From London to Kagiso via Thembisa, Orange Farm and Braamfontein, we bring together some of Joburg and London’s coolest creative collectives at our next free networking session on Thursday 30 May in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. More details and register for the event.

Collective Hustler Profile: Alphabet Zoo-Zine Designers

On my way to see Alphabet Zoo-Zine, I had to walk under the bridge in Newtown. Down there was beautiful graffiti by various artists. I had to stop and stare for a while, and out of that moment of sheer appreciation of art, I developed a lot of ideas on how I could communicate and improve my own art.

Enough about me. I finally arrived at the studio and was greeted and escorted by a young lady to Alphabet Zoo-Zine’s workspace. When I got into the room I was stunned by the one part of the wall dedicated to different zines that was created by themselves for inspiration.

I then met the two faces of the brand, zine stars Minenkulu Ngoyi and Isaac Zavale. Before we even started the interview, they were telling me that the previous day they had not slept because they had an order of zines by a company and they had to meet a deadline – which showed a lot of dedication and passion.

Live Magazine: Who is Alphabet Zoo-Zine and what do you do in a nutshell?

Isaac: I met Minenkulu at school where we studied print making and that’s where we find our passion for arts and business. We therefore create zines, t-shirts, typography, posters and illustrations.

Live Magazine: What are zines?

Minenkulu: We started small when creating zines, because to us it was a way of releasing stress and it enabled a flow for creativity. Basically zines are a culture based in the UK, it is very big in London and is a form of publication where you can express yourself through art or poetry, or any writing for that matter. You as the individual determine the message you want to convey and it is a cheap way to get your message across and get exposure. Magazines like Dazed and Confused and The Rolling Stone started as zines and progressed to be one of the best publications around the world.

Live Magazine: How do you create zines?

Minenkulu: You can go to this link to learn how. Let’s start a movement.

Live Magazine: What does creating zines mean to you?

Isaac: It’s our ticket to the world. We want to do exhibitions and an art fair inviting all zine makers from South Africa first, and then we invade Africa. We would also like to collaborate with zine makers in London to create an exhibition bringing our contacts from around Africa. That is our ultimate goal.

Live Magazine: Your last words to the world?

Isaac and Minenkulu: Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

When I got out of their studio I was so inspired to do what I can, with what I have, where I am.

Don’t forgot Alphabet Zoo-Zine will be at our Live Creative Session #3 Collective Hustlers on 30 May 2013.

For more information check out their tumblr or you can find them on Twitter @Alphabet_Zoo.

Live Creative Sessions are supported by British Council.