Back in 2017 I wrote an earlier version of this zine called "a is for aspergers." It was a glossary of a whole bunch of terms I learned after figuring out that I was, myself, an autistic person. I also strongly spiced it with sarcasm and healthy disdain for some of the institutional structures that made up some of these terms. Because, honestly, a lot of clinical terms were made up by people looking at autism from the outside. These zine is for people who want to see what these terms look like from the inside.
Recently, I gave the zine a thorough reworking. It's 20 pages longer. It reflects some newer thinking in terminology. Most importantly, the update removes a problematic and outdated term from it's title.
The old zine has been a constant, steady seller. And I've probably given away as many copies as I sold. I'm fairly certain the new version, "A is for Autistic" will continue to be in demand as it is totally better and much improved. While I have printed a couple small batches on my printer at home, I'd prefer not to have to take the time to print, cut, staple and fold copies every time an order comes in.
For a couple other zine projects I have had 500 copy print runs made by a local offset printer. It is very nice to have a large back stock on hand, especially when distros put in orders for 40 or 50 at a time.
However, it's a big up-front outlay of cash. The quote for printing 500 copies of "A is for Autistic" is $665. Considering my day job is working as a Special Education Assistant in a public school, it's a bit of a stretch for me to be able to do it on my own in one go.
Also, I want to get the word out that "A is for Autistic" exists. This crowdfunding campaign is, in itself, an avenue to get this project in front of more eyes that might find it a useful resource.
And, like I said before, I like to give copies away. I donate copies to zine libraries all over the world. I give teachers and education professionals a discount. I use the zine as an entry point to conversations about the larger context of autism, disability, and the social model of disability.
Supporting this Crowdfundr helps me do all of these things without having to put in extra time (and printer toner) printing, cutting, stapling, and folding zines. I make zines because I love sharing the thoughts I put inside them. I don't do it because I just love stapling, even though that would be kind of on brand for an autistic person.
Perks
Please help offset the costs of providing copies to zine libraries. Zine libraries are typically volunteer run, operate out of donated spaces, and have no operating budget to buy zines. Your support at this level helps me get more out to more zine libraries. It also helps pay for the stamps.
If there's a particular zine library you'd like to get a copy to, let me know. I'll make sure a copy gets there.
Print copy of my 2021 zine, "Ability: Emerging from the Social Constraints on Neurodivergence and Disability."
8" x 10" (or 9" x 12") on illustration board and watercolor paper. This is the biggie. For a big donation, I will create a big art. The supporter at this level can get whatever is within my ability to draw in pen and ink collaged on top of a water colored background. As you can see in the example, this is a take on Edvard Munch's "The Scream" with character's Booger Bear and Drew in the foreground.
I like drawing Booger Bear, but I can draw lots of stuff. Robots. Dinosaurs. Derpy looking racecars. Michelangelo's David from the reverse angle. (Trying to keep it kid friendly) This bespoke illustration will be open to input from the supporter. Let me know what you want, otherwise it might just end up a reverse angle of Michelangelo's David. Which would be fun.
Brand new! Add on a copy of my new minicomic that I just finished yesterday! 12 pages of nothing but comics featuring Booger Bear and Drew.
Highlights
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Please help offset the costs of providing copies to zine libraries. Zine libraries are typically volunteer run, operate out of donated spaces, and have no operating budget to buy zines. Your support at this level helps me get more out to more zine libraries. It also helps pay for the stamps.
If there's a particular zine library you'd like to get a copy to, let me know. I'll make sure a copy gets there.
Print copy of my 2021 zine, "Ability: Emerging from the Social Constraints on Neurodivergence and Disability."
8" x 10" (or 9" x 12") on illustration board and watercolor paper. This is the biggie. For a big donation, I will create a big art. The supporter at this level can get whatever is within my ability to draw in pen and ink collaged on top of a water colored background. As you can see in the example, this is a take on Edvard Munch's "The Scream" with character's Booger Bear and Drew in the foreground.
I like drawing Booger Bear, but I can draw lots of stuff. Robots. Dinosaurs. Derpy looking racecars. Michelangelo's David from the reverse angle. (Trying to keep it kid friendly) This bespoke illustration will be open to input from the supporter. Let me know what you want, otherwise it might just end up a reverse angle of Michelangelo's David. Which would be fun.
Brand new! Add on a copy of my new minicomic that I just finished yesterday! 12 pages of nothing but comics featuring Booger Bear and Drew.
