As traditional zine creators push back against the encroachment of artificial intelligence, a cultural clash unfolds in the realm of self-published art. With the DIY ethos at stake, artists like Rachel Goldfinger are championing the handmade spirit of zines while raising critical questions about creativity and technology’s role in artistic expression.
The Handmade Revolution at Risk
Zines have long served as a haven for underrepresented voices, acting as catalysts for movements ranging from queer activism to Black feminism. This grassroots medium, characterised by its scrappy, self-published nature, now finds itself navigating the complexities of AI technology. While some creatives view AI as a tool for innovation, many zine makers resist this shift, arguing it undermines the very essence of what zines represent.
Philadelphia-based Goldfinger, who produces an anti-AI zine titled *I Should Be Allowed to Think*, argues that AI diminishes individual critical thought. “Of all art forms that I partake in, I feel like zines are the ones that make the least amount of sense to use AI for. They’re supposed to be handmade and scrappy,” she asserts. This perspective resonates with a growing cohort of artists who believe that the authenticity and rawness of zines are compromised by technological intervention.
AI’s Intrusion into the Zine Landscape
Despite widespread resistance, the integration of AI into zine culture is not entirely absent. Jeremy Leslie, founder of the magazine retailer MagCulture, has observed instances where zines have embraced AI for experimental purposes, often to highlight its limitations compared to human creativity. “The zines using AI that I’m aware of have used the technology knowingly, as an experiment and often to make a point about its inability to match human creativity,” he notes.
A few creators have taken the plunge into AI-assisted design, crafting zines that blend traditional aesthetics with modern technology. For instance, product designer Jesse Pimenta and writer Cheyce Batchelor produced a 97-page zine utilising AI tools for layout design. They praised AI for enabling them to “reorder things without a lot of mental bandwidth”. This illustrates a dichotomy within the zine community—while some see potential for efficiency, others perceive a threat to the DIY spirit.
Voices of Dissent: The Anti-AI Movement
In response to the growing influence of AI, several zine makers have taken a firm stance against its use. Maddie Marshall, a Melbourne-based video editor and illustrator, dedicated an entire year to creating her 92-page anti-AI zine after feeling pressured to incorporate AI into her work. “I felt the urge to spread the word about my opinions on it and get people to question why these technologies are being pushed on us so heavily,” she explains.
Similarly, Ione Gamble, founder of the feminist zine *Polyester*, states that her publication does not support AI in any form. “We run all of our submitted articles through an AI checker now to ensure that we’re not publishing AI writing,” she shares, illustrating a proactive approach to maintaining the integrity of their content. For creators like Zoe Thompson, who founded *Sweet-Thang*, the act of creating art holds intrinsic value that AI fundamentally undermines. “It kind of feels like you’re experimenting with a tool but there’s no artistry there, which is kind of sad,” she reflects.
A Future of Coexistence?
The question remains: can zine making and AI coexist? Gamble suggests that while AI is now a part of the landscape, it may not integrate smoothly with the grassroots nature of zine culture. “I think zine making in particular is such a grassroots process. All you need is a bit of paper, a pen, and some things to collage with,” she states, highlighting the low barrier to entry that defines the zine community.
Steve Simkins, an IT engineer who previously experimented with AI in his own zine project, acknowledges the duality of AI’s role. “In the realm of zines, I think it can be used as a tool to produce, but fundamentally I believe that art is made by people and for people,” he asserts. This sentiment underscores the ongoing debate about the essence of creativity in an age increasingly dominated by digital innovations.
Why it Matters
The tension between traditional zine culture and the rise of AI reflects broader societal concerns about the impact of technology on creativity. As the art world grapples with these changes, the resistance from zine makers serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and personal expression. The future may see zines influenced by AI, but the resilience of handmade artistry ensures that the heart of this cultural movement will continue to thrive—reminding us that creativity, at its core, is a deeply human endeavour.
