The 2023 OC Zine Fest is this Saturday, and to prepare I have been living, eating, and breathing zines. Reading zines, watching videos about zines, and even making zines. And with all this preparation, I have to share with everyone a zine artist that I think everyone needs to hear about.
Zine artist
I wanted to spotlight one of my favorite zine artists: Bre, or @brattyxbre_ on Instagram. She was one of the first zine artists I started following after becoming more interested in the medium, and I have been following ever since.
On her Instagram, she posts about her creative process, from how she packages new orders, showing off her latest zines, and funny videos about the zine-making process. What I love about her YouTube videos is how she stresses that anyone can make zines. With her candid personality and how-to videos, she really makes learning about zines accessible to everyone.
Zines
Confession: I bought these zines in March, but a few weeks after I received them, they were GONE! Literally vanished into thin air. I had looked in my room for what felt like hours and could not find them. I gave up, resolving that they would eventually show up.
Earlier this week, I was cleaning up a pile of books in my room and stuck in between the pages of one of the books was ALL OF THE ZINES I ORDERED. Why I had decided to stick these very new and important papers inside a random book I will never know, but I have learned my lesson.
Bre’s zines are a mixed-media hodgepodge of photography, digital assets, and drawings. I am in love with the mixed-media art style she utilizes, as it gives each one such a unique feel.
Whether it is a personal poetry zine or one about Nicolas Cage, Bre’s personality shines through each one. With more lighthearted zines like “Nic Cage is Cool, you guys are just jealous,” her humor and heart are seen on each page as she ties in her “obsession” with the actor into a commentary on white mediocre, celebrity culture, and the creative process.
Bre’s zines are sharp, fun, and full of depth. If you are an avid fan of zines, you need to check out her work. And for those who are new to the zine scene, I highly recommend watching her YouTube channel for tutorials, history of zines, and inspiration.
The Library Mouse's Book Nook 