Zel Hizó, a talented ten-year-old zinemaker, is making waves in the Chicago art scene with her creative projects. From zines about Freddie Mercury to her dream dog Baguette, Zel’s work showcases her diverse interests and artistic skills. Apart from zines, she also designs T-shirts, stickers, and even created a unique piece called Frogalisa, blending art and humor.
Zel’s creative journey began when she needed something to do while alone or bored at home. Her first zine on Freddie Mercury was a hit among her classmates, sparking her passion for zinemaking. She continues to explore different themes in her zines, like mixtape zines featuring her favorite songs and a zine dedicated to her stuffed animal buddies.
Inspired by cartoons and manga, Zel’s bubbly and charming art style reflects her love for Adventure Time and other animated series. She experiments with different mediums like clay, photography, and even garbage art, showcasing her innovative approach to creativity. Zel’s dedication to her craft is evident in her attention to detail, whether she’s drawing dachshunds for her Baguette zine or crafting sculptures for her dollhouse.
Attending zine fairs like CAKE and Zine Fest, Zel shares her work with the community, selling her creations at local spots like Pinwheel Records. Her mom’s encouragement and support have been instrumental in Zel’s artistic journey, leading to collaborations with fellow artists like Oscar Arriola.
As Zel continues to hone her skills and explore new ideas, she remains committed to using art as a form of self-expression and storytelling. Her passion for creating art that brings joy and laughter to others is a testament to the power of creativity at any age. Through her zines, T-shirts, and quirky projects, Zel Hizó is making a name for herself in the vibrant art scene of Chicago, inspiring others to embrace their creativity and share their unique stories with the world.
