Page Text: FAQs
What can you do at Sticky?
As a zine distro, we provide a safe space for zine makers to create, buy and sell zines. Sticky has stocked over 12,000 titles since opening, both from local creators and artists all over the world. Zine makers are welcome to come down to our shop to use our photocopier, long-armed staplers, guillotines and typewriters. They can also speak to our expert zine-making volunteers about anything zine related!
Sticky works on consignment, so 20% of all zine sales fold back into the shop (this is to keep the lights on and the door open) but the artist picks their retail price. Anything priced above $10 is reviewed by the Sticky Committee as these items tend to sell less quickly and take up a fair amount of space.
On top of offering a retail and working space for zines, Sticky also offers badge making facilities. You’re not able to book in a time to come down to Sticky to use the space but you’re more than welcome to drop by whenever we are open!
What time is Sticky open?
Sticky is currently open from 12pm to 6pm Wednesday to Friday, and 12pm to 5pm on Saturdays, we can be located at Shop 10 Campbell Arcade, Melbourne, 3000.
Will you stock my zine?
Yeah!! You’ll just need to either post your zines in to us at:
PO Box 310
Flinders Lane
Melbourne, 8009
Or walk it into the shop at 10 Campbell Arcade. If you’re posting your zines in please make sure you are sending them with a stockist form filled out and ready to go!
We will take up to 10 copies of each title, you pick the shelf price and 20% will go back to Sticky to help keep the shop running. As your zines will be on consignment it’s sale or return after about 6 months.
Where can I get the stockist form?
It can be found at this dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/o37ai1gwxkuo3gz/stickyform.pdf?dl=0
Will you stock my item that is not a zine?
Unfortunately, we’re not able to stock anything that is not a zine. This includes novellas, chapbooks, prints, stickers and badges. This is because we feel these items already have other avenues to be sold in and because our shop is very small and we don’t want anything else encroaching on that sweet sweet zine real estate.
I already have zines in the shop with you, can you tell me how many have sold?
We work on a manual system, so it’s best if you can email us this kind of request to downstairs@stickyinstitute.com . We’ll need you to include the name of your zine, the name you stocked under and when you feel you stocked it with us (month + year). If you can include a photo of the front cover this will help us out as well! It might take us a week or so to get back to you with this information but we’ll do our best to let you know ASAP.
What is a zine?
A zine is an independently made publication, made for love and not profit. Generally they are made on the cheap, photocopied and assembled with a stapler for easy distribution. This kind of self-made, diy-driven method of publication keeps the costs low and makes them incredibly accessible as a medium!
Are kickstarter projects considered zines?
We don’t think so, no. Even though they are made outside of a publishing house, as they are formatted and printed professionally they are generally considered to be artist anthologies or artist books, and not zines.
While netizens seem to have the two types of publications confused, we can assure you that you do not need more than $20 to make and print a run of zines, nor should you compare your own work to those kinds of projects.
How do you pronounce zine?
The word zine comes from a shortening of “magazine”. Keeping this in mind, you’ll find that “zeen” is the correct pronunciation, not “zyne”.
Can I make a zine?
You sure can! All you’ll need is an idea to get started! Getting together content for your zine is probably the hardest part, but once you know what you want to say, figuring out how to say it becomes a lot easier. If you’re after some tips on how to layout your zine check out our resources section!
I have a cool idea for a comic, do you know any artists who would want to work with me?
We can’t connect you to anyone, no, but the cool thing about zines is that they’re a great opportunity to develop your own skills! The best thing about self-publishing is only being limited by your own creativity, so don’t be afraid to try (and fail at) new things while trying to find your groove!
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