London-based Zoe Thomspon is the founder of sweet-thang zine, which platforms art by Black people of marginalised genders. Zoe’s zine is all about “celebrating work by Black creatives worldwide, championing DIY culture and radical publishing”. She does everything from facilitating workshops to editing, has also worked with some of the coolest companies, from feminist book subscription Aphra, to radical youth arts collective Sounds Like Chaos. She’s been profiled by Creative Lives in Progress, and regularly runs events in London championing creativity. 

We spoke to Zoe about her journey so far, the art of keeping a diary, and who she looks up to.

Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

Hi, I’m Zoe, a zine artist, editor and workshop facilitator living in London. I love anything to do with zines, radical publishing, risograph and poetry. 

What do you do for work? 

I have recently leapt back into the freelance world to pursue my passion for zine-making, creative workshop facilitation and growing a community with sweet-thang zine.

How did you get to where you are today?

I fell right into freelancing straight out of university and dabbled (for two years!) in social media management. It was fulfilling and taught me a lot about the world of work until I realised social media wasn’t the space I wanted to stay in. I have been running sweet-thang zine since 2017 and it has always been something I did “on the side.” I pivoted from social media and just finished a year with Creative Lives In Progress as their Listings Coordinator. I’d been getting more and more opportunities to expand my craft as a zine artist/workshop host, so it feels like the right time to explore it directly and not just as a “side hustle.”

What does living a good life mean to you?

For me, living a good life means cultivating a lifestyle that feels nourishing and sustainable. It’s also about being part of a community that makes you feel seen!

What’s something you wish you’d known 5 years ago?

That taking your time is okay. Your journey doesn’t have to look like everyone else's. 

Who’s someone you look up to? 

My friend and global brand social media and marketing consultant Amarie Cassidy - we met through the biz club Babes on Waves, and I just find her work so inspiring! 

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learnt? 

To feel the fear and do it anyway.

What do you dream about?

I dream about running a thriving zine and indie press that celebrates marginalised voices worldwide, connecting with like-minded people across the globe. 

I also dream of running a bilingual publishing house in London + Paris! Connecting with the DIY indie publishing scenes there and documenting, archiving and exploring important topics through visual art and creative writing.

What is one thing you recommend?

Journaling or keeping a diary. I’ve kept all my diaries from the past 10 years. As well as the mindfulness habit it has built, it’s also entertaining af to read back on all of my teen angst. 

What song would be the soundtrack to your life?

Prism by Say She She is currently soundtracking this new chapter. It’s joyful, optimistic and soulful.

Finally, give us a hotspot in your city, or a city you love!

JuJu’s Bar in Shoreditch is my go-to!