Kizuna Zine

This is a zine focusing on connection, community, and creativity. It’s about storytelling, passions, and exploration. Kizuna means the enduring bonds between people—close relationships forged through mutual trust and support.
Grab a copy: Kizuna Zine

Last Updated: January 28th, 13:00 MDT

FAQ

What is a zine?
A zine is usually a compact, independently produced booklet or magazine. It explores diverse subjects such as personal narratives, artwork, poetry, social critiques, and specialized interests. In this case, it will be a collaborative collection of articles and illustrations centered around a central idea or theme.

What is this zine about?
This zine centers around a certain theme: Kizuna. Kizuna means the enduring bonds between people—close relationships forged through mutual trust and support.

Who can apply?
We ask that all interested applicants be at least 18 years old as of June 1st, 2024.

Do I need prior experience?
No way! All applicants are welcome to apply, whether you have years of experience or you’re just starting out!

Can I apply for more than one position?
Yes! You can apply as a writer, an artist, and an editor! However, bear in mind that you may only be accepted for one position.

What is expected of a Contributor?
In short, everyone will be required to create an original, unpublished piece based on a pitch submitted to and accepted by the mods. We ask that you have an idea or two in your application, and once accepted, we will ask for a minimum of two pitches. Please see our Contributor Guidelines for more details.

Is this zine for-profit or for-charity?
This zine will be a split-profit zine, with half of the proceeds being donated to a charity and the remaining half distributed between all contributors on the project after shipping and production have concluded.

How will contributors be compensated?
All contributors will be guaranteed a digital copy of the zine and merchandise. If sales allow, our goal is to be able to send all contributors a full bundle including the physical zine and merchandise of choice.

Can I sell artwork created for this zine?
Once the zine has been released, you are free to do what you want with your pieces, including selling any artwork. Please wait for the mods’ say-so before doing so!

My question isn't here!
You may reach us on any of our social media platforms! However, you’ll have the best luck contacting us through Retrospring or our email. Please check to make sure your question hasn’t already been answered—it’s likely someone else has had the same question as you!

Schedule*

Interest Check: May 9th - May 21st
Moderator Applications: May 22nd - May 30th
Moderator Results: June 7th
Contributor Applications: June 17th - July 7th
Contributor Emails Sent: July 10th
Pitches Due: July 17th
Pitches Assigned: July 21st
Check-in 1: August 16th - August 18th
Check-in 2: September 20th - September 22nd
Check-in 3: October 25th - October 27th
Final Submissions: November 3rd
Layout and Formatting: November
Production and Pre-Orders: December - January
Shipping and Orders: January

*This schedule is subject to change

Moderators


Mod Madeline

she/her

Head, Communication and Organization Mod

Hi hi! I'm big on new years resolutions because they always coincide with my birthday. Many moons ago I declared it a year of creativity and that hasn't subsided. Lately I feel as though this zine has consumed my every waking thought. I am honored to lead this project, and hopefully we can give you something truly inspiring! Aside from zine and multi-fandom brainrot, I fill my days working at a bakery, hanging out at the park, playing volleyball, and trying new recipes.

Haikyuu Creator Hub (Organization)


Mod Andie

she/her

Social Media Mod

Hi there! I'm Andie, and when I'm not scream crying over Haikyuu on twitter, I'm usually at a farmers market, reading, or hanging out with my horse!

Switch it Up! (Social Media) | Aiaigasa (Writing & Social Media) | Amores (Writing & Social Media)


Mod Maggie

she/her

Artist and Merch Mod

Born with creative blood from an uber talented artist, GrandMary, and a vocal angel, Grams, I have always found myself connected to my true self when imagining or creating. I value relationships, in that fostering and building connections brings me joy and a sense of purpose. I value movement, in being flexible with thoughts and energizing and reviving my body. I value trust, in trusting myself and having a trusting circle around me. I would feel deeply empty without music. I love my dogs more than what others probably view as healthy and I'm okay with that! And while sometimes hard to admit, as I wish I was a more spontaneous human, I have a headstrong stubborn side who really loves a solid plan and routine -- go Capricorns. And I've been loving getting to know every version of past and current self in all their ups and downs, and feel lucky to be excited about getting to know who I will become.


Mod Ryan

he/him

Finance, General Mod

First time mod who is just happy to be here, excited to help out, and eager to see the final product!


Mod Sarah

she/her

Writer and Editor, Layout and Formatting Mod

Hello, everyone!I’m Sarah, and I am super excited to be joining the team! I have no experience being a mod, doing the layout of anything, or working for a magazine, but I love to read and write and edit and pretty much anything in that realm so I'm ready to rock. I’m a Colorado native, and moved back to Denver from Austin in 2022.Outside of this zine, I am obsessed with my cat Jean: she is 4, has one eye, and loves to chew on cords and sit on laptops. I’m a HUGE reader -- I’ve read 15 books so far this year, my favorite being the Name of the Wind series by Patrick Rothfuss. I also like being outside, playing volleyball, and making subpar bread with my barely alive sourdough starter.
Can’t wait to talk to all of you soon!


Mod Osh

she/her

Production and Shipping Mod

I love celebrating my friend’s creativity and bringing people together to make fun things happen ❤️🔥


Mod Missy

she/her

Graphics Mod

Hi you! How did I end up here? That is a very good question, but I’m very good at riding the flow of nice vibes and it lead me here. First time zine mod who ain’t afraid to face new challenges! I’m definitely a visual person, so this role is like made for me.


Guidelines


General Guidelines
All applicants must be 18+ to apply for this zine.
You may apply for more than one contributor position, but we cannot guarantee you will be accepted for all.
Applicants that do not fit our guidelines will not be considered.
When you apply, please submit a link to a Google Drive folder that contains only your finished, polished pieces! Please ensure that your link(s) are accessible; if we cannot see your portfolio or samples, your application will be disregarded.


Page Artists
PAGE ARTISTS are required to submit individual samples and invited to submit their portfolio as well. Your portfolio should include finished works that you believe highlight your skills as an artist—there is no limit to the number of pieces you can include in your portfolio. The individual samples you submit should be what you consider to be your two (2) BEST works. Your individual samples can be pulled from your portfolio, but your portfolio should include more than just your individual samples.
When submitting samples, be sure to submit pieces that showcase your strengths. These include, but are not limited to:
- composition
- use + inclusion of backgrounds
- use of color
- attention to detail
- creativity


Merch Artists
MERCH ARTISTS are required to submit individual samples and invited to submit their portfolio as well. Your portfolio should include finished works that you believe highlight your skills as a merch artist—there is no limit to the number of pieces you include in your portfolio. The individual samples you submit should be what you consider to be your two (2) BEST works. Your individual samples can be pulled from your portfolio, but your portfolio should include more than just your individual samples.
When submitting samples, be sure to submit pieces that showcase your strengths. These include, but are not limited to:
- composition
- use of color
- attention to detail
- creativity


Photography Artists
PHOTOGRAPHY ARTISTS are required to submit individual samples and invited to submit their portfolio as well. Your portfolio should include shots that you believe highlight your skill as a photographer—there is no limit to the number of pieces you include in your portfolio. The individual samples you submit should be what you consider to be your two (2) BEST works. Your individual samples can be pulled from your portfolio, but your portfolio should include more than just your individual samples.
When submitting samples, be sure to submit pieces that showcase your strengths. These include, but are not limited to:
-composition
-use of color
-lighting
-storytelling


Writers
WRITERS are required to submit their portfolio AND individual samples. Your portfolio should include finished works that you believe highlight your skills as a writer—there is no limit to the number of pieces you include in your portfolio, nor is there a word count limit for pieces in your portfolio. The individual samples you submit should be what you consider to be your two (2) BEST works. Your individual samples can be pulled from your portfolio, but your portfolio should include more than just your individual samples.
When submitting samples, be sure to submit pieces that showcase your strengths. These include, but are not limited to:
- ability to write “in character”
- understanding of grammar and syntax
- use of descriptive language
- ability to tell a cohesive story (within a specific word count)
- creativity
- variety


Editors
Editors are not required to submit samples. Instead, your application should include the why and the what. Why will you be a good editor? Do you want to edit art, writing, or both? How many pieces can you edit? When applying, be sure to highlight your strengths. These include, but are not limited to:
- excellent communication skills
- understanding of grammar and syntax
- composition
-adaptable
- flexible
- detail-oriented
- empathy
- respect