you! But before you grab your scissors and magic markers, you might be wondering, “What is a zine anyway, and how did the whole movement begin?“
Allow me to set the scene. Olympia, Washington. Early 90s. The punk rock scene is buzzing, and a DIY counter culture is taking shape.
Decades earlier, punk music emerged as an anti-establishment, politically charged genre. The scene, however, was predominantly male and deeply sexist.
So, female punk rockers, facing rejection in a community that should’ve embraced them, decided to band together and do something about it. The result? The Riot Grrrl Movement.
The brief History
The term Riot Grrrl itself is a call to action, referring to a girl-led riot against misogyny. The feminist movement combined politics, punk rock, and fanzines (“zines” for short). Zines are handmade booklets that typically include personal writing, copy-and-paste photos, poetry, and more in a collage style format. Hint: It’s pronounced zeen!
Perhaps the most famous zine publication came from Kathleen Hanna and Tobi Vail, who fronted the all-girl punk band Bikini Kill, and helped create the Riot Grrrl concept. Their self-titled zine, Bikini Kill, was passed out by hand at live shows. In the second issue, Hanna outlined the Riot Grrrl manifesto, which challenged sexist norms and sought to empower women and members of the queer community. Below is an excerpt from the issue:
(Bikini Kill Zine, No.2, 1991): “BECAUSE I believe with my wholeheartmindbody that girls constitute a revolutionary soul force that can, and will change the world for real.” (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | Library & Archives).
Fun fact: Kathleen Hanna revealed in an interview with PEOPLE that she wrote the phrase, “Kurt smells like Teen Spirit” on Kurt Cobain’s wall, inspiring the lyrics behind the hit Nirvana song. So really, we have the original Riot Grrrl to thank for this era-defining grunge track.
Zine Tutorial
Now that you know where zines come from, it’s time to create one of your own! All you’ll need is a sheet of paper, scissors, and something to write with.
1. Fold your paper in half (hamburger style
2. Fold your folded paper in half again, Keeping edges tight
3. Fold the paper once more – A Total of three folds
4. Unfold your paper – You should see eight boxes.
5. Fold It in half (hamburger style again) and cut a slit halfway through the folded edge
6. Unfold and Push the corners together so the paper forms a booklet.
7. Choose a theme & Decorate!
There’s no right way to create, but I suggest coming up with a concept! You can go all out Riot Grrrl or just fill it with your favorite things, and doodle all over. Happy crafting!
Vibes
If you’re looking for some awesome punk-inspired bands that channel Riot Grrrl energy, I highly suggest listening to my playlist while you craft:
- Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill
- Cannonball by The Breeders
- Seether by Veruca Salt
- Violet by Hole
- Kool Thing by Sonic Youth
- Deceptacon by Le Tigre
- Cool Schmool by Bratmobile