INFO AND SCHEDULE
ZINE INFO
Welcome to the Gorillaz 20th Anniversary Fanzine
info hub!
This is a fanzine looking to celebrate the 20-year legacy of the world's biggest virtual band by compiling fanart (both illustrations and comics) and writing from fans all over the world. This is a charity non-profit fanzine that will be crowdfunded via a Kickstarter campaign. All proceeds that are not used for printing, production, shipping, and packaging will be donated equally to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the MIGIZI Native American Youth Centre.
The Gorillaz 20th Anniversary Fanzine is being run in conjunction with the Gorillaz Unofficial Discord fan server, and has absorbed the G-U Song Machine zine that was in progress throughout late 2020/early 2021. The G-U Song Machine zine will be released prior to the Kickstarter as a teaser for the zine's full content.
As such, we are currently only accepting applications for art/writing related to Gorillaz Phases 1-5. However, the zine will be a retrospective covering all six phases!
SCHEDULE
These dates are tentative and are subject to change. We will be sure to notify contributors of any changes in the schedule via Discord announcements.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 28 | Contributor applications open |
| February 28 | Contributor applications close |
| March 15 | Application result emails sent |
| Creation period begins | |
| March 31 | 1st check-in |
| April 15 | 2nd check-in |
| April 30 | 3rd check-in |
| May 15 | 4th (and final) check-in |
| May 30 | Final submission date |
| June | Zine compilation and assembly |
| July - August | Kickstarter |
| September | Production |
| October | Shipping |
FAQ
What is a "zine"?
A zine is a collection of unofficial fanmade works, usually made and published independently.
So what is the theme of this zine, exactly?
In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Gorillaz as a band (as well as the release of their self-titled debut album), this zine will serve as a retrospective of the band's various albums, art styles and aesthetics over the past 20 years.
What types of submissions are you looking for?
We are looking to feature strictly canon fanart and/or written opinion articles across Phases 1 to 5.
Fanart can either come in the form of single or double-page illustrations, comics (again, strictly canon), and/or merch design.
We will not be accepting fanfiction or fanmade Gorillaz-verse OCs for this zine, as we would like to keep the focus strictly on the band itself.
Can I submit NSFW work?
No. The Gorillaz 20th Anniversary Fanzine is strictly SFW and PG-13. Mild cartoon violence and swearing is allowed, but heavy gore/nudity/sexual content/any other content we deem NSFW will not be accepted.
Why can't I submit art/writing related to Phase 6/Song Machine?
As stated on our info page, the Gorillaz 20th Anniversary Fanzine is being run in conjunction with the Gorillaz Unofficial Discord fan server, who merged their Song Machine zine with the larger 20th Anniversary zine prior to applications opening. As a result, the G-U Song Machine zine now makes up the Phase 6/Song Machine section of the 20th Anniversary zine, and we do not have space for any more applicants as such.
I don't know much about Gorillaz lore but I am a fan of the music/videos. Can I still join the zine?
Yes, of course! No real prior knowledge of Gorillaz lore is needed to join this zine, and you won't have to pass any sort of pop quiz to join. So long as you want to draw or write anything related to the band, feel free to apply.
Can my art/writing be about Damon Albarn and/or Jamie Hewlett instead of the Gorillaz characters?
Yes, although we are aiming to keep these submissions to a minimum. We also request that you keep your art/writing on them related to Gorillaz or the Bananaz and/or Reject False Icons documentaries, as opposed to freeform fanart/writing about them.
I am a traditional artist. Can I still join the zine?
We will be accepting traditional art for the zine, provided you are able to scan your pieces digitally at 300DPI.
If you work in formats that are difficult or unsuited to scanning (i.e. dioramas, sculpture, painting on canvas), please specify as such in your application and we will work with you on how to best present your work.
How many contributors are you accepting?
At the moment we are hoping to recruit 50 page artists, 20 writers, and 10 merch artists. These numbers are subject to change depending on the volume of applications received for each category.
Can I apply to do more than one piece?
Yes — you may apply to do up to two page/merch art pieces and two writing pieces. However, please be aware of our deadlines, and ensure that you are able to complete all your pieces by then.
What are the zine's specifications?
• A5 (14.85 x 21 cm)
• CMYK, 300 DPI
• Perfect-bound
ARTISTS:
Please stick to standard printer bleed and slug margins to ensure that your work is not cut off at the sides. We can provide you with a sizing template if you need.
WRITERS:
Your articles should be no more than 2000 words.
Do I have to have a Discord account to join this zine?
Yes. All zine correspondence will take place through our dedicated Discord server. If you would like to join the zine but do not have a Discord account, please consider making one.
Is the zine for profit or for charity?
The Gorillaz 20th Anniversary Fanzine is strictly for charity. Contributors will be unpaid. All proceeds will go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the MIGIZI Native American Youth Centre.
How will you obtain funding for the zine?
After the submissions period has been completed and the zine has been compiled, we will run a Kickstarter to raise proceeds for the zine that will go towards printing, production, packaging, shipping, and a $5 donation to charity for each zine sold.
At the end of the Kickstarter, any leftover proceeds will also be donated directly to charity.
What happens if the Kickstarter doesn't fulfil its goal?
We will send PDF copies of the zine to all contributors and attempt to relaunch and re-market another funding campaign at a later date.
Will contributors receive a free copy of the zine?
At the moment we are planning to include the costs of printing free copies of the zine for each contributor in the Kickstarter. If we reach the Kickstarter's goal, we will be able to provide one free copy of the zine to each contributor.
This will not include merch due to the exponentially higher costs of merch production as compared to printing.
Who is running this zine?
You can find out more about the mods here.
My question wasn't covered here! What do I do?
Email a mod at [email protected].
MODS
ANDORU
20th Anniversary fanzine creator
graphic design // finances // packing & shipping
social media // proofreading & editing
OSHVNS
20th Anniversary fanzine creator
graphic design // proofreading & editing
GAILIE
Gorillaz Unofficial member
graphic design // social media // proofreading & editing
EMILY
Gorillaz Unofficial moderator
proofreading & editing // server administration
GRIFF
Gorillaz Unofficial moderator
proofreading & editing // server administration
NICORU
Gorillaz Unofficial admin
proofreading & editing // server administration
LILLAZ
Gorillaz Unofficial moderator
server administration
FINK
Gorillaz Unofficial member
social media
APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION EMAILS WILL BE SENT OUT BY MARCH 15TH.
GUIDELINES
No previous zine experience is required to apply.
You must have a Discord account to take part in this zine, and must join our dedicated zine Discord server if you are accepted into the zine. All zine-related correspondence will take place through this server.
You may apply to do up to two page or merch art pieces and two written pieces. However, please note that all your pieces must be completed by our final deadline of May 30th, 2021.
Submitting non-Gorillaz-related work in your application will not hurt your chances. Contributors will be chosen based on skill and the strength of their zine piece pitches.
ALL ARTISTS: When applying, you must either have a digital art portfolio available for us to look through (this can be a Behance, Instagram, or any other website which primarily showcases your art), or link us to three to five of your best pieces. Failure to comply will automatically disqualify your application.
MERCH ARTISTS: If you have prior experience creating merch designs, please prioritise linking us to these designs in your application. If you do not have prior experience creating merch designs, just link us to three to five of your best pieces in the style you would create your merch pieces in.
WRITERS: When applying, you must either have a digital writing portfolio available for us to look through (i.e. a website on which you primarily host your written work), or link us to one or two pieces you have written. Failure to comply will automatically disqualify your application.