Pressed Flowers is a fan-made Bungou Stray Dogs zine themed around flowers and flower symbolism, utilizing the extensive cast from the series, both canon and alternate universe.From Eastern to Western cultures all around the world, we aim to express a variety of flora in ancient and modern languages alike.Current phase: Site launched, interest check coming soon!
FAQ
WHAT IS A ZINE?
A zine is a fan-made magazine, either physical or digital, based on a specific concept. It may contain a variety of creations, including but not limited to: writing pieces, art pieces, photography, and digital and/or physical merchandise. In our case, Pressed Flowers will be a digital zine available for download as a PDF along with digital merchandise.
WHAT IS THIS ZINE ABOUT?
Our zine's vision is to incorporate a wide variety of the world's flora and their meanings through the creations of our contributors. Anything from rhododendrons to red spider lilies to poison ivy is welcome here!We hope that, with this being a broad theme, it will encourage creators to showcase flora in both positive and negative meanings in different genres.
WHAT CONTENT IS ALLOWED?
We accept the entire cast of Bungou Stray Dogs, including those who only appear in the light novels and spin-offs! Duplicate characters will be considered and may be featured in our project, but our team more than encourages diversity by picking lesser explored characters or characters from different timelines or different ages.While our zine is not specifically ship-centric, both gen and ship creations are accepted.We have zero tolerance for harassment in any shape or form, including—but not limited to—shaming and ship discourse. Any offender will be removed at the team's discretion. Further information can be found in our guidelines about what is allowed.
WHAT ARE THE ZINE SPECIFICATIONS?
Digital, available for free, SFW + NSFW/DD add-on.
We're looking for approximately 20 artists and 20 writers, as well as a few merchandise artists and cosplayers. These numbers are estimates; the final count will depend on the project's popularity and mod's capacity.
ARE AUS ALLOWED?
AUs are more than welcome—whether it be canon divergence or creations set in a different universe. We fully encourage different interpretations involving the characters!
WHO IS ALLOWED TO APPLY?
All individuals 18+ are welcome to apply. Our zine will feature content not suitable for minors, and so this requirement is non-negotiable. You must be 18+ at the time of applying.
ARE WE ALLOWED TO APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE ROLE?
Applicants are welcome to apply for as few or as many roles as they wish to be considered for. However, if selected, an individual will only be put in one position.
WHAT IF MY QUESTION ISN'T HERE?
We understand that our concept may raise a lot of questions that we didn't answer here, and we have several ways we can be reached. If you cannot find an answer there, please email us at [email protected] or contact us through one of our other social media sites below. A social media mod will reply as soon as possible.
SCHEDULE
| DATE | EVENT |
|---|---|
| January 9 | Interest Check Opens |
| January 31 | Interest Check Closes |
| February 14 | Contributor Applications Open |
| March 14 | Contributor Applications Close |
| March 24 | Contributor Acceptance Results |
| April 15 | Confirm Contributor Pitches |
| May 1 | 1st Check-In |
| June 1 | 2nd Check-In |
| July 1 | 3rd Check-In |
| August 1 | Final Submission |
| September, 2026 | Release |
Cinny
Co-Head Mod & Lead BetaHi! I'm Cinny. I've been part of the BSD fandom since early 2024, and this is my first time as co-head mod for a BSD event. You may have seen me previously as a mod in the Literary Ladies Zine and the Beast SKK Bang. Being part of BSD events has been a lot of fun! I hope we can come together to create a wonderful and fun zine! What I look forward to the most is meeting new people and bonding over our deep love for BSD. If you ever want to talk, my DMs are always open!
Abram
Co-Head Mod & Lead Social MediaHi hello, I'm Abram! I first watched BSD back in 2019, but only really got into the fandom in 2024 and now I'm stuck here (or are you all stuck with me?) I've just recently gotten into being a part of events from the mod side, first running the Soukoku Mixtape Exchange and now participating as a co-head here (!!!). I've made it my goal to do whatever I can to grow and nurture this fandom and I can't wait to see what we can do as a community <3
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me! And if I don't have the answer, I will help you find it 🖤🖤
Rosie
Graphics ModHi, I'm Rosie, and I love making my favorite characters suffer as an act of love. I have previous web designing and graphic designing for forums like Jcink, and I can't wait to get to help with this zine's art direction! I've been insane over flower language for as long as I can remember, so gimme ALL the symbolism!
Nawy
Formatting ModHello, I’m Nawy! I joined the fandom over 4 years ago now and have been having a great time sharing my fanart on tumblr. I've participated in BSD zines before as an artist, and held a small event on my blog where fellow fans could send in their own BSD art to contribute to a big collaborative piece. For this project, I look forward to using some other skills of mine in collaboration with our team to create a backdrop to best present all your wonderful creations!
OUR INTERNS
Ari (Nevertheblood)
Beta InternHi, I'm Ari! (he/they)
Dazai enjoyer and multishipper since 2016 🤭 I've written for zines before but this is my first time working from the organisational side! I want to apply my skills and be the change I wish to see in fandom, i.e. fostering deeply creative spaces that are welcoming and enjoyable for everyone 🙇 Thank you for the opportunity, I look forward to looking over (and screaming about) everyone's wonderful ideas! 🥰
Ellie
Beta InternHi, I'm Ellie! ♡ I've been drowning in BSD brainrot since late 2021 and have written quite a bit during that time - some for zines and events, all for fun! It's so much fun finally learning how all of the backstage zine magic happens. I'm excited to help our writers create stories that they love and are proud of whether that's through brainstorming, cheerleading, editing, or anything else they want support with! I can't wait to get to know everyone involved with this project and share our passion for BSD together!
Loulits
Beta InternHeya, I’m Lou .ᐟ ✧
Diagnosed with BSD brainrot since 2020 and hopelessly devoted to SKK—it’s a daily coin toss which disaster man owns my heart ♡ Here to cheer on our amazing writers, learn the behind-the-scenes magic, and help polish drafts sharp enough to rival Chuuya’s roundhouse kick™✴︎.ᐟ
I’ll bring equal parts chaos and care, because fandom shines brightest when everyone feels hyped and supported! Let’s build something creative, fun, and a little unhinged together! ღ
❥ icon by Soup
Emi | Mxxnlit
Art InternHi I'm Emi, your friendly local angst gremlin! I've been lurking the BSD fandom since 2017 and actively contributing since 2019. My wheelhouse is usually writing emotionally charged SKK but this time around I'll be helping out as an art mod! (This is my first time as a mod so please bear with me as I learn, but I do have art credentials: I went to school for animation and a lot of that involved learning how to give and take constructive criticism, which is very helpful here!)
I hope that together we can build a beautiful zine we're all proud of!
Kaez
Art InternHello, I'm Kaez. I've been into BSD since 2018, though I only started interacting with the fandom a year ago. Most of my experience in fandom events comes from running and modding events in servers. I'm really looking forward to learning more about zines and most of all, to help and support the other amazing staff on this project.
I can't wait to see what we will all create together!
Saur
Art & Social Media InternHello everyone, I'm Saur, your bungo baker. I'm pretty new in this realm of orphan tiger child. Started cooking up fanfics this year in February. And if you ever need a concoction of bittersweet angst and tooth rotting fluff, I'll be your person. Feel free to consider me as your local ranpo (I do have a reputation for flawless predictions :3). I joined this project to learn about the basics of organizing a zine and help my sweet friends make this one a great bake! Lastly I dedicate all of my work done here to my mate J as his birthday gift. Here's a big treat for you.
Ene
Social Media InternHey! I’m Ene, your (slightly chaotic) trusted writer, stuck in skk prison since September 2024. Torturing blorbos is my specialty—it’s a joke! Rambling and freaking out over things I love is my favorite hobby. This is my first time helping organize an event, so bear with me! I’m so excited to be here and can’t wait to see all your amazing ideas!
Supporting our talented writers and artists is what truly fills my heart, and it’s why I joined this project. Let’s make this fandom a beautiful and welcoming space!
Icon by: Lu
Ash
Social Media InternHii ash here! your local yapper! •ᴗ• I've been in the fandom for 4 years now and wanted to try out new things, thus me joining this event. (˵¯͒〰¯͒˵)
This is my first time helping with an event, I'm looking forward to learn more from this experience and to make more friends (≧ ︿ ≦)
I am so excited to work with so many talented content creators! <3 I cant wait to see how this project comes to life with all your amazing ideas. (づ ◕‿◕ )づ
Don't hesitate to hmu I dont bite ( ˘▾˘)
CONTRIBUTOR GUIDELINES
✿ Contributor Expectations ✿☆ The core expectations when joining this project are teamwork and communication. This is a group project after all, and we want it to be as fun and engaging as possible. A creator unwilling to communicate with team members would not be a good fit for this zine; they are encouraged to create their own flower-themed BSD works individually outside of this project.☆ We expect you to be available to work on the project during the creation period, which is planned to be from April 2026 to August 2026. You can find our tentative schedule in the schedule tab.
☆ During the entirety of the creation period, we require confidentiality; this means no sharing works in progress on social media. We also ask that contributors respect the privacy of one another and not spoil any content within the zine. However, once the creation period is underway, we will have forms with the option to showcase your in-progress work on our socials!☆ Our zine requires that every piece feature florae in some significant manner. We do not require that an entire piece be only about flowers, as interpretation can vary wildly between cultures and individuals, but florae and/or symbolism must be a large focus.
**✿ Contributor Creations ✿☆ If accepted, we ask contributors to create one work featuring one or more Bungou Stray Dog character(s) in relation to one or more flowers based on flower language. We require all creations to be original and made for the zine.↪ Writers: Will complete a one-shot fanfiction or poem. Additionally, the written one-shot or poem must be a standalone piece until the project wraps up; then, you can post it on AO3 if you'd like.↪ Artists: Will create either a portrait-oriented full-page illustration or a double-page spread (following size guidelines).↪ Merch artist: Will create a single type of digital merch (i.e., Discord emoji, phone or desktop backgrounds, printable bookmarks, etc.) which may include multiple elements.↪ Cosplayer: a full-page portrait-oriented photograph of your BSD cosplay incorporating a multitude of flowers in an artistic composition. Permission from any other cosplayer with you and from the photographer MUST be obtained in writing, and a watermark is allowed. While suggestive clothing and poses are permitted, please note that genitalia and nipples (no matter the gender) are forbidden.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Thank you for your interest in applying for Pressed Flowers: A Bungou Stray Dogs floral-themed zine! Below, you will find the necessary information to submit your application. Additionally, if our moderators are unable to access your work, we will proceed without your application. So please ensure that all sample links work correctly before submitting. Good luck!
✿ Requirements for Applying ✿☆ We require all creations to be original and made for the zine.
☆ Must be at least 18 years old.☆ Must have a Discord account to join our server.☆ You may apply to multiple positions, but you can only obtain one. Positions available include writer, cover artist/ page artist/ merch artist, and cosplayer.☆ No AI tolerated at any level of the project, ever. This is a cause for removal from the project.☆ Must provide three (3) samples of your best work for the role(s) you apply for.
✿ When Applying ✿
☆ One sample MUST be Bungou Stray Dogs; others can be any fandom.☆ NSFW samples are permitted EXCEPT for cosplayer photographs: suggestive/boudoir is okay, but we forbid genitalia and nipples (any gender). NSFW content warnings MUST be included in the form.
Providing Samples
↪ Artists and Merch Artist: one sample MUST have a background. You may use your social media accounts to link to previously completed work (which must be accessible to us), or you may upload your art individually when applying.↪ Writers: For prose/short story, all samples should be within the 2000 to 3500-word range. You may share an excerpt of a longer original work in a Google doc ("anyone with the link"); however, we request that at least one sample be a complete one-shot story within word range for ease of judging story structure ability. You can submit your writing as a Google Doc link ("anyone with the link") or a Microsoft Word doc. Social media formats like Twitter/Bluesky/Tumblr threads are NOT accepted.For poetry, we require poetry samples of no more than two pages in length. A reminder that one poem must be about Bungou Stray Dogs. The rest can be from other fandoms. You can submit your poems as a Google Doc link or a Microsoft Word doc. Social media formats like Twitter/Bluesky/Tumblr threads are NOT accepted.↪ Cosplayers: please use the Artist form. In the sample fields, please include your cosplay pictures, all publicly accessible.
✿ Providing Pitches ✿ (required)☆ Definition: A pitch is presenting a specific idea for any media or product. Pitching ideas conveys a general concept, subject, and feel for what the final work could be.☆ Required: a minimum of three (3) pitches/ideas. MUST specify the character(s) and flower(s) involved. Please note that flowers need to be prominently featured in the final piece (the flower theme should be impossible to miss at a glance).☆ Length: get your concept across as clearly as possible while keeping it concise and brief. It can be a simple sentence; we are not looking for summaries or outlines just yet.☆ Criteria: variety in character(s) and concept is valued. Our zine aims to avoid over-representing specific characters.☆ NSFW: as with samples, NSFW concepts/pitches are permitted EXCEPT for cosplayer photographs: suggestive/boudoir is okay, but we forbid genitalia and nipples (any gender).
✿ Contributor Pinch-hitter ✿☆ While you fill in the form, you will see this option available. A pinch-hitter is a runner-up in our selection process who has elected to be on standby, ready to step in should the project need to replace a contributor for any reason. So if a spot opens up, you would be contacted to see if you're interested in filling it. Please note that means you would have less time than everyone else to complete your final work. If this is something you are interested in doing, please check the box.
✿ Selection Process Criteria ✿☆ For writers, our main focus will be flow, structure, and clarity. To elaborate, we are looking for writing that is easy to read and understand while keeping our interest. We will also look at character depictions, versatility, and the ability to follow guidelines by providing samples that meet our requirements.☆ For artists, including those interested in making merch, our main focus is the overall composition and visual appeal of your samples in the context of our flower theme. We shall also look at character recognizability, anatomy, and ability to create backgrounds as additional criteria for tie-breakers.☆ For cosplayers, our main focus will be artistic expression and general visual appeal in the context of our flower theme. While character portrayal will be looked at, your gender identity or physical appearance will not be considered. Quality of photography could be additionally considered for tie-breakers.
✿ Final Thoughts ✿☆ We'd like to highlight that our zine project aims to help contributors achieve their best work while having fun. Our Mod team wants to remain openly friendly and accommodating. Should you be picked, you'll be asked what fits your needs. We can offer motivation, brainstorm ideas, give advice, review spelling and grammar, and offer gentle constructive criticism--but only to your level of comfort. We'll expect you to communicate your boundaries while taking advantage of what teamwork can bring! Let's have fun together!
✿ Questions? ✿☆ Please review our FAQ. If you cannot find an answer there, please email us at [email protected] or contact us through one of our other social media sites. A social media mod will reply as soon as possible.
