New to Canzine? Maybe you’re forgetful? Never fear, a Broken Pencil editor is here! Whether you’re an enterprising zinester or simply a visitor ravenous for independently produced printed matter, this guide will help you make the most of your Canzine 2024 experience. Don’t forget to apply beforeJULY 31st to secure your spot as a vendor or learn more about the festival activities– you can find that link at the end of the article.
What is Canzine?
Canzine is the festival of zines and underground print culture, celebrating independent art and creativity. Organized by Broken Pencil Magazine, this year’s Canzine will take place in both Toronto and Ottawa! It’s sort of the nexus point for all Canadian weirdos. Canzine features hundreds of these weirdos who are peddling their zines, comics, and underground art. Plus, it’s free to attend. You can support the festival by donating $5 or $10 at the door, which also gets you the latest issue of Broken Pencil Magazine.
Vendor Guide
Setting up your first booth at Canzine is an empowering exercise in micromanagement, but can be an overwhelming task for even the most zen of zinesters. Don’t worry, whether or not you’re a control freak, this guide is here so you can have the most successful debut possible. From preparing your products to engaging with visitors, we’ve got some practical tips and advice to ensure that your profit margin grows (not just your zine collection).
- Save Money, Buy Used: Prepare your booth with thrifted or second-hand supplies to keep costs down. This includes decorations, stock, and packaging materials.
- Bring Products at Multiple Price Points: Offer a range of items from inexpensive stickers to your actual zines in order to cater to different budgets.
- Accept Multiple Payment Methods: Ensure you can take cash, credit, debit, and e-transfers. A mini card reader is a worthwhile investment.
- Make Yourself Easy to Find: Provide business cards, social media links, or a newsletter sign-up to help people follow up with you after the event.
- Bring a Project: Work on a small project at your booth to draw attention and engage with visitors. It can also be a conversation starter.
- Stay Positive: Sales might start slow, but persistence pays off.
Visitor Guide
Some of you mutants have been coming to Canzine since the start. To the rest of you: believe it or not, we have some pretty die-hard fans. If you’re new to the show- hi, welcome. Here are some tips to help you navigate your visit and find your ultimate zine niche. You might even find a new corner of the scene to cuddle up in.
- Pick Up a Program: Check out the vendor list and event times to plan your visit.
- Explore Every Room: With vendor numbers in the hundreds, don’t miss the side rooms where hidden gems await.
- Chat with Vendors: Don’t be shy. The creators love talking about their work and might share interesting stories.
- Bring Cash: Small bills and change are ideal since some vendors who didn’t read this article might not have card machines.
- Participate in Activities: Take a break at the workshops and panels.
- Share Your Experience: Tweet and Instagram photos of your finds using the hashtag #Canzine and tag @brokenpencilmag.
You could pop in and out of Canzine, but why not make it a day! There’s plenty of opportunities to learn, meet new people, and flex your obscure zine knowledge at our workshops and panel discussions. Follow us at @brokenpencilmag to stay in the loop once our events are announced.
For more details, check out each city’s event page and don’t forget to apply if you’re interested in being a vendor.
Adapted from the article “Toolkit: How To Survive Your First Art Fair” by Lourdes Duah in Issue 102