A zine is a small, self-published booklet, handmade by one person or a few. Whoever made it decided it should exist - could be a need to create, could be at the service of social issues or to represent communities. In any case - someone decided it should exist and then it did.
Cosmic Valentine is an independent creative studio, zine, and workshop based in California - created from the idea of making something. Issue 1 is out. Here's what it is for us.
The lineage
The visual tradition behind Cosmic Valentine Zine is a love letter to skateboarding and the art that inspired it. California hotrodders helped build and define the early look of skateboarding - Detroit V8 badges and the creative direction of C.R. Stecyk, pinstriping. The hand-lettering of Rick Griffin, the graffiti of Chaz, alternative comics like Zap with Robert Williams, and punk and skate 'zines that captured the expansion of skateboarding and DIY culture from backyard ramps in California to cities across America and then the world. But the biggest inspiration for this zine - the love that Rich Jacobs put into his community, his work, and his zines. That was the inspiration to make this 'zine.
Issue 1
Three threads: Daily Affirmations, Skate Jazz, and Public Domain.
Daily Affirmations — graphic rips and flips from public domain sources in London, Paris, and Los Angeles.
Skate Jazz — a playlist curated by Ray Barbee. A QR code in the zine takes you to it on Spotify. Ray is one of the most influential skaters of all time. His approach, style and musical talents have helped define skateboarding culture, and this playlist is a wonderful representation of how he sees the idea of “Skate Jazz.” Listen to the playlist, or read What Is Skate Jazz?
Public Domain — the graphic language of the whole thing. Historical imagery repurposed, remixed, in an edition of 100 hand-numbered copies.
The zine sits in a notepad protective cover held by stretchy rubber Heart Strings. A "Break My Heart" breakaway cosmic heart keychain. A glow-in-the-dark peace paper clip/bookmark holds a cosmic jazz postcard and stickers inside. Workshop-made. Hand-numbered. Hope you like it.
Cosmic Valentine is an independent creative studio, zine, and workshop based in California. Born from skate, surf, punk, vintage racing, underground art, and obsessive design. Experimental art, media, objects... Zines, skateboard hardgoods, and skate jazz.
