Small but mighty: 7 ways to stand out with mini newspapers

Our mini newspapers are a perfect little way to catch a lot of readers. Trimmed and stapled like a magazine, they're a small but mighty format when it comes to catalogues, event programmes, reports and even wedding invitations. And you can print your own starting from just 1 copy!

Below, see 7 ways our creative community uses mini newspapers to make a big impact – from launching a new brand to producing a page-turning portfolio.

The creative catalogue

Los Angeles-based Heather Taylor Home makes handwoven linens and home goods that have been featured in publications like Vogue, The New Times and Architectural Digest. Their mini catalogue offers "a little peek into our world outside of the products that we make," through recipes and interviews with their creative collaborators.

"Reconnecting to a real-life experience like flipping through a magazine is comforting and nostalgic."

“When most of our lives exist online, reconnecting to a real life experience like flipping through a magazine, dog-earring pages or circling the letters in a quiz is comforting and nostalgic," they say. And it's been a big boost for brand awareness: "Creators we feature share the content with their audience and it just keeps growing our community and customer base!”

The page-turner portfolio

You may recognise Australian artist David McLeod's digital illustrations from his work with brands like Nike, IBM, Dropbox and MAC Cosmetics. His agency, MUCH Creative, created this mini newspaper as a lightweight alternative to the standard artist portfolio.

"Our clients love the mini newspaper format – the colours pop and the textures shine through every image."

“We wanted something to showcase our artist’s work that could also be left behind, shared and collected,” says MUCH founder Matthew LeBaron. “Our clients love the mini newspaper format — the details are sharp, the colours pop and the textures shine through every image.”

The remarkable report

Instead of yet another PDF, make your agency’s annual report a page-turner. Take a cue from Bullhorn, a Kentucky-based design agency and certified B Corporation, who reflect on their work in this eye-catching mini.

Featuring interviews and stories from clients and the Bullhorn team, creative director Adam Kuhn says the printed newspapers have been “a fantastic compliment” to the companion website Bullhorn is using to reach out to new clients.

The illustrated intro

“What’s the best thing you’ve ever drawn?” That was the question posed to members of Illustrators for Hire, a platform promoting the work of freelance illustrators. Responses from 144 professional illustrators are compiled in this zine, which was sent to art directors and editors around the world.

From favourite foods to career milestones, it’s a peek into a brilliant mix of creative minds — and was a hit with readers. "We sold out our entire print run in less than one month,” says Illustrators for Hire co-founder Nate Padavick. “And a magazine art director discovered and reached out to an illustrator featured in the newspaper!"

The student showcase

Designed entirely by students, this degree show catalogue showcases work from graduates of UClan's Fashion Promotion programme. The zine is sent to agencies and companies looking to hire fresh talent and distributed at the university's open days to promote the course.

"The mini photographs well and it slim enough to slot into a physical portfolio!"

"We love the digital mini format," says UClan lecturer Hollie Spade. "It photographs well and is slim enough to slot into a physical portfolio when the time comes!"

The lively launch

This illustrated zine draws you into the colourful world of Henderson and Glass, a new coffee shop and cocktail bar in Douglas, Isle of Man. Created to promote their opening this year, the mini newspaper tells the story of the business and highlights their focus on sustainable sourcing — and love of a well-made espresso martini. The result is an informative but playful introduction to the brand and its mission.

The newlywed news

Instead of a regular wedding program, newlyweds Adam and Agniya went with a zine to share more of their love story. They included baby photos, text of the readings from their service and even a map pinpointing special places: where their families live, where they took their first trip together and where they got engaged.

"Everyone absolutely loved it. And it felt great to be able to say we did it ourselves."

They used Canva to make their mini (“Our guests thought we must have hired someone when they saw it!" says Adam) and you can find out exactly how they did it in our guide to making a wedding zine.

Make your own newspaper with Newspaper Club. Print runs start at 1 copy!

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