In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the zine community is pushing back against the encroachment of artificial intelligence. Creatives, designers, and artists are rallying to preserve the scrappy, handmade essence of self-published booklets, which have long been at the forefront of cultural movements. With zines having played pivotal roles in queer activism, Black feminism, and the riot grrrl punk scene, the rise of AI has sparked a passionate debate about the future of this unique art form.
The Heart of Zine Culture
Zines, those beloved self-published booklets often crafted on a shoestring budget, have historically celebrated grassroots creativity. From the underground punk scene of the 1970s exemplified by titles like *Sniffin’ Glue* to contemporary explorations of identity and activism, zines are cherished for their DIY ethos. However, the advent of AI technology has raised questions about the authenticity of this analogue art form.
Rachel Goldfinger, a Philadelphia-based video editor and illustrator, is at the forefront of this discourse with her anti-AI zine, *I Should Be Allowed To Think*, named after a track by They Might Be Giants. “Zines are meant to be handmade and scrappy,” Goldfinger asserts. “AI contradicts the very nature of what zines represent.” Her sentiments resonate with many in the community who view AI as a threat to the authenticity and critical thinking that zines promote.
AI’s Infiltration: A Double-Edged Sword
Despite the resistance, some zine creators have begun to experiment with AI, believing it can enhance their creative processes. Jeremy Leslie, the founder of MagCulture, notes that while some zines are incorporating AI as a tool, it’s often done with a deliberate awareness of its limitations. “The zines using AI that I’m aware of have done so as an experiment, often to highlight its inability to replicate human creativity,” he explains.
For instance, product designer Jesse Pimenta and writer Cheyce Batchelor recently produced a 97-page zine inspired by 90s aesthetics using Figma’s AI tools. They praised the technology for streamlining their workflow, stating it allowed them to “reorder things without a lot of mental bandwidth.” This duality illustrates how AI can be a powerful ally for some, while for others, it feels like a betrayal of the zine’s spirit.
A Creative Uprising Against AI
The pushback against AI isn’t just coming from creators; it’s a movement that’s gaining traction among zine makers who are vocal in their opposition. Maddie Marshall, a Melbourne-based video editor, dedicated a year to crafting a 92-page anti-AI zine that she now sells on Etsy. “I felt compelled to spread awareness about the pressures to adopt AI and to encourage others to question why these technologies are being thrust upon us,” she reveals.
Similarly, Ione Gamble, founder of the feminist zine *Polyester*, insists that AI has no place in their creative process. “We don’t support the use of AI in any form—be it image generation or writing. We even run all submitted articles through an AI checker,” she states emphatically. This sentiment is echoed by Zoe Thompson, founder of *Sweet-Thang*, a community print zine that champions Black creatives. For her, the essence of art lies in the emotional journey of creation, which AI cannot replicate.
The Future of Zines in an AI World
As the conversation around AI continues to evolve, many zine makers ponder the coexistence of traditional methods and modern technology. Gamble acknowledges, “AI exists; it has to be part of the conversation. But I’m not convinced it will integrate harmoniously into zine culture, which thrives on simplicity and grassroots accessibility.”
Even Steve Simkins, who once viewed AI as a “democratising software,” now sees the need for a more nuanced discussion on its role in art. “Art is fundamentally about human connection,” he argues, emphasising that zines should remain a space for personal expression and community dialogue.
In the face of growing AI influence, Leslie remains open-minded. “We’re not concerned whether a zine is produced using AI; we’re interested in creativity and engagement,” he concludes. If an AI-generated zine captures attention and intrigue, it deserves recognition.
Why it Matters
The clash between zine culture and artificial intelligence isn’t just a battle for artistic purity; it’s a broader reflection of society’s ongoing struggle with technology’s impact on creativity and individuality. The handmade, grassroots ethos of zines represents a sanctuary for self-expression and community, reminding us of the value of human touch in an increasingly digital world. As zine creators defend their craft, they champion not just their art form, but the essential human need for connection, authenticity, and critical thought in an age of automation.