Life is loud. Messy. Layered. Contradictory. Creative work rarely comes from clean lines and quiet rooms.
For Zine 0009, we’re embracing Chaos. The creative kind. The colourful kind. The kind that lives in half-finished sketchbooks, clashing palettes, overlapping ideas, and a brain that refuses to move in straight lines.
This is the chaos of imagination. Of too many ideas at once. Of colour on colour. Of compositions that don’t behave. Of friction before things work, or maybe never fully do.
Chaos can feel overwhelming. It can also feel freeing. Somewhere inside the noise and the visual overload, something honest starts to form. Not after it’s cleaned up. While it’s still messy.
This issue is about the chaos of creation. Sitting in the friction. Letting excess exist. Letting ideas collide. Showing the mess before clarity and the process that looks chaotic from the outside but feels completely natural from the inside.
This can live in burnout or obsession, in choosing colour, texture, and noise on purpose, or in loosening control and seeing what happens.
This will be the final zine in this series. Bold, colourful, and fully committed to the mess.
Accepted media*:
This list is not exhaustive, so please get in touch should you be interested in contributing with another form of submission.
If it’s creative, we are interested!
We encourage you to submit your text in your native language alongside an English translation. We will make the translation available through a QR code for readers.
*Please note we will only accept submissions that are not infringed under any copyright laws (i.e. previously submitted or paid work elsewhere).Also, if your submission involved the use of AI for image-making or writing, please disclose this in your application.
**For audio and video submissions, we will use a QR code to direct readers to your piece.
To apply, please download the following Application Document and follow the instructions below. Finally send your submission via a compressed zip folder through this form. Your folder must contain the following:
Your media files must be accompanied by the following Application Document. Be sure to read the call for submisssions properly and include the information below (or follow prompts in the document).
Submit your application (zip folder) here
*The application form must include the following:
If you fail to submit the previous information properly, it will put you at a disadvantage for your zine submission.
Selected designers/artists will be advised of their inclusion in the zine in the summer of 2026.
Designers / artists will receive:
Should you have any questions please reach out to Izzy Poirier (hello@ottdesign.club)
Q: Will I be eliminated if I don't follow the instructions above?
A: Unfortunately, yes. We got so many submissions, we can't go after every one of you to get the proper file organization and information. Make sure you zip you folder!
Q: I don’t have any professional photos of myself… can I send a selfie?
A: Yes, as long as the photo is in high resolution.
Q: If I submit anonymously, do I need to send you a portrait?
A: This would go against using a pseudonym (unless you want to be recognized under that name). You can always submit another photo that could replace your portrait, and make it artsy.😉
Q: Can I submit my work if I live outside of Canada?
A: Yes! The pandemic has allowed us to expand our club radius. If you like creativity, you’re in the club. Simple as that!
Q: Can I submit my work even if I was featured in the previous zine?
A: Yes, if you feel like your work is a good fit, we want to see it!
Q: I have multiple series of works that would be a good fit for this issue, can I submit more than one submission?
A: Of course! As long as you follow all the requirements mentioned above.
Q: Will I be required to do anything if I get selected?
A: Yes, we ask all the featured artists to help us with the zine promotion. We will give you a social media kit to make it easy for you.
Q: Can I submit my work anonymously?
A: Yes, but we recommend using a pseudonym. We would still need your contact information and mailing address if you're selected to be featured.