SLIFE: Completed
It took a while, but Zine #2 is finally finished!
I thought this would be a more structured approach compared to the first one, but it was more like a stream of consciousness, which feels oddly cathartic.
There is constant tension between what I believe my creative style to be, and perhaps the type of logic and structure my thoughts enjoy employing--or perhaps what society and success dictate.
The past decade seems to have ushered in the association of "being intentional" with wellness, but I must admit with some amusement that I seem to subscribe to the old notion of YOLO. My default emotional processing style cannot be bothered with calculating or weighing intent against outcome. I much prefer going with the flow.
Adulthood, however, scorns such an irresponsible approach to life. So too does logic, which I also adore. Like most things, then, a crossroads. While a rational approach to life is potentially tangibly and mentally rewarding--there is a level of tantalizing satisfaction with observing patterns of strategic input correlating with specific kinds of output--I stubbornly hold onto the notion that an emotional and somewhat childish one is more honest and enriching.
Another belief I hold is that all things are optimized through appropriate shifts in balance, however, so I abhor the thought of leaning in either direction for too long.
I think this zine reflects that. The process began rather systematically: I threw all the photos I selected from last year into a program called Obsidian (giving it a try; not sure if I'll regularly use it), and then began to flesh out the skeleton of the zine.
I knew I wanted it to be a commentary on how I define "life" at 31. Shades of life, slices of life, Joon's life, slow down, life: SLIFE. I also knew I wanted this zine to feature more poetry-adjacent writing. This seems to be my default preference for articulating emotions. I am fine to verbally articulate my thoughts and emotions, but it has never translated quite well to text; something is always amiss, and a bit of vomit dwells in my esophagus. When it comes to poetry-esque writing, I find it to be more comfortable. Weeks later, it will all be the same slightly corny and vomit-inducing dribble, but at the very least, it feels authentic to me. More importantly, it is extremely cathartic in the moment.
I approach these poem-esques (I feel uncomfortable calling them as such since I know they often deviate from 'proper' structures and approaches) the same way I currently approach my street photography: on-the-go, one-and-done. I believe I tweaked 2-3 words in the final InDesign file, but they are largely untouched, which is what I believe adds to the catharsis. There is a level of unabashed honesty that this kind of approach offers, along with clearer self-analysis and reflection.
Eventually, I would like to experience a more disciplined and calculating approach in all my creative endeavours, but I am also learning to lean into what seems to be my natural affinity. I have never enjoyed manufacturing moments, emotions, thoughts, and by extension, photos, concepts, writings, and videos.
So, to be quite honest, I have no idea whether this zine is stronger than the first. I can't even recall what I wrote about off the top of my head. It does feel different, and it felt more difficult to complete, as I have been distracted from Welcome to 30 as of late.
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Welcome to 30: Issue 02
48 pages · PDF · Instant download
This second issue of Welcome to 30 continues an ongoing personal exploration of life, conducted through the lens of photography and writing.
Neither neatly structured nor fully spontaneous, this zine sits somewhere between documentation and reflection. The images were taken in passing, unplanned and observational. The writing may be more aptly described as emotional fragments—less poetry in a traditional sense, more attempts to clarify and release what continuously eludes explanation.
Titled SLIFE, a contraction of phrases like “slice of life,” “slow down, life,” “thoughts on life,” “_____’s life,” etc., this zine explores how one defines life not in grand statements, but through small, prodding questions.
If the first issue focused on entering a new decade, this one wrestles with how we take our first step through it.
For those drawn to quiet documentation, internal dialogue, and creative processing, I hope that SLIFE offers an intimate pause.
Please note, this is a digital copy of the zine in PDF format.
SLIFE: Some thoughts on life.
Takeaways after creating this: I cling to joy as my reason to continue living. I have many gripes with what I believe are the defining features of being human. I often feel at odds with those around me, as well as what is within me. I still yearn for a community I can call home and identify with. I have an inkling of what that community is, but know that I will not be able to name that community until we experience more cultural swings. I don't know how to reach out in the meantime, so I continue to create and post things online.
Age fascinates me. Interactions between generations.
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May look into a local printer this time. Some people have expressed interest in grabbing a physical copy. Had not considered shipping out physical copies, need some guidance. Probably end up YouTubing, but it would be great to pick someone's brain in a live context, so please feel free to reach out if you have experience and some time to teach me.
Have a fantastic day.
Joon.
Images that didn’t make the zine, but I enjoy:
