The world of self-published zines is facing a pivotal moment as artists and writers grapple with the encroachment of artificial intelligence into their traditionally analogue domain. Zines, which have long been the heartbeat of grassroots movements—from queer activism to punk rock—are now confronting a technological shift that many believe undermines their essence. Creatives like Rachel Goldfinger are rallying against this influence, arguing that the handcrafted nature of zines is incompatible with AI’s mechanised approach.
The Roots of Zine Culture
Historically, zines have served as a platform for self-expression, often characterised by their DIY ethos and personal touch. From the iconic *Sniffin’ Glue* that chronicled the punk scene in the 1970s to contemporary titles that highlight diverse voices, these self-published booklets are more than just art; they are cultural artefacts. The scrappy, handmade quality is integral, and many in the zine community see AI as a threat to this fundamental characteristic.
Rachel Goldfinger, a Philadelphia-based video editor and illustrator, articulates this sentiment. She states, “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.” Goldfinger’s own anti-AI zine, *I Should Be Allowed to Think*, reflects her belief that AI is eroding critical thinking and creativity within the artistic landscape.
The AI Experimentation Debate
While some zine creators resist the use of AI, others are exploring its possibilities. Jeremy Leslie, the founder of the magazine retailer MagCulture, notes that the zines utilising AI often do so intentionally, as a way to critique the technology’s limitations in comparison to human creativity. Many of these zines exist solely online, leveraging AI for layout design or artwork generation to streamline the creative process.
Notable examples include a collaboration between product designer Jesse Pimenta and writer Cheyce Batchelor, who crafted a 97-page zine inspired by the 1990s using Figma’s AI tools. They praised the technology for its efficiency, allowing them to “reorder things without a lot of mental bandwidth.” Similarly, IT engineer Steve Simkins utilised AI to help publish an online photo zine, viewing the software as a means to democratise artistic expression for those lacking technical expertise.
A Growing Backlash
Despite some embracing AI, the backlash is palpable within the zine community. Creatives like Maddie Marshall have taken a stand against AI’s proliferation, crafting anti-AI zines to provoke discussion about the implications of the technology. Marshall’s 92-page zine, sold on Etsy, emerged from her frustration with workplace pressures to adopt AI tools. “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 remarked.
Ione Gamble, founder of the feminist zine *Polyester*, echoes this resistance. She asserts that AI has no place in their publication, emphasising the importance of maintaining a human touch in the creative process. Likewise, Zoe Thompson, who founded *Sweet-Thang*, a zine dedicated to showcasing Black creatives, views the artistic endeavour as a deeply personal experience. “The beauty of art and creation lies in that slowness,” she argues, suggesting that AI undermines the very essence of artistic creation.
The Future of Zines in an AI World
The debate around AI’s role in zine creation raises significant questions. Can these two worlds coexist? Gamble believes they can but doubts the harmony of such a relationship, stating, “I think zine making in particular is such a grassroots process. There’s a low barrier to entry.”
Simkins, reflecting on his earlier views, acknowledges a shift in perspective. He now sees AI as a tool that can complement the artistic process, but insists on the need for more dialogue around its use in art. “Art is made by people and for people,” he notes, underscoring the human element that remains central to zine culture.
MagCulture’s Leslie remains open-minded about the future. He asserts that the focus should be on the quality and creativity of zines, regardless of whether they incorporate AI. “We want to see interesting, innovative, and engaging zines,” he states. If an AI-generated zine captures attention and resonates with readers, it deserves a place in the cultural landscape.
Why it Matters
The intersection of zine culture and AI represents a broader societal conversation about authenticity, creativity, and the role of technology in art. As zine creators navigate this evolving landscape, their resistance or embrace of AI will shape the future of self-published art forms. The outcome will not only determine the fate of zines but could also serve as a microcosm for how society grapples with the balance between human creativity and technological advancement. The stakes are high, and the dialogue is just beginning.
