Hi Ayano, thank you for letting us interview you. I have noticed that your zine was selected for Space Invaders (current NGA gallery exhibition), that is really impressive Ayano, congratulations! First of all, we would like to learn a little bit about you, what you like doing? What do you like learning about?

Hi Carla, and thanks. I’ve always liked drawing as a child as it’s something that I still do a bit of in my spare time. I am quite curious and like to learn about anything from why mozzie bites itch to Victorian architecture but at the moment I’m interested in Henri Matisse and plan to go the Matisse exhibition in Brisbane at the Gallery of Modern Art. I also really want to see Milford Sound and want to trek in that area too.

Most zine makers start making zines after finding zines they really like or after attending zine festivals. Was this the case for you? How did you first learn about zines? When did you become a zine maker?

My friend made his own little zine and stocked it at Sticky Institute in Melbourne. That was when I was first introduced to zines. I felt a handmade love and individual voice to the works there and naturally wondered if anybody would like my work as well.

How did you find the process of making Audrey & Audrey? Was it enjoyable? Was there anything challenging about the process? Any tips you feel like sharing with other zine makers?

I found the process engrossing and never a torture. It was pretty time consuming though and took me about a year from conception to completion. I think the hardest thing is to realise a vague daydream into an actual, finished piece of work. Perhaps it’s related but I have a funny jinx where if I talk about a zine idea, I can’t get on with it. It’s as though I’ve communicated it to someone already so there is no need to put it into a pictorial/printed form.  So I try not to talk about my zines in progress anymore.

Regarding tips I can really only say to just go for it. Don’t be worried what people will think and just have a go.

How and why did you choose the theme of Audrey & Audrey?

Audrey came to me in a spritely way, but I think it is inspired by the strange feeling when you get on a train at night. It’s a special environment – a night train – and so many people have written about it.

Let’s now find out what you think about zines in general. Why do you think zines are an important creative medium? Is there anything you sometimes dislike about zines?

I think zines are great, they really come in all shapes and sizes and feel like there is so much more freedom as compared to mainstream publishing.

Thank you very much Ayano.