How to Plan an 8-Page Zine (Without Overthinking It)
An easy, page-by-page guide to turning a small idea into your very own mini publication.
Have you ever had an idea for a zine, only to find yourself staring at eight empty pages, wondering where to begin?
Maybe you have a collection of photographs, a story you'd like to tell, or a handful of drawings that deserve a home outside your sketchbook.
The good news is that you don't need a complicated plan, a perfect concept, or even much experience.
You just need an idea, a little curiosity, and eight small pages.
And sometimes, having less space is exactly what helps us get started.
Start with one small idea
Before thinking about layouts, colors, or typography, ask yourself one simple question:
What do I want this zine to be about?
It doesn't have to be something extraordinary.
Your zine could be about:
A weekend somewhere special.
A collection of photographs you've never printed.
The things you notice on your daily walks.
Your child's drawings.
A feeling, a memory, or a particular place.
Five objects you couldn't live without.
Try describing your idea in a single sentence.
For example: “I want to make a little zine about the things I notice when I walk my dog.”
That's enough. You have a starting point.
Think about what you want to include
Now that you have your idea, start collecting the things that might belong in your zine.
Photographs, sketches, words, colors, scraps of paper, handwritten note, anything that feels connected to your theme.
Don't worry about arranging them yet.
At this stage, you're simply gathering possibilities.
And here's something worth remembering: you don't have to use everything.
An eight-page zine is a small space, and that's part of its charm.
Choosing what to leave out can be just as important as choosing what to include.
Give each of your eight pages a purpose
This is where your zine starts taking shape.
An eight-page mini zine usually has a front cover, six inside pages, and a back cover.
You can use each page however you like, but here's a simple structure to get you started.
Page | What could go here? |
1 | Front cover — title and an inviting image |
2 | Introduction — set the scene |
3 | First photograph, drawing, or idea |
4 | Develop the theme |
5 | Add another perspective or detail |
6 | A surprising moment or favorite image |
7 | A final thought or closing image |
8 | Back cover — a small illustration, note, or signature |
This isn't a set of rules.
It's simply a way to make eight blank pages feel a little less intimidating.
You might want your zine to tell a story from beginning to end. Or perhaps you'd rather create a collection of loosely connected moments.
Both approaches work beautifully.
A Little Example: In Between Places
When I created my photographic zine In Between Places, I started with a collection of street photographs.
Rather than trying to fit everything into eight pages, I focused on selecting images that felt connected.
Some photographs captured wider scenes, while others focused on small details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
By arranging them together, I could create a little visual journey without needing lots of words.
That's one of my favorite things about making zines: even a handful of photographs can become a story.
Think about the flow
Once you have a rough idea of what belongs on each page, try imagining someone turning through your zine.
What will they see first?
Which images belong next to each other?
Do you want to create a sense of movement, surprise, or calm?
You don't need to think like a professional book designer.
Just pay attention to how the pages feel together.
Try alternating between busy and quiet pages. Give an important photograph some breathing room. Let a handwritten sentence occupy an entire page if that's what it needs. Sometimes a little empty space says more than another image.
Choose a Color Palette
Before you start designing your zine, take a moment to think about color.
You don't need an elaborate colour scheme. Sometimes two or three colors are enough to give your pages a consistent look.
One little trick I like is to take inspiration from the photographs themselves.
Look for colours that appear repeatedly. Maybe it's the green of the trees, the warm tones of an old building, or the blue of the sky.
If you're unsure where to begin, try Adobe Color. It's a free online tool that helps you explore colour combinations and create palettes inspired by your own photographs.
Remember, your palette doesn't have to be perfect. It's simply another way to bring your zine together. You can also find nice color palettes ideas on Pinterest.
Make a rough page-by-page sketch
Before opening Illustrator or reaching for your favorite art supplies, make a quick thumbnail sketch of each page.
These don't have to be beautiful.
In fact, it's probably better if they're not.
Draw a rectangle where you want a photograph. Scribble a few words to remind yourself what a page should say. Add arrows, notes, or question marks.
Think of this as a conversation with your zine rather than a final design.
You're figuring things out, not committing to anything.
A little tip: If you prefer having a structure to work with, I've created a printable Zine Planning Kit with an eight-page planning worksheet and a short creative guide to help you organize your ideas.
This is how my Zine Planner looks like. I use it for every project.
