The Offhours #39: All the Zines (2)
Thoughts on design, art and living life while being a creative human.
Zines are some of my favorite things to put together. They encapsulate an idea/subject in a perfect package. I worry not of formality, and lean toward the expression it calls for. Over a few posts I will share some of my favorite zines I’ve created over the years and a few from artists I’ve collected.
‘Keys Open Doors’ Zine
Ever had a dream you had to recreate? The song "Keys Open Doors" by Clipse — my favorite rap duo— gave me an earworm I couldn’t shake. I couldn’t stop singing the chorus or mimicking the beat. The double entendre about street hustling and literal doors is gritty and clever, and the dark yet uptempo beat perfectly matches the subject matter.
One night, that instrumental fueled a vivid dream of black-and-white images I felt compelled to realize. Nothing crime-related, but still aligned with the dark, moody vibe of the song. By the way this song also has explicit lyrics.
This idea demanded to be released from my mind. Whether or not it was ever published, I was happy with how it turned out. The process of translating my dream into visuals was cathartic—more than just capturing an image, it was about feeling the music and channeling its energy into something tangible. It was an exercise in letting creativity flow freely, without any pressure for perfection, just pure expression.
Looking back, these musically inspired zines—whether through the lens of MF DOOM or Clipse—remind me of the power of music to spark creativity and connect us to deeper parts of ourselves. It’s amazing how a song can inspire not just an idea, but a whole visual world. I’m always grateful for those moments of inspiration that push me to create and share, and for the reminder that the most meaningful works often come from simply following what you’re naturally responding to and feeling.
Missed Part 1? Check it out: All the Zines (pt 1)
👋🏾 Hi, thanks for reading The Offhours, a newsletter on the creative experience outside of full time gigs, deadlines and self imposed schedules. You’re amazing, tell a friend. Stay Wonderful.
