Fanzines: the DIY revolution

Fanzines are ‘do-it-yourself’, amateur, limited run, publications whose producers are keen to share their passion for a subject with other like-minded individuals. This paper will explore the graphic form of the fanzine and its place within a broader alternative culture.

Design work of originality and distinction is often the result of individuals taking it upon themselves to do things differently: by moving away from the styles and conventions of their time; by not waiting to be asked and just doing it anyway; by taking control of aspects of production which are normally left to others; by undertaking projects which are driven by a desire to push the boundaries of what can be achieved; or by seeking to build on, rather than imitate, the lessons that can be learned from their predecessors and contemporaries.

The ninth annual St Bride Library conference celebrated the work of all those who have chosen to do things differently.

Speakers included: Mette D. Ambeck, Martin Andrews, Paul Antonio, Petr van Blokland, HudsonBec, Mark Frith, Linzie Hunter, Helen Ingham, Michael Johnson, Ann Pillar, Teal Triggs, Wolfgang Weingart.

A lot of design that’s interesting, different – worth talking about – has an element of DIY, writes Rob Banham. Most obviously when designers become makers and take control of production, but also through self-initiated projects, by breaking away from the styles and conventions of the time, and occasionally even when design is done by people without any formal training.

The speakers at this year’s conference at St Bride addressed these different DIY themes, kicking off with Michael Johnson (of Johnson Banks) asking some big questions about the future of design: ‘Can DIY replace the traditional push-me-pull-you of the client relationship? Are we at the beginning of a new age of craft-based, cottage industries, or is it a false dawn?’

Several speakers talked about the craft elements of their work, including Tom Boulton and Theo Wang on their letterpress business, and Mette-Sofie D. Ambeck on some of the artists’ books that she has made. Martin Andrews reminded us that this aspect of DIY is nothing new – Rena Gardiner was writing, illustrating, printing and binding her own books in the 1960s and 70s – but there has certainly been a real renaissance of craft in design. But what’s the reason for this trend? Are people placing more value in the handmade – or is it just Photoshop fatigue?

There were also be live demonstrations of letterpress, cutting letters in stone, calligraphy, and the magic of the risograph. And if that’s not enough, there was also one of the biggest names in the world of design, and a man who created a whole new design movement.

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