Gen Zine: Make, Publish & Share Your Own Zine

Multiple Workshops Available (See Above)

Class Times:  10:00am - 3:00pm

With Tutor: Callum Robertson

Step away from the algorithm and into the zine scene.

Zines are small, self-published booklets that offer an inexpensive, hands-on way to share your ideas, art and stories directly with others. From comics and poetry to fandom, politics, collage and personal storytelling, zines have a long history as an accessible form of independent creative expression—and they’re experiencing a resurgence as people look for new ways to create and connect offline.

In this practical workshop, you’ll explore what makes a zine, develop your own concept and take it all the way from initial idea to a finished physical zine. You’ll also learn simple ways to copy, reproduce and share your work.

Led by illustrator, comic zine creator and Wellington Zinefest organiser Callum Robertson, this workshop is designed to get you making quickly. No previous zine-making, writing or illustration experience is required—just bring your ideas and a willingness to experiment.

What You'll Learn:

By participating in this course, learners will:

• Discover what zines are, where they come from and why physical media still matters in 2026.
• Explore different approaches to zine-making, from comics and illustration to writing, collage, fandom and personal storytelling.
• Develop a clear concept for a zine and consider who you want to make it for.
• Turn your initial ideas into a draft and workable zine format.
• Learn practical techniques for creating and assembling a finished zine.
• Explore simple ways to copy, reproduce and share your zines.
• Experience the process of taking a creative project from idea through to finished production.
  
  

What You'll Create:

By participating in this course, learners will:

• A completed, original zine ready to copy and share.
• A practical understanding of the zine-making process from concept to production.
• The skills and confidence to continue creating your own zines independently.
  

Where time allows, you’ll also begin making copies of your finished zine. If not, you’ll leave knowing how to reproduce it yourself afterwards.

Meet Your Tutor

Callum Robertson has been creating and self-publishing comic zines for 15 years and is part of the organising crew behind Wellington Zinefest.

A former professional illustrator, Callum has created work for advertising, packaging and print and can offer practical guidance in storytelling, drawing and illustration. He is particularly passionate about helping people move beyond the idea stage and actually finish their creative projects—with plenty of tips and tricks for getting work across the line.

For Callum, zines are one of the most accessible ways to create and share content offline.

What Do I Need to Bring?

If you’re completely new to zines, all you need to bring is:

• Pencils and pens
• Scissors
• A glue stick
• A ruler
• A stapler, if you have one
  

If you already have an idea for your zine, you’re encouraged to bring any materials you’d like to work with. This could include magazines or other collage materials, drawings, photographs, writing, printed images or anything else that relates to your idea.

What Will Be Provided?

Paper and basic materials for creating your zine will be available during the workshop, along with examples and inspiration to help you get started.

Your tutor will guide you through each stage of the process—from developing your idea and creating your first draft through to assembling and preparing your finished zine for copying and sharing.

Can Anyone Do This Class?

Yes! This workshop is suitable for all levels, and absolutely beginner-friendly. If you love being creative, you’ll fit right in.

This workshop is eligible for our ongoing Creative Immersion Offer!