Unspoken Thoughts is a 16+ SFW (safe-for-work) zine focused on a variety of mental health topics! While our zine aims to create a safe space for everyone, please be aware that it may contain sensitive and triggering material!This zine will feature both artists and writers, and it will be available for free in a digital format. In addition to the zine itself, we'll also offer digital merchandise, with 100% of the profits being donated to Take Back the Night, an organization that fights against sexual assault and violence.Please note that we do NOT accept heavy/explict gore within this zine as well as other rated-R subject matter such as nudity! We also have strong trigger warnings for SA (Sexual Assault), SH (Self-Harm), SI (Suicidal Ideation), EDs (Eating Disorders), abuse, and addiction!Please be aware that, as per our 16+ guidelines, minors will be included among the contributors and moderators of this project.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Contributor Applications Open | February 24th |
| Contributor Applications Close | March 24th |
| Reviewing Applications | March 25th - April 8th |
| Acceptance/Refusal Emails | April 9th - April 13th |
| Confirmations Due | April 28th |
| 1st Check-In | June 1st - June 5th |
| 2nd Check-In | July 1st - July 5th |
| 3rd Check-In | August 1st - August 5th |
| Final Check-In | September 1st - September 5th |
| Final Pieces Due | September 6th |
| Formatting | September 7th - October 5th |
| E-Zine Release | October 10th |
| Merch Available | October 10th - January 10th, 2026 |
What is a Zine?
A zine is a self-published magazine; a collection of works that can include photography, art, written work, cosplay, recipes, and more in a book format.What is this zine about?
This zine focuses on a variety of mental health topics! This zine is specifically a place where victims and survivors can share their stories comfortably without being exploited for profit, remind each other they’re not alone, and raise awareness.What's the minimum age requirement to join?
We ask that you are 16+ by the time contributor applications close on March 24th.Do I have to apply to be in the zine / Do I need a portfolio?
Yes, you do need to apply and you do need a portfolio (this can simply include one to two exemplars of your work). Our requirements and our applications can be found on our About page!Once the zine is completed, do I retain the rights to my work?
You do!How will contributors and mods communicate/keep in contact?
Contributors and mods will mostly keep in contact throughout our Discord server! Although final art submissions and acceptance/rejection letters will be done through our team email by our head mod.Am I allowed to drop out if something happens where I can no longer contribute to the zine?
Absolutely, we understand that certain circumstances arise where you cannot continue to contribute. All we ask is that you give our mods team a heads-up that you can no longer continue so we can contact a pinch hitter!How many contributors will this zine have?
This zine will have 45 - 50 contributors (20 writers and 25 - 30 artists)!Do I need to create original work for the zine or can I submit pieces I've already created and/or posted publicly?
Yes, original work will need to be created for this zine! Already created pieces will not be accepted.Can we collaborate with others on a piece?
Yes! You will be able to decide if you want to during the application period and who you want to work aside during the confirmations period (from April 14th - April 28th).Will the zine have guest contributors?
The zine will not have guest contributors, we will not be reaching out to anyone and those who want to be a part of this zine will have to apply!Can I apply for multiple roles?
Yes, you can! While we only approve 50 different contributors, we do allow contributors to make an additional piece if your first piece is done.
Do you have a question that isn't on here?! Please ask us through any of our socials (Bluesky, Instagram, or Tumblr) or our email, these can all be found at the top of our page!