Today’s interview with a zinester features Philly-based creator of Screentests, Annie Mok. Illustrator, writer, singer (and fantastic dancer), “dream warrior comix-babe” – she’s a big deal. Check her out:
1. Kindly give us a short description of yourself and the work you do.
My name is Annie Mok. I identify as a trans woman, plus sometimes other things too / in addition to rather than instead of being a trans woman. I make comics solo and collaborative, draw illustrations, and sing in a band called See-Through Girls. I live in West Philly in a tall house called Witchhazel House.
2. How did you get introduced to zines? Were you influenced by anyone?
I got introduced to zines through a grab bag that was offered for free off a message board in 2005, when I was in high school. I read zines by lots of people, including Rocket Queen #2, and Taryn Hipp’s Girl Swirl and A Girl Called Mike. Later I found minicomics when I went to art school in Minneapolis. As far as zines go, King-Cat by John P. affected me strongly.
3. What does it mean to do “feminist zine-making”? Does feminism appear in your work (explicitly or implicitly)?
Since I’m a woman, and my work advocates for my lived experience as valid, the work is “feminist.”
4. What is your favorite zine or piece of mail art? Do you like any specific style/part of a zine?
I re-read Gabrielle Bell’s minis, published by Uncivilized Books, over and over.
5. If you could sum up your zinester life in a kitchen appliance, what appliance would it be?
A ceramic thing to make a pour-over coffee.
NYC Feminist Zinefest 