Design Practice and Theory 3 (initial research proposal)

 Design Practice and Theory 3 (initial research proposal)

Research question

Zines and diversity; how does zine culture function as a means to improve the representation of marginalised groups?

Or the representation of women/ feminism 

Background/ contexts 

Zine culture has always provided a sense of community within marginalised groups, as its’ niche and handmade nature allows the zine format to propagate in intimate and personal settings. Zines serve as a way to represent the individual; inherently non conformist in many ways, zines break against the status quo and exist to provide platforms for unheard voices. 

Outline of the brief 

Create a zine/ series of zines that represent a marginalised group. Blending elements of digital media alongside a zine could also be relevant in providing longevity to printed matter and appealing to the intended audiences. 

Mandatory requirements 

The outcome has to be printed physically to relate to the traditional DIY elements of zine culture. 

Research aim

To explore how zines are still relevant in representing marginalised groups, in both a printed and digital format; integrating traditional zine design principles with contemporary digital design to argue for the longevity of print existing in a digital environment. 

Rationale

I want to research the topic of zine culture, as it is something that is rich in history within graphic design; I’m interested in how such niche publications with small print runs can make differences in the way marginalised groups are represented and accepted within society. In terms of my own practices, I find zines a perfect way to create a snapshot into different cultures. The DIY nature of zine culture also intrigues me as it is a practice that is incredibly playful/ personal; this is relevant now more than ever, as a sense of intimacy in design is arguably lost through the rise of digital media. I want to investigate this conflict, and delve into whether zine culture can evolve and present a continuation of personal design online. 

Contexts 

Zine culture is rich in both cultural and sociopolitical contexts; there are also many aesthetical contexts surrounding zine design also, which ties into the expression of the human condition. 

Theoretical approach

I want to look at theories behind marginalisation, the human ego, and individuality, as they tie into why zines exist and what they aim to represent. It could also be interesting to assess the concept of commodification in the context of zine culture, as recently there is a surplus of zine design through their commodication and aesthetical appropriation (Marxism); looking at how zines rebel against aspects of mass communication as a result of capitalism. Also, theories behind subculture will be applicable to zine culture, as it investigates the element of how marginalised groups may become trend based or more culturally accepted.  

Methods

I also want to look at the semiotics behind the aesthetics of zines, and the visual languages used within them. It could be interesting to carry out some primary research by interviewing designers behind zines, and to get their thoughts on representation. As well as this, it could be fun to put theory into practice by running a quick zine workshop.

Practical outcome

I want to produce a zine that represents a marginalised group. To investigate the relevance of printed matter, I also want to integrate some elements of digital media in order to explore whether zine culture can function online. 

Summer reading list 

Cultural theory and popular culture by John Storey 

Postmodernism or, the cultural logic of late capitalism by Frederic Jameson 

Representing women by Myra Macdonald 

Gender and the media by Roaslind Gill

Inside subculture by David Muggleton

Notes from underground: zines and the politics of alternative culture by Stephen Duncombe

Behind the zines: self publishing culture by Adeline Mollard

DIY by Amy Spencer

Girl Zines : making media, doing feminism by Alison Piepmeier  

Design(hers) by Viction:ary

Fanzines by Teal Triggs 

Girls Make Media by Mary Celeste Kearney 

Future Girl by Anita Harris

Not My Mother’s Sister by Astrid Henry

Documentaries 

Dirty Girls (1996)

Time management 

Statement of intent