A space for all types of makers at ual.amazines

Written by Tra Nhu, MA Illustration course at Camberwell College of Arts and Post-Grad Community Ambassador.

When I get asked what has been my favourite thing during my post-grad study at UAL, I always talk about UAL Amazines. It’s the relaxing yet communal activity that I look forward to every week – I can just sit down, draft some zines, have a coffee and chat with a new friend. It’s how I found a new direction in my creative practice and a bonding community despite being new to the city.

Every week during terms time, the UAL Amazines workshop is organized at the Darkroom Bar at London College of Communication, drop-in visits are welcomed. Many workshops are also organized throughout the year across UAL colleges, for example, there were a series of zine workshops at Welcome Week, or to celebrate Black History Month at different campuses.

The workshops cover a diverse range of themes, from mental health, inclusivity, climate change... to the experience of living and learning in London. These dynamic themes not only help us participants break out of our art blocks, but also create a safe space where we can talk about our thoughts and experiences in an understanding environment.

As an international student, these workshops have been particularly significant for me. From the moment I stepped into my first workshop, I was struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere that Adam (the founder) and the student/alumni organizers have created.

They've provided a much-needed space to connect with peers, especially to meet up with students from across campuses, from different levels of study. Whether you're studying fashion, fine art, or design, you're welcome. It was truly the diverse and inclusive experience that I was looking forward to when I was applying for UAL.

Before joining ual.amazines, my portfolio was mostly made up of 2D illustrations made for screens – which can be flat and repetitive. However, coming to the sessions in over 4-5 months, I’ve discovered a passion for zine-making, incorporating collage, illustrations and comics. Through these zines I’ve found a way to tell my personal story, reflect on my thoughts and share it with the audiences.

For my final major project for my MA, I actually illustrated and printed a series of 6 different risograph zines about my sister’s journey into adulthood.

Intercultural Zine Fair - from making zines to becoming a zinner

A highlight of my journey was participating in the UAL Intercultural Zine Fair earlier in May 2024, organized by ual.amazines. It was an exhilarating opportunity to showcase my work and engage with other artists and small publishers. I got to debut three zines there, and having people coming in to read my zines and share their thoughts on my creations was really touching.

And this November 8th, I’m coming back to the UAL Intercultural Zine Fair with a new collection of zines! My classmates from MA Illustration are also hosting a table here, alongside stall holders such as PageMasters, BOOKS Peckham, Mosaic Rooms, The Feminist Library, CSM Publications, Poetry Translation Centre, Assemblage Collective & more!

I’m very excited to introduce my zines as well as collecting the zines from all the wonderful vendors.

Join the Fun at the UAL Intercultural Zine Fair!

Don't miss the upcoming UAL Intercultural Zine Fair this November 8! It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work, meet fellow creatives, and experience firsthand the welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that makes ual.amazines so special.

You can also sign up to sell or showcase your zines at the the UAL Intercultural Zine Fair. More information can be found on the zine fair’s Eventbrite page.

Date & time: Friday 8 November, 12pm – 6pm

Location: Peckham Levels, floor 5, Gig Space

Related links

• UAL Post-Grad Community
• UAL Amazines Instagram
• UAL Intercultural Zine Fair
• Peckham Levels

Post-Grad Stories

A thriving online magazine of our postgraduate student voices sharing thought-provoking experiences, practices, thoughts and articles about what matters to them.

Download the PDF Guide to writing articles for Post-Grad Stories

Want to write an article? Get in touch with the Post-Grad Community team PGCommunity@arts.ac.uk

About @ual.amazines

Founded by Adam Ramejkis in 2019, ual.amazines organized zine workshops and learning activities across UAL Campuses. Ual.amazines has become a community for zine enthusiasts among UAL students, postgrads, staff members and alumni.

The Intercultural Zine Fair is co-organized by Adam Ramejkis and Annie Loebig (Communications Executive, UAL Showcase).

To stay updated on upcoming workshops and events, be sure to follow @ual.amazines on Instagram!

UAL Post-Grad Community

Established in 2013, Post-Grad Community is an inclusive platform for all UAL postgraduate students to share work, find opportunities and connect with other creatives within the UAL and beyond. Find out more.