Making magazines and zines

Ever wanted to start your own magazine or zine — but weren’t sure where to begin? Whether you're a writer, designer, activist, photographer or simply someone with something to say, this half-day in-person masterclass and panel discussion will explore how independent publishing really works today. From defining your editorial vision to building a community around your publication, we’ll look at the creative and practical realities of making something physical...and meaningful, in a digital age.

You’ll hear directly from people who are doing it: publishing regularly, building audiences, and sustaining distinctive voices in the north east. There will be time for discussion, audience questions, and informal networking, so you can meet potential collaborators and run your ideas past experienced editors and publishers.

Our crash course in magazine design will be led by Rachel Childs, lecturer and designer of The Crack magazine. Our panel discussion features Thushara Chandrasiri, founder of Darkus Magazine, an internationally respected independent music publication; Andy Wood, creator of TQ Zine, a fiercely independent DIY print project rooted in underground culture; and Meg McWilliams, founder of Radge, a bold and unapologetic publication amplifying working-class and marginalised voices. Together they bring experience across independent magazines, zines, grassroots publishing and creative entrepreneurship.

Whether you're dreaming of launching your first photocopied zine, building a glossy niche magazine, or simply curious about the world of independent publishing, this event will offer inspiration, practical advice, and the chance to connect with the region's growing community of magazine makers.

This free in-person event on Thursday 26th February from 2pm to 5.30pm is brought to you by the Civic Journalism Lab at Newcastle University. It's free and open to anyone, but registration is essential as we'll email you joining instructions a few hours before the masterclass begins.

Please note: this is an in-person event, on Newcastle University's campus in Newcastle upon Tyne (NE1 7RU).

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Host or Publisher Civic Journalism Lab