Organised by Molly from Sandwich Press Zines, the Zine There, Done That Fair attracted local creatives and people from Sydney and Melbourne. I travelled to Austinmer on a fine spring day to represent my own work and that of students at Moss Vale High. The buzz of setting up in the Austinmer Scout Hall was deliciously entertaining – banners, flags and sage advice

added a convivial feel for this traditionally low-tech art form.

With wares and editions displayed, I settled into a calmly reflective moment before chatting with other stallholders.

The crowd began to drift in and wavered between steadiness and an ebbing flow of politely interested folk, fellow zinesters and curious locals. Situated on Moore Street in a beachside suburb of the northern Illawarra, there was minimal signage and (it seems) few walk-ins.

Luc You, Thomas and a supportive group from Sticky Institute in Melbourne made the trip north and set up the ‘free zine swamp’ and a huge, neatly organised stall.

I felt somewhat discomforted that my Mystery Zine Packs, at $3 each, contained some of the titles people could pick up for free … it did work out fine (I hope) as I only sold two.

The range of stalls at a zine fair is always intriguing: from dedicated high end graphic novelists such as Evan Newby, to my table buddy Sam and his popular glossy Toilets title.

I also spoke with Louella, a freelance handcrafter, graphic designer and photo journalist with a degree in Visual Communication and Athena who studied English Literature and also writes short stories. Both worked at the MCA and kept themselves busy during quiet moments.

I’m looking forward to Zine There Done That Fair 2019 and have begun developing an idea inspired by my drive home through the southern highlands that afternoon. Maybe I’ll see you there?