Make the Thing: A small press publishing bootcamp

Course Code: 26FPD101I

This four-week in person workshop, workshop takes place at CBA on Thursdays October 22nd to November 12th, from 6:00PM to 8:30PM ET.

• Thursday, October 22nd, 6:00PM to 8:30PM

• Thursday, October 29nd, 6:00PM to 8:30PM

• Thursday, November 5th, 6:00PM to 8:30PM

• Thursday, November 12th, 6:00PM to 8:30PM

Please Note: Registration for this workshop closes on October 8th at 11:59 pm.

About the Workshop:

This in person class at Center for Book Arts is taught by instructor Christina Long.

Have an idea for a zine or small publication but not sure where to start? This four-session bootcamp walks you through the full arc of independent publishing, from print production and binding to pricing, distribution, and the politics of making work outside mainstream channels.

Over four sessions, students will print one complete zine, develop a concept and prototype for an original small-press, and build a practical publishing plan. The bootcamp concludes with each student presenting their final zine concept and prototype to the group.

Along the way, we'll lightly explore the current landscape of independent publishing, including how AI tools, and censorship pressures are reshaping what it means to protect your creative work on your own terms.

No prior bookmaking or publishing experience required.

Required Materials:

• notebook, sketchbook, and writing tools

All other materials will be provided by the Center for Book Arts at no additional cost.

About the Instructor

#Blkgrlswurld Press is an award-winning indie publishing house based in New York City. Led by Christina Long, MFA, (Global Creative Director) and her younger sister Courtney Long (Senior Editor), since 2013. The press celebrates and documents Black Womxn & Womxn of Color who participate in heavy music genres like Metal, Hardcore, and Punk. Interviewing bands, organizing music events and vending at zine fairs allow #Blkgrlswurld ZINE to introduce readers to new music and the diversity within music scenes.

Zines and artists’ books published by #Blkgrlswurld Press can be found in libraries at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art PS1, The Schomburg Center for Research on Black Culture, The Barnard Zine Library and many more.