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- 🚀 I Stole My Best Zine Ideas From These Online Shops
🚀 I Stole My Best Zine Ideas From These Online Shops
A curated list of 5 zine shops that’ll flood you with fresh ideas and inspiration.
Yusuke Nagata
April 08, 2025
I know we’re all constantly looking for zine inspiration.
And honestly? Some of my favorite zine ideas didn’t just fall from the sky— I stole them. Not in the bad way. But from browsing these 5 online zine shops that always give me a creative kick in the head (in the best way).
If you ever find yourself stuck or just craving some fresh vibes, these are my go-to spots.
Table of Contents
🧃 Only 3 Copies Left! Don’t Miss Sorami’s First Zine at 18
You might remember Sorami, the 18-year-old girl I introduced on my YouTube channel. Her very first zine, "confusing you?", has been shared with people all over the world through FAR EAST DARKROOM.
She shared a message for everyone who supported her:
“It was my first time making a zine, and I got messages from people around the world saying they read it. I was so happy. Thank you to everyone who supported me.”
I’m genuinely honored to have been able to help introduce her work. And now—there are only 3 copies left in the FAR EAST DARKROOM stock. If you’ve been thinking about grabbing one, now’s the time. Don’t miss out!
🚀 Where to Find Fresh Zine Inspiration: 5 Great Shops
I used to rely on Pinterest a lot for zine inspiration.
But you know how it is—Pinterest tends to show you more of what you’ve already seen or saved.
It’s great for staying in your comfort zone, but not always the best for discovering something completely new.
If you’re looking to break out of that loop and stumble upon zines that are totally outside your usual taste, checking out online zine shops is the way to go.
These 5 online zine shops are seriously full of inspiration—and they could totally level up your next zine idea.
01. Printed Matter, Inc. – The Organization Behind NYABF
Printed Matter, Inc., the organization that runs both the NY Art Book Fair (NYABF) and the LA Art Book Fair (LAABF), is dedicated to the distribution and promotion of artist books—including zines.
Their website offers a wide variety of zines for sale, and some are even available as free downloadable PDFs. If you’re looking for zine inspiration or want to explore different styles and ideas, this is definitely a site worth browsing.
Printed Matter also operates under an open submission policy, allowing artists and publishers from around the world to submit their publications for consideration. While there are guidelines and themes to follow, it’s a great way to get your zine in front of new audiences.
I’m personally planning to submit one of my zines in the future—once I create something that fits their theme.
02. Good Press – A Site That Lets You Feel the Zine Vibes
Based in Glasgow, UK, Good Press carries a wide range of independent publications across all kinds of genres.
What’s especially fun about their site is how you can actually feel the vibe of each zine just by browsing. Many of the product photos show the zines being held by hand on a wooden table, giving you a clear sense of the size and texture—something you don’t usually get from online shops.
Good Press also follows an open policy, stocking independent zines and publications as long as they aren’t harmful or discriminatory. It’s definitely one of those places I’d love to send my own zine to someday.
03. Nieves – An Indie Publisher Based in Switzerland
Nieves is an independent publisher based in Zurich, Switzerland. They’ve collaborated on zines with a wide range of artists—from big names like Larry Clark to up-and-coming talents.
If you're more interested in making art zines rather than handmade DIY-style ones, this site is a must for inspiration and ideas. Their curation has a strong artistic edge, and the zines they publish are truly something special.
Personally, I really like the way their website looks too. I’m currently thinking about a redesign for FAR EAST DARKROOM, and I keep wondering—should I aim for something as stylish as Nieves, or go with a more raw and indie vibe?
04. Desert Island – A Site That Screams Indie Zine Energy
The first time I saw this site, I couldn’t help but think, “Damn, this is amazing.”
The vibe is pure indie—raw, bold, and full of subcultural energy. It feels like the kind of place that really understands what makes zines special.
While the website mainly focuses on Desert Island’s original merch, their Instagram is where you’ll find a steady stream of unique, one-of-a-kind zines—the kind that truly embody what a zine is all about.
Honestly, I envy people living in New York. They have a physical store in Brooklyn, where you can even pick up a free full-color broadside called Smoke Signal, published by the owner, Gabe Fowler.
05. PAPERWORK – A Zine Label Full of Street Culture Energy
PAPERWORK is a publishing label run by my friend SPICY MIKE, and honestly, every zine they carry is packed with raw street culture energy—and they all look insanely cool.
From photography and design to underground fashion and music, the zines featured here reflect real scenes and voices from the street. The publications feel authentic, bold, and full of attitude.
If you're into street culture and thinking about making your own zine, this site is a must-check. You'll find tons of inspiration and creative ideas that’ll push you to explore new directions.
🕺 See You Next Tuesday
That’s it for this week’s edition.
Thanks so much for reading all the way through! If you found this helpful, feel free to share it using the social buttons below the title. You can also hit “like” or leave a comment; I’d love to hear your thoughts!
See you again next Tuesday!
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