A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about when a librarian asked to use one of my zines in a student workshop. The post was about sharing your work, because you never know who it will reach.
I have another story for you.
Someone on Etsy purchased a couple of my zines. Then they messaged me and said my zines inspired them to try making zines. They made a one-page mini zine, but they couldn’t get it to print and fold exactly right. So they asked if I could offer any tips or advice.
I love sharing my process, so yes of course I’m happy to offer tips. I replied with details about the paper I use (24 lb). I told them how I print my zines (laser color printer at home and the Staples print center is great, too). I listed tips for folding, like taking your time to make precise folds. I use a bone folder to make crisp creases. I lay a heavy object on top of folded zines to help them flatten out.
They responded and said thank you for the advice and that they’re working on more zines!
I see a few different stages of interacting with creative work, from low effort to high effort.
The first stage is keeping your reaction to yourself. You like the piece or you don’t like it, but you don’t tell anyone what you think.
The second stage is sharing your thoughts with other people. For example, leaving an Etsy review, telling your friends about it, or messaging the creator to let them know what you liked.
The third stage is being inspired to make your own work.
I don’t know how this person found me on Etsy or what other zines they’ve seen, but I’m amazed that they were inspired to make their own zines. And not just one zine, but several!
It’s a big deal to go from buying some kind of art to then learning how to make that kind of art yourself. That’s effort and initiative when the easy thing is to consume media passively.
Back to putting your creative work out there.
If I didn’t share my zines online, I wouldn’t have opportunities to connect with people who are interested in making zines.
If I only posted high-effort, slick zines, then maybe people wouldn’t feel comfortable jumping into zines after seeing one of mine.
If I didn’t share process photos and talked about how I make zines, maybe people wouldn’t message me with questions.
If I cared about how “good” my zines are or if people would like them, I would be less likely to share them online. And then I would miss out on connections with people.
Sharing your work really does make a difference.
Your work doesn’t have to be popular. You don’t have to have a huge audience. You don’t need a lot of sales. If your work has a positive impact on one person, that’s phenomenal.
That’s success.