Examples of DIY/DIT publishing Projects
DIY and DIT publishing
I am a strong believer in the importance of Do-It-Yourself, and Do-It-Together publishing. I first started exploring the world of DIY publishing over 15 years ago, and am still amazed by the opportunities it provides me to engage in a vibrant and supportive international literary community.
In 2005, I joined forces with a small group of other DIY publishers to found one collective DIT publisher, the Black Unicorn Press. Since its inception, the Black Unicorn Press had undertaken more projects than any of its individual editors could take credit for.
Black Unicorn Press projects in which I have participated as a member include (Not included on my own list of independent publications):
Off the Hook: The Triennial newsletter of the Missouri Prisoner’s Labor Union
Molotov Kirksville, a communique of art, poetry and political dissent
"US," a chapbook of marriage, child-birth, and pooping in the presences
"The Salt and Pepper Chronicles," the comic book misadventures of table-side condiments
"Doing It Together," a zine of radical sex and queerness
The Cookie Wars, a year-long art installation of dessert-warfare
"The FTL Crew zine," writings about friendship and community in rural Missouri
"The Aquadome Zine," a history of a radical community center of art and music
Book making tools
In addition to the interactive experience of publishing and personally distributing work through events and networks of small independent publishers, participating in small press publication has allowed me to learn both the aesthetic and practical challenges of book arts, including book binding, print making, paper making, letter press printing, digital layout, web editing and graphic design. There are many ways to publish media content and working in small collectives directly with content producers has allowed me many opportunities to explore publishing possibilities.
Over the last 3 years, I have worked with Reach community art center in Lansing Michigan to offer a variety of workshops and courses to youths ages 6 to 18 on the topics of making comics and zines, digital publications, and telling stories with pictures.
More information about the Black Unicorn Press can be found at: Blackunicornpress.org