Behind the Zine
On taking the leap and creating something new (p.s. we created something new)
In an attempt to put more thought and intentionality into our more sales-y posts, I sat down and typed out some thoughts to share on the why, how, and who behind our new product. If you would like to share your thoughts on whether or not you prefer this type of content over a more basic product release announcement, please do!
- Megan [Owner, Executive Editor]
Since before Cut+Paste Magazine had released a single issue, I’ve been dreaming up alternate products and extras for the business that I could expand to. Sometimes I wonder if how I feel about running a business is how artists feel about a brand-new sketchbook; it’s like having an entire collection of ideas just waiting to happen and bunches of canvases for creativity. My husband will confirm (with a laugh) that I don’t really remember to keep the money-making part of running a business top of mind. If I didn’t have to be practical, every cent would just go back into getting to try another idea and create something else brand new. It’s exhilarating and makes my mind run at 100 mph when, after I get through the to-do list of upkeep and emails, I get to start thinking of what I can do next with Cut+Paste.
But for some reason, I’ve always been overly cautious with this business. Perhaps because it’s the idea I’m most proud of; perhaps it’s because I had my fun with businesses as a teenager and was ready to do a little more real-world business-running with Cut+Paste. Either way, despite the stacks of lists and notes I’ve created with new ideas, I haven’t done anything majorly different for almost the entirety of the magazine’s four years of existence.
2026 is going to look different though. We just got through a year that was funded by a Save-Cut+Paste-Magazine Kickstarter project, and it doesn’t end there. We’re going strong with what we’ve been doing and are excited for new products and growth to come along the way.
Our first “something new” for this year, and the biggest something new we’ve had since the first issue in September 2022, is essentially just a baby Cut+Paste Magazine. But it’s also a canvas for more creativity. I get to pour new ideas into this project, our talented creators have more opportunities to pour their creativity into a new C+P product, and at the end of the day the product itself will, I hope, inspire more and more and more creativity with each person it reaches.
Introducing: Cut+Paste Zine #001—“Green”
Standing just under 6” tall and just over 4” wide, Cut+Paste Zine is a 16-page collection of usable art and photography very similar to what you all have been enjoying from our regular publication, but dedicated to more specific subjects and with extra artsy details.
Cut+Paste Magazine was started for two main reasons: to make tangible art accessible and to support visual artists, big or small. Cut+Paste Zine continues bringing about those goals. These collections of tangible art and photo prints are even more accessible at half the cost and printed on paper that we made sure is pocket-sized. Every other month we’ll have 20 more chances (the number of pieces in each zine) to feature new creators, while our creative community will have a new theme and submission opportunity to be inspired by.
For the six zines we’ll be releasing in 2026, we’ve chosen to go with a selection of color themes. February’s theme will be “Green,” we just opened submissions for April’s theme of “Purple,” and you’ll have to stick around to find out what the remaining four will be.
It feels so good (and a little scary!) to finally be branching out and starting something new. I really have to give a HUGE thanks to my “social media assistant” (in quotations because she does so much more for Cut+Paste than just that), Anna. I’ve had a few people request zines before, but she was the one who gave me the idea for color-specific zines. She has just as many (if not more) ideas for the magazine as I do, regularly getting my wheels turning about new ideas and opportunities. I wish every small business owner could have an Anna in their lives.
Not only is Cut+Paste Zine something new in and of itself, but it also holds opportunity for trying new things. (And really, that’s kind of the whole point of a zine: freedom to try something new, bring creativity to life, and share it all with others.) What I’m most excited for right now are the featured designers that each issue will have. The theme isn’t the only thing that will change with each new zine, the very look and style of it will change. We’re giving a specific artist or graphic designer the chance to add their personal creative style to the pages with typography, illustration, cover design, and more.
I’m excited for it. I hope you are too! It’s available to preorder, or you can get it by starting a zine subscription.
Here’s to starting something new and bringing ideas to life!
Have a wonderful week,
Megan Alexander
[Owner, Executive Editor of Cut+Paste Magazine]
I so resonate with the iiiidddeeeaaasss thing!! Wouldn't running a business be SO much fun if we didn't have to think about the money. But I guess that is one thing that helps focus us too! And an Anna of course :) Even though I wasn't picked for this one, I adore the idea, the size and the cover of this one so much! Thank you for Cut+Paste.
when you say it's usable art & photography - can we cut it out and use it in collages?