Make the Thing: A small press publishing bootcamp
Course Code: 26MPD101I
This four-week, in-person workshop takes place on Mondays, June 22nd - July 13th, from 6PM to 8:30PM ET
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Monday, June 22, from 6PM to 8:30PM ET
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Monday, June 29, from 6PM to 8:30PM
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Monday, July 6, from 6PM to 8:30PM
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Monday, July 13, from 6PM to 8:30PM
Please Note: Registration for this workshop closes on June 8th, at 11:59pm Eastern Time.
About the Workshop:
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:
- Pencil and paper for taking notes
All other materials and tools will be provided by CBA at no additional cost to the students.
About the Instructor:
Christina Long leads #Blkgrlswurld Press: 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.
All images courtesy of the instructor.