zine and trend research

I researched and analysed the content and tone of existing alternative and independent publications I already admire, for example Mushpit which comments on contemporary society an attitudes in art, fashion and culture and focuses on satirical features and adverts, as well as more focused feminist zines such as Sister and Polyester which are full of contributors’ submissions around specific themes, aimed at creating a safe space for readers to express themselves away from the world of mass-produced, mainstream publications and media. I wanted to fill a gap in the market by finding a middle-ground – was it possible to create an independent publication that allowed readers to input their views, words and visuals while commenting on the attitudes, politics and lifestyles brands so often buy into and try to sell back to us?

I started to think about lifestyles and attitudes that are popular at the moment and that I had observed both online and in the world around me. I decided to focus my research on the surging trend in “self-care”, which many brands have very recently been using to invent and promote products which claim to help us look after ourselves, or become a better “you” – when really “self-care” is not something that can be bought with an expensive yoga mat, diet guide or silky pyjamas. An article published on online platform Girlboss brought these issues to light; titled “Selling Self-Care: The Awkward Perils Of Going Mainstream”, it commented on the capitalist issues surrounding this trend and how important behaviours for our physical and mental health can lose their meaning or importance when marketed as a fashion statement, or something that only the privileged can access.