Mapping Journeys Through Making: A Youth Zine Project at St Anne’s House
How do you tell the story of a city through the eyes of the people growing up in it?
Over six weeks from September to October, seven young people aged 14–16 explored exactly that; by creating their first ever zine, titled Nightmare on Bus Lane.
Supported by Youth Programme Producer Holly le Var and artist Jo Chalkblack, the group took part in a youth-led zine-making programme exploring the No.36 bus route and what it’s really like to use public transport in Bristol as a teenager. Conversations flowed quickly: from long waits and busy routes, to cost, comfort, and even the dream of having music on the bus.
The group began by sketching their journeys on long receipt rolls, capturing the rhythms of their daily travel. These drawings were combined with DIY collage techniques, recycled materials, photography and writing, before being scanned and shaped into a collaborative, self-published zine.
Across the six sessions, the group built new artistic skills, experimented with recycled materials, and grew more confident in sharing their ideas. The process fostered leadership, teamwork and decision-making, resulting in a fully youth-led, youth-produced publication.
This programme sits within the wider Bricks Youth Programme, which creates accessible, community-rooted opportunities for young people to build creative skills, explore their city and take an active role in shaping local culture.
The project encouraged young people to look closely at the 36 bus route — not just as passengers, but as citizens. Through mapping, drawing and discussion, they reflected on how public transport links daily life with local identity, green spaces and sustainable choices.
A staff visit from WESTACT deepened these conversations, giving the group insight into transport policy, climate action and how everyday journeys connect to wider questions of sustainability and community resilience.
In the final session, the group visited local RISO studio 16 Tonne to professionally print and bind their zine. They learned how RISO machines work — from master sheets to ink drums — and printed 150 copies, folding and stapling their own editions.
This hands-on experience not only brought the project to life but introduced the group to creative career pathways, showing how artists and printers build work around skill, passion and community.
A huge thank you to volunteers Scarlet (@scarlets_art) and Polly (@p0oart) for supporting the sessions with energy, creativity and care. This project was made possible with support from the Centre for Sustainable Energy, strengthening links between creative learning, transport justice and climate awareness.
What’s next
- Young people will distribute printed copies of Nightmare on Bus Lane at the St Anne’s House Winter Market (29 November).
- They will also share their work at a local Climate Event (4 December) at SAH, opening up conversations around youth voice, sustainable travel and creativity as a tool for social action.
Have a read of the zine below!