June 2023 – Mythical Type

Zine: Things we wouldn’t have to worry about if we didn’t depend on cars

June 24, 2023 / Zines / my zines

I’ve been particularly annoyed lately about how much we depend on cars, so I made a little zine about it.

A hand holds a mini zine called "Things we wouldn't have to worry about if we didn't depend on cars." The text is printed in black on a white background. Above and below the text, there's a black and white map of Chicago streets.

I’m not saying we should eliminate cars completely. I want better public transportation so everyone has more and better options for getting around.

Here are the interior pages.

Pages 1 and 2 of a mini zine called "Things we wouldn't have to worry about if we didn't depend on cars." The text is printed in black on a white background. Above and below the text, there's a black and white map of Chicago streets.

Pages 3 and 4 of a mini zine called "Things we wouldn't have to worry about if we didn't depend on cars." The text is printed in black on a white background. Above and below the text, there's a black and white map of Chicago streets.

Supporting my work on Ko-fi

June 4, 2023 / Updates

I keep forgetting to tell you I’m on Ko-fi.

About a year ago, I set up a page on Ko-fi. Ko-fi is basically a tip jar on the internet. Over time they’ve added features for fundraising goals, online shops, and monthly subscriptions (similar to Patreon).

But at its most basic, you can pay a few dollars to support a creator you like. It’s a way to say thank you for their work.

I’ve used Ko-fi to tip writers, mobile game developers, and musicians. I enjoy their work, and I appreciate the opportunity to support them.

I don’t have any expectations for my Ko-fi page. I don’t want anyone to feel obligated to leave a tip. Ko-fi is simply there if you have the means, enjoy my work, and want to support me. Donations go towards my art supplies, web hosting costs, and, of course, coffee.

I don’t have any plans to have a paid community or monthly subscriptions. When I post updates to Ko-fi, they are the same updates you can see on my blog, Instagram, and newsletter.

So, nothing fancy. Nothing exclusive. Just my tip jar on the internet.

Of course, other ways you can support my work are by sharing my blog posts, Instagram photos, and newsletter with people you think would enjoy them.

My favorite thing about making art and posting it is connecting with people. If you’re helping form those connections, I really appreciate that!

Zine: An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy

June 2, 2023 / Zines / my zines

“An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy” is a 20-page zine about a U.S. retail chain from the 1990s. These stores focused on affordable, educational toys for children.

The cover of "An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy" zine on a purple background.

Purchase on Etsy

The zine includes background on Zany Brainy, my favorite toys from the store, and what happened to Zany Brainy after the company declared bankruptcy in 2001.

Pages 2 and 3 of the Zany Brainy zine. Page 2 shows the outside of a Zany Brainy store, with bright colors and fun shapes on the building's exterior. Page 3 shows a timeline of Zany Brainy, from 1991 (when the first store opened) until 2001 (when the company filed for bankruptcy).

An inside page of "An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy." This page lists favorite toys from the store, including Klutz books.

I also made a digital version that is available on itch.io. You can download the zine as a PDF to read on your favorite screen. It’s a pay-what-you-want model, which also means you can download it for free. (I totally don’t mind if you do!)

The cover of the zine "An Incomplete History of Zany Brainy" on a purple, red, and blue background. White text at the top of the image says "Also available as a digital zine!" White text at the bottom of the image says "Pay what you want on itchi.io"

Note that this is meant to be read as a digital zine. This is not formatted for printing and folding a paper copy.

I had a lot of fun collecting info and reminiscing about Zany Brainy while I made this zine. I hope you enjoy reading it!