Zines are self-published, small-circulation, often nonprofit books, papers, or websites. They usually deal with topics too controversial or niche for mainstream media, presented in an unpolished layout and unusual and creative design. For this Commercial Printing Processes class project, I was tasked to create a 12-page risograph zine on any topic of my choice. I could only two spot colors and needed to add an additional printing process of our choice to the zine. For my additional printing process, I chose to block print the title of the zine onto the cover.
I chose the topic of a beginner's guide to plants for this zine. The title describes this zine best: Plants I Have Not Killed: The Best Houseplants for Terrible Plant Parents. Written by a self-proclaimed “formally horticulturally challenged plant parent,” the zine is an illustrated beginner's guide to researching, buying, and keeping alive a new plant. Each page highlights an easy-to-care-for plant by providing information about its sunlight and water needs, as well as a brief background about the plant.
