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: Contributor Applications are now open!
Feb. 14th - March 14th at 11:59 PM UTC.Writer Application , Artist Application
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?Pressed Flowers will be a digital, available for free as a PDF download with SFW + NSFW/DD add-on.We're looking for approximately 20 artists and 20 writers, as well as a few merchandise artists, spot artists, comic artists, scenarists, and cosplayers. These numbers are estimates; the final count will depend on the project's popularity and the 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 be placed in only 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.
Questions from our interest check
Hey, I was just wondering if there's gonna be a specific form for applications in the future or if you guys just want them submitted to the email?Yes, there will be a specific application form. You can check our schedule tab for more information; the application period runs from February 14th to March 14th. 🌿🌷
I’m an artist but don’t have much time currently to work on a time committed project. Are you planning on more projects like this in the future??We have so many ideas and projects in mind, anon… If this one goes well, you can be sure it won’t be the last zine we make!
Could you perhaps elaborate a bit on what you would require of creators? What do you mean by teamwork being required to join, and what your expectations would be for a piece for this zine (in my case, it would probably be fic)?What we mean by teamwork: To be part of this zine, we require communication and teamwork between contributors and our mod team. If something comes up, our mod team will let you know as soon as possible. We would appreciate the same courtesy from our participants if something happens IRL/a contributor needs an extension.We understand that unexpected things can happen, but we appreciate open communication to ensure this zine's success and to find ways to better assist our contributors.This will ensure that we don't just have contributors ghosting mid-project. If we do not receive an answer during critical deadlines or when forms need to be completed, we will assume the contributor will no longer want to participate in the project and will be removed. A pinch hitter will then be assigned.Writer expectations: Writers will have the option to choose between the following options: 2.5k-3.5k short story word limit, 5k-7k short story word limit, poetry, and a few more positions! A writer may also apply to be paired with an artist or comic artist as a scenarist.By the end of the zine, our writers will have completed a one-shot fanfiction or poem. Additionally, the written one-shot or poem must be a standalone piece until the project wraps up. Once the zine is finished, the mod team will announce when it is okay to post pieces to AO3.
Out of curiosity will contributors be allowed to repeat flowers?Flowers/plants can repeat, but only by category. For example, if participant A applied with roses in SFW, and participant B applied with a different character/ship in NSFW with roses, that should be allowed. However, no flower/plant can be repeated more than twice!
Silly question, but I just want to make sure, but will the characters be assigned to us, or do we get to pick a character? If it's the latter option, then is it fine we choose underrated or unpopular characters as well? I just want to make sure before I sign up.Contributors can pick their own characters/ships/flowers; however, if accepted, the mod team will choose the pitch that contributors will work on for the zine. You may choose underrepresented characters if you'd like.
Is it possible a contributor can be accepted/participate in multiple roles? Ex. If I apply as both a cosplayer & writer will I only be accepted in one, have to choose one, or able to do both if I can meet time requirements? Thanks!You may apply for as many roles as you are interested in, however if you are selected, it will only be for 1 of those roles 🌻
I just like writing and have been obsessed with BSD since I discovered it. I think the only thing BF I’m wondering is earlier it said non published so can we put our works on AO3?If the person is accepted as a contributor, they will be creating a new piece, whether artistic or written for the zine. When the zine is finished/has launched, artists and writers can then post their works to Ao3 if they'd like. A date for releasing works will be announced by our mod team!
Please consider a physical zine if possible.We’d love to do a physical zine, but right now it’s just not realistic for us. Printing comes with a big upfront cost, plus taxes and admin stuff, and shipping (especially international) gets expensive very fast. For now, a digital format allows us to focus our energy on the content itself and keep the project accessible.Maybe in the future we’ll launch a physical zine, but it will be with another project. 🌻
Will the participants be vetted in any way to avoid mixing DD/NSFW creators and antis? I read that the project will have rules against harassment but I was curious if there were any other precautions being taken. Thank you!Our mod team takes harassment of any kind seriously. We do not tolerate harassment, bullying, or any form of discourse inside or outside our project. Any discourse within our project will result in a participant being removed, as that is not what we are here for.We are here for our love of Bungou Stray Dogs and flower language. With that being said, any participant that wants to be part of our zine must abide by the rules we have in place in our Carrd. When a creator applies to our zine, they are accepting to have read these rules and will follow guidelines.We understand being a broad zine can make someone nervous but we want to reassure you that we want to make our discord a safe space for creators, too.Our Discord server will have separate roles and channels for SFW, NSFW, and DD content. We will have a zine-SFW, a zine-NSFW, and a zine-DD, one sfw general chat, and a general sfw bsd chat.One of the options we are also offering participants is the ability to have a solo private channel with a moderator (or, if paired, with yourself and your partner and a moderator) for check-ins and to work on their concept.This is to provide contributors with a safe space that is just for them. We are doing our best to ensure that our contributors have a pleasant experience with this zine, whether it's their first or fourth time. Whatever your level of experience, we want you to have fun creating Pressed Flowers. That’s what matters.
Additional Questions?
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 | Contributor Pitches Confirmed |
| 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 exciting 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 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, poem, or letter. Additionally, the written one-shot, poem, or letter must be a standalone piece until the project wraps up; then, you can post it on AO3 if you'd like. A scenarist can also submit their screenwriting used for their comic to AO3.↪ Cover artist: Will be required to create and complete one illustration for the SFW portion of the zine and one illustration for NSFW/DD portion of the zine with a total of two illustrations.↪ Page illustration artists: Will create either a portrait-oriented full-page illustration or a double-page spread (following size guidelines).↪ Combination artist: Will create a portrait-oriented double-page illustration with a written or poetic element in their art.↪ Merch artist: Will create a single type of digital merch which may include multiple elements. Some ideas for merch can be: Discord emoji, phone or desktop backgrounds, printable bookmarks, print-at-home art prints (postcard-sized), coloring pages, or social media banners. However, you will have the option to pitch other ideas and be approved at the mod's discretion.↪ Spot artist: Will create smaller art of a fic and graphic elements necessary for the zine as needed. This position will have you working closely with our formatting team.↪ Comic artist: Will create and complete a standalone, one, two, or four-page comic, either solo or paired with a scenarist.↪ 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 information you need to submit your application. Please be sure to read our contributor guidelines, so you know what is expected of each available position.Additionally, if our moderators are unable to access your work, we will proceed without your application. Good luck!
Writer Application , Artist Application
✿ 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 (up to 3), but you can only obtain one.
No AI tolerated at any level of the project, ever. This is a cause for removal from the project.
✿ When Applying ✿
Applicants can choose from the following categories for each position they apply:
Cover Artist
SFW
NSFW
DD
Applicants can choose from the following contributor positions and sub-categories:
Writer - poetry, prose (2k-3.5k, 5k-7k), scenarist, letter/diary entry
Cover Artist
Artist - single page, double page, combination (art + writing in one), comic artist, spot artist, merch
Cosplayer
Other - If you have another idea that doesn't quite fit the suggested categories, please write in your answer under "Other." Other options are subject to mod approval and considered solo contributors.
✿ Providing Samples ✿
All positions will require three (3) samples of your best work, which depict your skill as an artist/writer for the positions you are interested in applying for.Please label all samples in the following format if applying for only one position:
Yourname_Prose_Sample, Yourname_Prose2_Sample, Yourname_Prose3_Sample
Please label all samples in the following format if applying for multiple positions: Yourname_Cover_sample, Yourname_Page_sample, Yourname_Poetry_Sample, Yourname_Script_Sample, etc.If submitting a link, you can label your link as well if you'd like in markdown format: [Sample Type]/(LINK)
✿ Sample Instructions ✿
Please review the samples we require for the positions you are interested in.
↪ Page Illustration Artists: One sample MUST be Bungou Stray Dogs; others can be any fandom. One sample MUST have a complex background. You may link to previously completed work on your social media accounts (which must be accessible to us), or you may upload your art individually when applying.↪ Comic Artist: One sample MUST be Bungou Stray Dogs; others can be any fandom. One sample MUST be a completed comic for the ease of judging story structure and art. You may link to previously completed work on your social media accounts (which must be accessible to us), or you may upload your art when applying.↪ Combination Artist: One sample MUST be Bungou Stray Dogs; others can be any fandom. One sample MUST have a complex background with text that complements the composition and is written within the image. You may link to previously completed work on your social media accounts (which must be accessible to us), or you may upload your art individually when applying.↪ Cosplayers: Please use the artist form. In the sample fields, please include your cosplay pictures, all publicly accessible. A reminder that one cosplay must be about a Bungou Stray Dogs character. The rest can be from other fandoms.↪ Merch Artists: One sample MUST be Bungou Stray Dogs; others can be any fandom. One sample must be merch-like (e.g., emotes, bookmarks, phone wallpapers, or any printable form of merch). You may link to previously completed work on your social media accounts (which must be accessible to us), or you may upload your art individually when applying.↪ Spot Artist: One sample MUST be Bungou Stray Dogs; others can be any fandom. Art can vary in size, as you will be creating art in various dimensions. Quick, clean sketches/doodles can also be submitted. You may link to previously completed work on your social media accounts (which must be accessible to us), or you may upload your art individually when applying.↪ Writers: All samples must provide content warnings, if applicable. 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. A reminder that one sample must be about Bungou Stray Dogs. The rest can be from other fandoms. 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 letters and poetry, we require samples of no more than two pages. A reminder that one poem or letter entry must be completed and be about Bungou Stray Dogs. The rest can be from other fandoms. You can submit your writing as a Google Doc link or a Microsoft Word doc. Social media formats like Twitter/Bluesky/Tumblr threads are NOT accepted.For scenarists, scriptwriting/screenwriting experience is preferred, but not required. We require one completed sample of screenwriting/script writing to be about Bungou Stray Dogs, and the rest can be from any fandom or from a longer excerpt. We require no more than four pages of dialogue for ease of judging story structure ability. Panels must be labeled. Make sure your ideas as concise and properly labeled with dialogue, actions, and narrations. You can submit your scripts as a Google Doc link or a Microsoft Word doc. Social media formats like Twitter/Bluesky/Tumblr threads are NOT accepted.↪ Other: If you have another idea that doesn't quite fit the suggested categories, please write in your answer under "Other." Other options are subject to mod approval. This position still requires three (3) samples of their best work that depict the type of content you'd like to create.
✿ Providing Pitches ✿
Solo contributors, meaning participants who would not like to be paired and would prefer to contribute individually to the zine, such as cover artists, illustration artists, merch artists, cosplayers, combination artists (art + writing), comic artists, and writers (prose, poetry, and letters), are required to submit a pitch.The only solo contributor who is not required to submit a pitch is a spot artist, who will work closely with the formatting team to create smaller artwork within the zine, as needed.
✿ Solo Contributors ✿(a pitch is required)
↪ Required: a minimum of three (3) pitches/ideas for each position you apply for. (So, if you apply to more than one position, you'd be submitting between 3 and 9 pitches.)↪ You MUST specify the character(s) and flower(s) involved in your pitch. 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).
✿ Paired Contributors ✿ (a pitch not required)
If a contributor is interested in being paired with a writer/artist, we do not require pitches at this time. However, samples are still required when applying for this position.We want this to be a fun experience where two people with similar ideas and interests come together to create something. This isn't a one-sided project like a Big Bang, where a writer pitches and the artist chooses. We want this to be collaborative between both parties, having a voice.As part of the guidelines, artists and writers will work together to brainstorm, pitch, and create matching / inspired work. If you are here, it means you agree to this and are willing to work and communicate with your paired partner.The following positions are available to be paired:
Single-page illustration artist with a writer
Comic artist with a scenarist
↪ Required: Instead of pitches, these contributors will submit the category they would like to create for (sfw, nsfw, DD), along with the character(s) or character dynamics/ships/flowers they are interested in illustrating/writing. Once on the Pressed Flowers server, our mods will bring together the artist and writer, allowing them to discuss what they would like to create together based on their shared interests.↪ If our applicants don't have a preference between character(s) or character dynamics/ships/flowers, participants can write in Any. However, this means that artists and writers are okay with creating/writing about any character, dynamic, ship, or flower with another contributor.If both the artist and writer have chosen Any, our mod team will then choose something for the team to create based on a result from our interest check.All pitches, whether solo or paired, will be confirmed by mods on April 15.
✿ Contributor Pinch-hitter ✿
At the end of 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, lighting, and ability to create complex backgrounds as additional criteria for tie-breakers.
What do we mean by complex backgrounds?Our mod team is looking for more than just plain colored backgrounds or backgrounds with just one element. We are looking for art pieces that have perspective, color, and finer details.For cosplayers, our main focus will be artistic expression in the context of our flower theme. While character portrayal will be considered, your gender identity or physical appearance will not be. The quality of the photography could also be considered as a tie-breaker. Edited lighting, camera angles, scenery, and visual aesthetic will be considered.
✿ 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.
