What is a zine?

Zines are a collection of various images, texts, and messages within a booklet format. Zines are made from interest, passion, and are often self-published by the writer, artist, and or creator extending to group collaborations.

Who runs CosmicCowZine?

CosmicCowZine is created and run by mod mochosum (@mochosum), a workaholic who loves to unleash brainrot on a large scale. 

How are the themes of the zine chosen?

Mod mochosum chooses the fandom themes of the zine based on personal interest. It's quite difficult to lead zines if there's no passion for the theme of the zine. 

Why the name CosmicCowZine? and how was it created?

"Well, I like anything starry-galactic, so "cosmic" was chosen. And aiming for something with alliteration, I chose my favorite animal, "cow". Pretty dumb and simple, but I like it that way. 

Cosmiccowzine was created during quarantine in 2020. After I bought "Arise: BNHA Fashion zine" by JammyJellyZines, something stuck and I couldn't shake the feeling that I want to be do something similar. So with the quarantine and ample time on my hands, I gathered some amazing artist friends to join me as guest artists and started the first zine, "Elements: An ATLA fanzine". And the rest was history (and a bunch of fun, crazy brainrot)."

-@mochosum

Are the zines made for profit or for charity? 

The zines are made for profit. Funding goes to manufacturing, shipping, zine contributors, and taxes. 

Special zine/art are for charity (e.g., the signed Elements zine designated for auction and charity)

I have a large following on socials, can I get a free copy of the zine to promote?

This answer varies for each different zine organizations, but for our projects: no. We are often asked for free copies/packages of our zine and merch. While we would love to send PR packages of our projects, we do not have the means to be sending out multiple batches of free copies.

How can I join your projects?

If and when applications are open, we'll have announcements shared on our social media platforms. Be sure to follow @cosmiccowzine on instagram, twitter, and tumblr to never miss on open application announcements.

How are you judging the applications?

Acceptance is based on skill and style, not followers. Please note that we get many applications for our zines. Being rejected from the zine applications does not mean that you do not have skill or style. Rather, with limited entry slots, the choice really comes down to which artist has a better grasp on fundamentals and how we can utilize their style within the zine. 

Additionally, while we accept artists who have worked with cosmiccowzine before, we do try to limit how many of those contributors should return. It would be highly unfair for new interested applicants if a majority of the slots went to previous contributors who worked with Cosmiccowzine before, even if those previous contributors have a strong portfolio. We want to allow more opportunity for new people to join our zines. 

We really wish we could accept more people into the zines, but management would be a nightmare especially on such a specifically formatted zine like ours. We encourage all rejected applicants to continue working on their portfolio and apply with us again. Keep being awesome!

Are there applications for merch artists?

Most zines have separate applications for page artists and merch artists, but we don't. Cosmiccowzine is different in that there is no application for merch positions. Out of all accepted page artists, a few artists are chosen for merch duties. The merch types and topics are already planned ahead of time, so artists are chosen based on art styles that fit the specific merch planned (i.e., if a chibi keychain is planned, artists whose portfolio shows a comfort in chibi type art are most likely to be chosen). 

How will contributors of the zine be paid?

Contributors of the zine will receive a physical copy of the zine as well as all the merch. Any extra profit made from the fanzines will be distributed accordingly to the contributors (amount of payment to be distributed based on amount of work contributed). If there is profit made, contributors will need to have a PayPal account to receive payment. Details of payment to be clarified further in the zine process.

Where can I purchase your zines?

Our shop link is: shop.cosmiccowzine.com. Not all products will be up on the shop year round. Our main products are available during "pre-orders" and "leftover" sales. Be sure to check the schedule.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship worldwide. Depending on which bundle you order, shipping costs from 15 USD to 20 USD. 

How long does shipping take? Will it include tracking numbers?

We ship from California. Our current estimate is one to two weeks for USA orders and three to four weeks for international orders. All orders will receive tracking numbers via email. 

I ordered a month ago, where's my package?

Zines and merch take a while to produce. At the end of the preorder period, the production/manufacturing process begins and typically takes 1-2 months (depending on the merch involved). 

What if my zine is lost or damaged?

If your zine has not arrived within a month of shipment or if your zine arrives with significant damage, please email us with your order number. If damaged, please provide images so we can discuss possible replacements/refunds.

When is it too late to cancel/change my order?

To change bundles, contact us immediately so we can refund your order (change in bundles can only occur during pre-order period). Three weeks after preorders end is the last day to cancel your order. To change shipping address, please contact us immediately (change in address must happen at least a week prior to shipments as scheduled).