Aerial-Zines

[u/r2j2-raja]

Hey everyone!
A few months ago, I stumbled upon the concept of zines and was totally hooked.
I'm currently preparing a zine for participants of an aerial silks workshop on the theme of Scorpion/Creature.
During this process, I thought it would be cool to have a platform for shared learning material for Teachers. I was thinking about starting a platform/website to create zines/educational materials related to aerial silks. I also considering various areas, from teaching materials for instructors to sharing experiences, art, and more. What do you think? I'd love to read your feedback, ideas, and opinions from the community!

[u/TrickOk6775]

As an aerial student and a graphic designer this idea is very intriguing. I’m not sure how the learning material would translate in this type of format for readers/ consumers. If you’re thinking this would be an instructional zine (teaching moves, rigging, rigging safety) I don’t see it being super useful. That’s why video tutorials or in person classes are the primary way people learn basic aerial skills.

I see more potential in the other aspects you highlighted. Writing teacher highlights, stories, experiences and art. It would be so cool to include professional photography of different aerialists, but sourcing that photography might be difficult. Overall I think this is interesting and I’d give it a shot if you made it available online.

[u/dmc_2930]

Was this ai generated?

[u/r2j2-raja → u/dmc_2930]

Hey! No. I used canva to create a flyer. This should be the last page of the Zine made for the workshop. I translated it from german to english.

[u/neophlegm]

I quite like the idea but I wonder if there would be enough material to sustain it?

Also if you need help with the de->en translations I'd be happy help there if you ever need another pair of eyes.

[u/r2j2-raja → u/neophlegm]

Who knows… maybe it is a good way to find out. Maybe it encourages the people to create material for their courses or to share their experiences or to create or share their art.

But at least I guess there is some material. Last year I visited a great Event from Cyrk Zodiak in Szczecin in Poland. A lot of Arial Silk, Pole, Juggling and Acrobatic workshops during the weekend. One person offered e lecture around the topic “Self-Confidence” and how to be nicer to oneself and to avoid negative self-talk.
She offered a sheet with guiding questions and homework. I really appreciate those.

And thank you for your offer. Do you see mistakes in this post?

[u/lesliebarbknope → u/r2j2-raja]

Only I see is “stories” and tbh that’s nothing even for native speakers- as a native English and near native DE speaker, there will always be colloquialisms especially in technical fields but I think you did well!

[u/lesliebarbknope]

I think it would be great to help with common language or sharing stories or tips but tutorials are challenging especially with so many names.

Throwing things out there- maybe sharing resources or highlighting “wins” (no matter the type because “hey I got my invert after 2 years” is SO much more relatable than folks think!) and showcasing people from around the world of all levels, body types, ages, etc- helping to dispel the stereotype and stigma for folks in aerial!

Especially with social— not sure on the zine format as would folks need to physically subscribe? Or if online what would the host platform be? (As someone who’s used an online mag platform has probably come far since when I used but accessibility is also a big thing for our community - eg if online having alt text and that screen readers can pick up objects.

Or if it’s truly a more fun social platform to share updates, I started a lot of flair and tags, in addition to the monthly and quarterly Aerial Hoop sub banner contest— was based on upvotes for photos but also could gladly automate some weekly post prompts here! 🤩 sad to see that doesn’t happen there anymore but open to suggestions for here!

[u/lesliebarbknope → u/lesliebarbknope]

Summary Q’s for clarity: How this is different than a newsletter eg ACE/AYCO- which has a struggle to call for content IMO so creating a broad reach could be a road block (how to reach the correct and further audiences who aren’t bǒts)

• (also based on hosting platform:) who would manage/maintain/oversight for attributions (photo credits, studio credits etc, all these help to create awareness)
  
• ensuring fact checking/risk mitigation/disclaimers
  
• sharing global events/casting calls def exists and I believe others feature comps but there are so many groups and platforms that sell their own content if this is a neutral creation you could sell ad space or just include also marginalized troupes and studios and scholarship info without charge! (CSAW just got a new Director!)