Using a Mini-Zine Brainstorm To Explore a Play Prompt
Playing with prompts is a favourite part of our Haven Kota gatherings. A simple phrase like “well worn,” “the money changed everything,” or “I closed the door behind me” can open so many doors in the imagination.
At first, a phrase might bring up one obvious image, emotion, or scene. But I love that these impressions can be cracked open, revealing unexpected perspectives and possibilities. Getting past the initial layer often takes effort, and knowing where to start can feel challenging.
The Mini-Zine Brainstorm
Over the past few months, I’ve used a one-page mini-zine format to brainstorm ideas, from session planning to general creativity prompts. It’s become my favourite way to generate ideas quickly, without pressure.
For the recent session on “Well Worn,” I wanted to introduce this format to help people explore a variety of angles on the prompt, and I’d encourage you to try it with any prompt that excites or intrigues you.
Creating a mini-zine is incredibly simple:
- Start with a blank sheet of paper (A4 or Letter size works well)
- Fold the paper into eight
- Make a single cut along the centre of the page, from one edge to the middle fold
- Fold it into a mini booklet by pinching the cut edges together and folding the remaining panels, forming an eight-page mini-zine.
This zine format offers a dedicated space for each thought or image related to your prompt. Here are a few ways to use it to brainstorm and dive into new ideas:
Approaches for Mini-Zine Brainstorming
There are many potential ways to approach a mini-zine brainstorm. Experiment, play, and figure out what works well for you. For example, you could try:
Timed Idea Generation
Set a timer for, say, 15 minutes. Based on your prompt, challenge yourself to develop a fresh idea for each panel. You could limit yourself to a word, doodle, or quick sketch on each page. Don’t overthink or edit; the goal is to explore as many directions as possible, letting ideas come through without judgment.
Use Themes or Categories
Divide your zine into sections based on themes. For example, if your prompt is “well-worn,” try breaking it down by perspectives (e.g., well-worn objects, emotions, memories, or relationships) to see what each page brings up. This can help you explore your prompt with more depth and intention.
Visual Story-boarding
Use your zine as a mini-storyboard. Start with your prompt and let each panel capture a stage or moment in a short narrative. Think of each page as a “scene” or step of a journey, letting it evolve naturally. Imagine going on a trip through the landscapes of the prompt. What do you find? How does it look? This can help you go beyond surface interpretations and open up new plot ideas or themes.
Draw, Scribble, or Doodle
Your zine doesn’t have to be all words. Add sketches or even abstract shapes to capture different emotions or moods associated with your prompt. Sometimes, a little scribble can reveal ideas that words can’t capture.
Use Both Sides
If one side of the zine fills up quickly, unfold it and use the back. This will give you double the space for ideas, giving you sixteen panels.
Layer Your Ideas Over Time
Instead of filling out the zine in one sitting, try adding to it over a few days. Revisit your zine, adding new ideas or reflections daily or a few times during the week to create a rich, layered exploration of your prompt. You may find different dots connecting when your mind has time to pause and rest between sittings.
Other Creative Uses for Mini-Zines
Mini-zines aren’t just for brainstorming; they can help you reflect on a theme from different angles or document a creative process. Try them for:
- Character Exploration: Use each page to develop a different aspect of a character’s backstory, emotions, or motivations.
- Progress Journals: Track the evolution of an idea or project, dedicating a page to each step, insight, or roadblock.
- Event or Session Recaps: Reflect on a gathering, session, or significant event, using each panel to capture highlights or things you learned.
The mini-zine format can become a valuable tool for any creative prompt. It lets you explore multiple ideas without getting bogged down. Whether using it for personal reflection or to expand ideas in a session, this format offers a low-pressure, playful way to explore and discover.
