Welcome to another week of Comacan questions, this week we find ourselves visiting such an important part of the skateboard community, Magazines. Reaching into every corner of the skateboarding culture zines help spread the word, the stoke and the love that skateboarding shares to a wide audience on a wide scale while still keeping that tangible object that you can physically hold and flip through as compared to the more popular than ever digital feed (Ironic, we know). With that in mind we are so grateful to have these zines to highlight in print these special moments, shots and experiences. Many Zines start local and have the potential to reach far and wide, as we have definitely seen with this weeks guest, who has been able to send copies all around the world. This week we are proud to share a source of inclusiveness, community and hype, Enjoy our interview with Wordzine.
Why did you name your magazine WordZine?
It’s a really versatile name. I never really considered anything else it just worked from day 1. Possibly through my self-conscious the one line in The Notorious B.I.G song “Juicy” could have been a part of it…”It was all a dream….I used to read Word-Up Magazine”.
Who runs WordZine?
My names Alex Varney and I run it 🙂.
Where are you based out?
Based outta Toronto, Ontario. Right downtown where the action is.
When did you Start Word?
It was started in 2008 when I moved to Toronto from Kitchener. I was living in a bachelor apartment on Queen St. West across the street from Much Music.
What’s the Inspiration for Running a Magazine?
For me it’s the way I keep involved with the skate scenes and skate industry. They’re two different things but they go hand-in-hand.
Are you involved in any other projects?
There are a lot of ways I use WordZine for different types of projects, but I try to keep them all under that umbrella. Zine issues, skate contests, art shows, video projects, trips, product etc.
Do you sell Products?
From time to time. When there’s an opportunity to release product, I always consider it. Sometimes it works out other times it doesn’t.
I’m going to be pursuing collabs more in the future as it’s a great way to work together with other brands but also not have to commit to the full cost by myself to produce stuff. We’ll see what comes down the pipe.
How can people get involved with Word Zine?
Skate photos, art/doodles and party photos can be submitted, and I attempt to use all things people send my way in the next issue. the email address is sk8_931@hotmail.com. For questions people can reach me also through insta DMs.
What does Skateboarding mean to you?
Skateboarding means a lot to me. The more I’ve grown with it as a part of my life, the more opportunity it’s given me. Some of the best people in the world I’ve met are skateboarders whether young or old.
Anyone you’d like to thank?
Thank you to CoMaCan for the interview. Holler to the homies at Dunbat skatepark in Toronto. To the friends across Canada and the world that have come to either a release events, skate contests or trips. More to come soon. Rep your scene.
