Events such as Singapore Art Book Fair, Singapore Art Week and Queer Zinefest have given rise to print products such as magazines and zines – in particular, independently published zines and magazines. These print productions serve as a means for creators and artists of all kinds from all over Southeast Asia to showcase their innovations and works. Compared to larger, more commercial magazines, these publications focus on creativity and ideation, as well as building communities. Here, we explore the various zines and magazines in Singapore that are not to be missed in 2024.
This quarterly zine places heavy emphasis on hefty topics such as HIV, local superstitions, and so on. The publication does a great job of breaking down such topics into digestible pieces, whilst throwing in bits of useful information for readers. Their pages are packed with unique and visually appealing designs. Kult Magazine not only works with various smaller, local artists for their publication, but also seeks to use the platform as a way to provide such artists with exposure. With the purpose of sparking conversation, Kult Magazine dives deep into local topics of interest all whilst embedding itself in the world of art and culture.
For Singaporeans, this zine calls back to old roots. The biannual zine is mainly crafted by a family of four, making it all the more homely. Extracting feelings of familiarity and belonging, this zine is creative in all sorts of ways, from its content, down to its packaging – whether it comes in an old biscuit tin or pressed between a wooden flower press. Rubbish Famzine is bound to be a treat for audiences of all ages.
This biannual magazine uses creative visuals to convey topics like technology, business, culture, innovation and design. Serving as a thought provoker in those fields, TypeOne never fails to provide readers with new insights on all sorts of topics, including branding, typography, and more. The team often partners with guest designers or editors, enhancing the visual touch of the publication.
Published by Milk, an international collective of multidisciplinary creatives, Backstage Talks aims to capture candid thoughts about design and business from CEOs, brand managers, government officials, business owners, and more.
Based in Hong Kong, this zine explores visual communication, creativity and branding through innovative ways, mixing unique, purposeful advice with well-planned graphics and spreads. BranD Magazine aims to explore the problems and struggles of today’s artists and designers, shedding light onto practical problems that many artistic professionals may face. With insights provided by artists and designers from all over, this zine is definitely worth checking out for an eye-opening and highly relatable read.
Centred around a very local concept, Singapore-based zine Mynah offers readers an unforgettable experience from start to finish. As featured on UK magazine Monocle, this zine holds up a kaleidoscope to all the parts of Singapore. Using artistic forms of expression, Mynah not only highlights but also challenges the conventions of Singapore.
Exploring social and cultural environments and related topics, Staple Magazine does a wonderful job of sparking discussion around topics like identity and emotion – all whilst upholding unique and creative visual displays. This zine is definitely one to check out if you have a curious mind and enjoy thought-provoking, adventurous topics. Although the team behind this zine has decided to take a break, their past issues are definitely worth a read.
Undefined by just one category, Sand explores a range of topics from opinion pieces to reviews and even political pieces. All content simply follows the purpose of taking its readers behind the scenes of literature and art made by the LGBTQ+, BIPOC, women, nonbinary, disabled, working class, and geographically marginalised communities. The zine has featured plenty of independent creatives, designers and business owners in all kinds of niches, making it a must-read for entrepreneurs or budding entrepreneurs with the mind to start something.
In contrast to the rest of the zines in this article, The Ideology features a more minimalistic layout. Filled with beautiful pencil illustrations, this zine explores life in a variety of philosophical contexts. The reason for such simplistic designs is to allow readers to focus more on the texts than the pictures, all the more emphasising the impact of words or content for this zine. From solidarity to comfort, this zine captures ideas and concepts extremely well through its well-articulated copy.
INTERLUNAR’s zine ventures are borne out of the team’s passion for creativity, innovation, design, art and culture. Garnering insights from artists, designers and creatives from all around, INTERLUNAR VOL. 4: GROUNDING provides an abundance of information as food for thought. From new developments in the AI space, to artists revolutionising the art industry, to new forms of work and play, bound to contain something of interest for readers of all fields. Approaching these topics with an open-minded outlook, to spark conversation and incite new ideas and possibilities within the community of creatives.
