You do not need a full weekend to make a readable zine. With a clear format and a few techniques, two hours is enough to go from blank paper to a folded booklet. This is the flow we use in our Zine Making Workshop in Hanoi.
Step 1 — Pick a theme (15 minutes)
Themes work best when they are specific: a song that shaped your year, a mini biography of someone you admire, a day in your neighborhood, or fan fiction about a fictional character. Write a short list of 3–5 ideas and vote as a group if you are collaborating.
Step 2 — Plan spreads (15 minutes)
Open your folded zine flat and assign roles: cover, center spread, back page. Rough pencil thumbnails are enough — you are not aiming for polished illustration yet.
Step 3 — Make (60 minutes)
- Quick pencil sketch for figures and lettering
- Crayon or oil pastel for bold color blocks
- Torn-paper collage for texture and contrast
- Markers and line pens for outlines and captions
- Print color accents or decals when you need a sharp graphic element
Step 4 — Finish and photograph (30 minutes)
Review pacing: does the cover explain the theme? Add a title, sign your names, and photograph the zine before sliding it into the envelope. At our studio we help with color printing setup so you do not lose time troubleshooting machines.
Try it in our studio