Author Archives: amy

Name: Lori Dean Dyment
Location: Richmond, B.C., Canada
Website: DeanDymentStudios.etsy.com

How about a brief introduction?
My name is Lori Dean Dyment and I’m a third generation Vancouverite, which makes me fortunate enough to have enjoyed the lifestyle the city has to offer while being surrounded by so much natural beauty. It is this closeness to nature and its animal residents that has been translated into my artwork. While my artwork is predominantly of animals, they are rendered in a way that portrays their personalities and each has their own story. With the narrative quality of my work tends I hope to make observers think back to their own favorite childhood storybooks. Now married and with children of my own, I have found the references to childhood have become even more pronounced.

How did you get involved with zine making?
I’ve been wanting to participate in a Pikapackage for ages now and I felt that the zine submission would be a good fit for me as I hope to one day illustrate children’s books.

Tell us what’s your goal when it comes to zine making?
My goal with this zine was to create a consistent character and style of drawing. I was a little intimidated by the project but it turned into a really rewarding project for me.

Any favorite artists that inspired you to make your zine?
Lately I’ve been finding myself really attracted to pieces of artwork that use pen and ink and intricate patterns. Julia Pott is one artist that comes to mind.

What’s the one tip you’d like to share with people who are interested in making their own zines?
Create the zine for yourself first and foremost. I think the personal stories are always more interesting.

Name: ladypajama
Location: Missoula, MT
Website: ladypajama.com or www.etsy.ladypajama.com

How about a brief introduction?
I like to look at art (this includes writing, and zine making) as a hobby that pays for its self. I have no belief that I will ever be able to support myself or make it big with my art. This allows me the freedom to be ultimately creative, as I have no fears of people liking and buying.

How did you get involved with zine making?
I was introduced to the whole thing in highschool when I was making an underground newspaper. I did many collaborative projects with friends throughout highschool. After that I had great intentions but never quite followed through until I was 24. Then something just clicked and I started making insane amounts of zines. Really, go look at my etsy store. That isn’t even half of them.

Tell us what’s your goal when it comes to zine making?
I publish a monthly perzine that I send out through the mail. It is called “Blah Blah Blah.” My main goal with it is mostly communication. And perhaps documentation. It is good have a deadline. And although it is a tiny little thing. Doing that little bit every month adds up. Some day maybe I’ll publish a book of them. We will see.

Any favorite artists that inspired you to make your zine?
I am inspired constantly.

What’s the one tip you’d like to share with people who are interested in making their own zines?
Just do it. Don’t talk about it or think about it. Just make a zine. There is this challenge that happens every July called the “24 hour zine challenge”. I would recommend trying to make a zine in 24 hours. Even if it isn’t July.

Name: Katie Green
Location: Bristol, UK
Website: www.katiegreen.co.uk / www.katiegreenbean.blogspot.com

How about a brief introduction?
Hi, I’m Katie and I’m a freelance illustrator. Currently I’m working on my first graphic novel, but inbetween times I also love to make and sell small self-published works, paintings, drawings, art prints and other goodies. I also drink a lot or rooibos tea.

How did you get involved with zine making?
I published my first zine, The Green Bean issue 1, in May 2010. I had previously self-published a recipe book, so the process of producing and selling my work was familiar, and the step into making a zine came because having my own magazine has always been a dream of mine. I’m slightly obsessive-compulsive (!), so I right away made the commitment to publishing a Green Bean every month. I’ve done 8 now and the readership continues to grow. I am, however, going bi-monthly in the new year to make space for other small publications….I love the Green Bean, but I’m also craving the chance to try something different.

Tell us what’s your goal when it comes to zine making?
For me, zine making is very personal. I am a blogger, and in many ways my zines are an extension of that. I want to tell tales of what I make and do and find interesting about the world around me. My ultimate goal I suppose is to keep sharing that as a way of connecting with people, and to do something ‘productive’ with the vast amounts of drawing I seem to produce. As long as its fun to make and fun to read, I think I’m on the right track.

Any favorite artists that inspired you to make your zine?
Funny as it sounds, I’d read very few zines before making my own. Now of course, I’ve read many, but my favourite who outshines all of the others has to be Aijung Kim. Her styles of both drawing and writing are so eloquent and simple, plus I find her subject matter and honesty very appealing. She is also an illustrator and printmaker and all of her work is beautiful.