Lollypops is an online publication dedicated to celebrating and exploring the multifaceted nature of human sexuality and eroticism. One way that Lollypops expands its scope and depth is through the release of companion zines and mini-publications, which are smaller, focused works that complement the larger magazine. These zines can explore specific topics more deeply, experiment with different formats or styles, or provide new perspectives on familiar subjects. Here's how they work!
Zine Format: Companion zines tend to be shorter than full magazines, usually between 8 and 16 pages. They may be thematic, focusing on one idea or set of ideas, or experimental, pushing boundaries and testing out different forms of expression. Some popular types of zines include poetry zines, comic zines, collage zines, photo essays, travelogues, personal narratives, and craft guides. They often have their own unique design elements and style, such as hand-drawn illustrations, found images, and limited text. The format allows for a high degree of creativity and playfulness in approach, making each zine a unique object in itself.
Examples: In issue 4, Lollypops released a 20-page poetry zine called "The Erotic Body." This collection features poems from both emerging and established poets, including Kate Durbin, Dana Johnson, and Sesshu Foster, all about the physical and emotional experiences of desire and intimacy. Another example is the flipbook "Eternal Sunshine," which explores the use of eroticism in vampire mythology through short fiction and artwork by artists like C.S. Malerich and Alexandra Marzella. Finally, there's the recent mini-publication "Tantra Stories," which collects three stories by authors Renee Gladman, Sarah Schulman, and Anne Waldman that explore sensuality and spirituality.
Benefits: Zines are an excellent way to extend the reach of Lollypops beyond its usual scope, allowing readers to dive deeper into specific topics or formats. By creating these smaller publications, Lollypops can experiment with new ideas and forms without committing to large-scale production. Additionally, zines allow Lollypops to collaborate with more artists and writers than would be possible with a full magazine release. This results in a wider range of perspectives, styles, and approaches, enriching the overall experience for readers. And of course, they're just plain fun! Who doesn't love holding a handmade booklet or pamphlet in their hands?
Conclusion: Companion zines and mini-publications help Lollypops push boundaries and expand our understanding of sexuality, eroticism, and creative expression. They add another layer to the brand's artistic exploration, providing focused and experimental works alongside the main magazine. These small projects allow us to engage with different themes and formats, while also supporting emerging talent and innovative voices in the arts.