By Anna Bryson
Zine makers, photo takers and culture shakers lined up booths alongside Daddy Kool Records Saturday for the record store’s second annual Zine Fest.
Designers set up tables on 7th St. in front of an Arlin mural, which set the perfect scene for them to showcase of creativity.
Creatives from St. Petersburg and beyond participated in the event to sell and showcase their zines, pins, T-shirts and other artwork.
“It’s great to give people an audience for an outlet of their creativity,” said manager Emanuel “Manny Kool” Matalon.
Zine themes ranged from comic books, to flower prints and many feminist publications.
For those unfamiliar with zines, imagine a Tumblr page manifested into a physical pamphlet. They are mini-magazines that can incorporate anything: poetry, artwork, photography, comics. They are self published by an individual or small group, which gives them their raw, do-it-yourself aesthetic.
Zine culture is associated with the ‘70s punk movement and the vibe of modern zines remains rebellious. They often promote feminism, social justice and niche social issues.
“Love your rebellion” is an outfit from Fort Myers which produces a biannual zine that shares revolutionary perspectives on culture and society. Producer Angela Page started the zine because she felt a need for a leftist, feminist voice in the Fort Myers community.
Their latest issue, number seven, celebrates defiant poetry and visual art. Each year, “Love your rebellion” hosts a concert to accompany the zine. Last year the show took place at Fubar, but this year’s show is still to be announced.
“The goal of the zine is to give voice to minority and at-risk communities through art, music, and literature,” said Page.
Alongside the large collection of feminist zines was Josh Sullivan, a graphic designer and illustrator who created “Josh comics” and pins.
Sullivan won Best of the Bay’s “Best Accessory Resurgence” this year. The pins he showcased at the fest included robots, ghosts and mugs. As a graphic designer, Sullivan said he enjoys being able to make real, tangible object from his designs through pins and comic books.
Now on issue 186, Sullivan has been making comic books for the past 21 years. He began with superhero comics in high school, but he now creates humorous comics.
“If I can make someone laugh, that’s the best feeling,” said Sullivan.
The festival also included “Heat Trash Zine,” a photography and art collaborative organized by David Hoskins, who donated his profits from the festival to Planned Parenthood.
Others featured were “Shop Destruya,” an edgy feminist inspired shop; “Marthaland,” a cute zine about healthy eating; “Canvas,” a St. Petersburg-based feminist zine; and “Mitchell Goodrich comics,” an indie-feeling, funny art comic.
