Counter-Archive Zine- “Good Thing You Didn’t Want Kids”
I chose to create my zine digitally because most of my image sources were in digital format, making it easier for me to work with.
My zine includes real data collected from my period tracker app, information provided by my doctor, photographs I took of my medications, online images, and a timeline of my personal journey with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Additionally, there is an informational poster about PCOS on the back.
Initially, I considered making my zine about the Salem Witch Trials since the true story is not well-known, and I became interested in it during a visit to Salem. However, after going through some personal experiences, I decided to focus on PCOS instead. This condition is not widely recognized, and there is limited research available, so I wanted to share my story and the challenges I faced in finding a system that works for me.
To start, I gathered screenshots from my period tracker app to show how many days I go between periods due to PCOS, which I used for page 3. I then took a picture of all the items I use to manage my symptoms and created a collage for the back cover. For page 4, I scanned the informational sheet that comes with birth control pills and used it as the background, adding images I found online.
For the first page, I layered two different pictures of groups of women multiple times to create the effect of a crowd. Pages 1 and 2 feature statistics and facts about PCOS that my doctor provided. For pages 5 and 6, I included more of my personal stories by highlighting the key milestones in my journey with PCOS.
The title of my zine comes from something my mom said to me when I found out I had PCOS. It resonated with me deeply and felt fitting to use at the beginning of the zine. I chose a light teal color throughout the zine because it represents the PCOS awareness ribbon.
The poster on the back contains information I gathered from my period tracking app and includes a self-care section with resources related to periods and other conditions. I aimed for the back to be more informational, providing answers for others who may be experiencing similar challenges.
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