Learn to make a zine, work on your own publication, and connect with fellow zinesters.
The workshop will be hosted by School of Zines’ creator Aphrodite, facilitated by our dear friend Estee Sarsfield.
Estee is a zinester, designer, educator and illustrator living on Dharug and Gundungurra lands in the Blue Mountains, with a cat who thinks he is a dinosaur. Estee is a founding member of the Mtns Zine Club that runs the annual Blue Mountains Zine Fair.
Estee is the illustrator of the children’s book Being Indy, written by Zoe Gaetjens and published by WestWords Children in 2025. Being Indy has been recognised as a CBCA Picture Book of the Year 2026 Notable and ABDA Long-listed Best Designed Children's Picture Book 2026. Estee has also been shortlisted for the CBCA New Illustrator Award 2026.
Join Estee for this 3-hr workshop exploring the art of storytelling and experimenting with mixed media illustration techniques to bring your zines to life.
Art materials, paper, and resources will be provided. Feel free to bring your own materials to work with.
Watch this video of Estee’s previous workshop at the School of Zines.
Workshop fee: $15*.Register here.
Pay by cash or card at the door.
*includes:
School of Zines badge (exclusive to workshop participants)
Zine-making templates and free samples
In-person support from the School of Zines facilitator/s
Range of papers and collage scraps (or BYO)
In-house art supplies - Pens, markers, stamps, stickers, scissors, glue, tape, etc. (or BYO)
Access to binding materials (cutting mat, stapler, manual guillotine/trimmer, book press, hole puncher, etc)
Access to a scanner; B&W photocopier & printer (limited to 2 copies per person)
Access to an analog typewriter and sewing machine
Access to the School of Zines Library for inspiration
*School of Zines is a volunteer-run self-funded initiative & a labour of love. Workshop fees allow us to hire the space and provide materials. If price is a barrier, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can make our workshop accessible for you.
Workshop FORMAT:
Sunday, 14 June at ACE Parramatta
12.45PM - register/check in & get your School of Zines badges
1.00PM - welcome & acknowledgement of country
1.15PM - meet your facilitator/s + group intros (zine exercise)
1.30PM - basics of zine-making, question & answer
1.45PM - get advice on your zine theme, concept or design
2.00PM - make zines!
3.45PM - zine showcase
4.00PM - class picture :)
To create space for cultural exchange and connection, our workshop is setup as an informal gathering around a communal table. Sharing of materials, skills, ideas, stories, and language is encouraged.
Whether you’re a lone wolf who prefers to work at your own pace or a social butterfly who thrives on collaboration, all workshop participants will have equal access to in-person support, creative resources and inspiration to help you self-publish your zine/s.
Workshop Outcome:
School of Zines workshop participants leave with their own hand-made zine or lo-fi prototypes of more complex artwork and/or ideas.
If you wish to keep working on your zines or start a new zine project, you can join us again at our next workshop >>> REGISTER HERE.
School Rules:
Please register your details prior to attending the workshop. You must be 18 years and older to register as some of the zines used or created in our workshops deal with mature content. If attending as a group, please register individually.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the workshop starts so the facilitator can check you in. Seats are assigned on a first come first served basis.
School of Zines is a safe, welcoming and inclusive space. We ask all workshop participants to treat each other, the facilitators and venue staff, with kindness and respect. Offensive language or aggressive behaviour are NOT acceptable.
For information on venue facilities and accessibility, see ACE’s Access and Amenities page.
We take photos and videos during the workshop and we use this content to promote our work on our website and social media. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the facilitator know.
If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and look after yourself but give us at least 24 hours notice so we can offer your seat to people on our waitlist.