RTA Media Production alumni create magazine and digital community
Rebelle Zine is the assignment-turned-passion project founded by a group of RTA School of Media alumni from The Creative School. The magazine is a digital space that features work by local creatives who identify as women and/or queer, with content including poetry, interviews, artwork, photography and more. Each issue focuses on an overarching theme that the content reflects.
Sarah McIntyre, an RTA Media Production graduate, dreamt up the idea during her third-year project development practicum.
With that, McIntyre created a proposal and pitched the idea, which gained interest from her classmates Serina Knight and Leila Da Poupada. The team grew to six executive members, each taking on a creative role. Da Poupada became the social media manager, McIntyre the creative director and photographer, and Knight, the graphic designer. Later, Maeve Devries joined them as the writer, now editor, Jenny Balite as the web designer, and Miku Sakamoto as the videographer. Devries explained that Rebelle Zine provided a space where she could openly write and develop her skill set. What started as a course requirement became a community network of creatives.
Creating a social media presence
Social media has played a large role in the success of the zine. With over 30 thousand likes on TikTok, Rebelle Zine is reaching audiences all across the platform.
“When our TikTok blew up, it became clear this was something bigger than we ever intended,” McIntyre adds. “So many people were interested in our community.”
The magazine continued to grow, producing two more issues the following year. As the submissions continued to flood in, the team expanded. By now, each executive member had a small team working with them in each department. Although the original six members had completed the practicum course, they continued building the Zine and growing the publication.
Taking the zine from start to finish
As the team grew, the production process became solidified. Each production team would hold their own meetings to assign tasks and ensure deadlines were met. The theme of each issue determines which submissions are accepted for each particular issue.
For Devries, the best part of working on the Zine is seeing it created from start to finish.
“It’s really cool to see, it was something that didn’t exist, and now it does,” Devries said “Holding a print version feels so rewarding.”
McIntyre shares similar feelings about the production process as a whole.
“My favourite part of the Zine is working in the early stages of production. When we’re still brainstorming and deciding the concepts, themes, and visuals, I love seeing it come to life,” she said. “Everyone puts a piece of them into the issues. It’s very fulfilling.”
The Zine recently held its very first launch party to celebrate the launch of its fourth issue and second print edition. The event was a massive success, with McIntyre overwhelmed by the incredible support from the community. The launch party was also the first time many of the team members met in person, as in the past two years, most of the production was conducted virtually.
Looking towards the future
For students looking to begin their own creative project, McIntyre shares some words of wisdom.
“If you have a venture in mind, look at people who are doing it well. See what makes them successful, and turn it into your own,” she said.
The future of Rebelle Zine is continuing to grow brighter after the release of its fourth issue. Knight expressed that the group’s goals for the future include diversifying the content they produce, adding a podcast and creating a place for contributors to share blog posts.
What began in an RTA Media classroom has no end in sight and will continue to grow with the help of RTA Media Production alumni and community members alike.
If you would like to contribute to Rebelle Zine, submissions are accepted (google form) here. (external link, opens in new window)
Follow Rebelle Zine on TikTok (external link, opens in new window) and Instagram (external link, opens in new window)
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Comprised of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.