Zine: How to Survive the Fall of Democracy with Joy and Whimsy in Your Heart

This is not a tongue-in-cheek or funny zine. This is a thoughtful and sincere exploration on how to hold onto joy, creativity, and connection in a world that feels overwhelming and like it’s falling apart. This zine is rooted in the belief that joy is a powerful act of resistance. Inside, you’ll fine essays, art prompts, community building ideas, and reflections on how to stay human when everything is collapsing around you. Whether you’re burned out, heartbroken, or just trying to make it through the day, this zine offers comfort, inspiration, and a reminder that joy is necessary.

As a bonus, each copy of this zine comes with an Artist Trading Card made by me! The one in the photo is an example – it may not look like that.

Other People Spreading JOY

Good News Girl – Jenn posts stories about good things every day. See her posts here: https://www.instagram.com/thatgoodnewsgirlhttps://www.instagram.com/thatgoodnewsgirl
Austin Kleon – in his weekly newsletter, her shares 10 things that he finds interesting and inspirational. Check it out here: https://austinkleon.substack.com/subscribe
OPB’s Super Abundant Newsletter – this is a weekly newsletter focused on good food news, interviews, recipes, and more! https://www.opb.org/show/superabundant
Good News Network – this is a website that shares all sorts of good things that are happening all over the world: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/
FLOOD the Streets with Art – Leading up to Black Friday, this group creates art and then leaves it around in their town for people to find and keep. https://www.facebook.com/groups/floodthestreetswithart

Image credits:

All block prints in the zine were drawn, cut, and printed by me!

Really cool to live in the USA meme: unknown

1 – By Emoji One, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89207696

2https://www.needpix.com/photo/664654/numbers-two-2-drop-shadow-typography-typographic-education-type-free-pictures

3https://freerangestock.com/photos/135357/number-3–bw.html

Bee behind photo: Conall on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/conall/48207904887

Mismatched socks: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rikomatic/5610683006  

Posted in Limited Edition Zines, New in the Etsy Shop, Zines.

Chrissy Bernards: bs social sciences and entrepreneurship. ms (june 2026) food systems and society.