⬥ Through The Looking Glass

—a for-charity Genshin Impact alternate designs zine—

Genshin Impact – Teyvat in its alternate designs and settings possible in another universe!

     ❖ Culturally more accurate designs (e.g. Natlan tribes in their native glory, Mondstadt knights in their Germanic medieval glory, etc.)     ❖ Characters with a different Vision or coming from a different Teyvat nation (e.g. Kaeya with a Dendro vision, Furina as the Cryo Archon, etc.)     ❖ Characters as a different species (e.g. Kätzlein Razor, Hydro Dragon Kokomi, etc.)     ❖ Characters with a different sex or gender (e.g. AMAB Transgirl Fischl, Genderfluid Zhongli, Intersex Transboy Kinich, Cisboy Lumine, etc.)     ❖ Characters swapping positions (e.g. adult Klee with child Albedo, Zhongli as a yaksha and Xiao as his Geo Archon, etc.)     ❖ NPCs as playable characters (e.g. playable Jeht, playable Enjou, etc.)     ❖ New unseen imagined places in Teyvat nations (e.g. Irish Gaelic town in Mondstadt, Uyghur town in Liyue, etc.)     ❖ New unseen imagined species in Teyvat (e.g. Alhaitham as a winged hybrid, Electric Eel Siren Clorinde, etc.)     ❖ Teyvat nations alternate versions as other real-life inspired nations (e.g. if Fontaine was Spanish, if Liyue was Southeast Asian, etc.)

⬥ Disclaimer

The following only applies if you wish to create a real-life culture version of a Genshin character. It does not apply if you wish to change their Vision, sex or gender, role, species, etc.

     ❖ Contributors are encouraged to represent a culture they’re not part of as long as they are open to learning about and listening to people from those cultures!     ❖ To avoid accidental colourism, contributors will have access to skin tone and hair type tutorials by POC artists found online     ❖ Moderators will ensure pieces go through sensitivity reading/viewing and, if needed, give feedback regarding representation to make sure the most optimal final piece can be achieved for both the contributor and buyers     ❖ Contributors are highly encouraged to interact with each other, especially if they can help with information and input about cultural representation     ❖ Please be respectful towards each other and learn together, we will not shame people for not knowing better if they’re open to ask and learn. Speaking over POC, however, will of course not be tolerated

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⬥ Rules

—applies to all participants of the zine, moderators included—

     I. Even if this is a SFW Project,  all contributors must be 18 or older  at the time of contributor applications.     II. We will have a  zero tolerance policy for plagiarism . If it is discovered that you plagiarised items on your portfolio by tracing, heavily referencing without credit, or outright stealing the artwork of others without permission, you will be immediately banned from the project.     III. Works created with the use of  AI will not be permitted in our project . We strongly advise you not to include them in your portfolio either.     IV. For the duration of the project, please do not share your piece outside of the project’s Discord server until you are permitted to do so. This includes sharing WIPs, asking someone outside the project to beta read or give art critique, or posting your completed piece on social media. However, with mod permission, you can include your piece in a private portfolio.     V. Once the project is complete, you can do with your piece as you wish.     VI. Bigotry¹, bullying and harassment will not be permitted in any way, be it on Discord or social media. This includes harassment and morally judging others over fiction, not limited to personal taste in themes and ships. Let’s make this project a safe and fun space for everyone to be in!
_{¹ableism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, racism, misogyny, misandry, islamophobia, antisemitism, pro-zionism and hate speech.}     VII. If you have any criticism of the mods, we are open to hearing it! Feel free to message one of us at any time with concerns or fears you may have and we’ll do our best to respond accordingly. We ask that disputes be handled privately first and foremost.     VIII.  By participating in this project, you accept following the schedule and guidelines . Life is unpredictable and we will provide extensions for anyone who needs them, but make sure you communicate with us and have the ability to complete your piece!

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⬥ Zine Specifications

—physical—

A5 booklet
     ❖ ~200 pages
     ❖ ~50 artists
     ❖ ~15 writers
     ❖ ~5 alternative creators

Merchandise
subject to change after Interest Check
     ❖ prints
     ❖ sticker sheet and/or stickers
     ❖ bookmark
     ❖ polaroid (see-through)
     ❖ charm/keychain
     ❖ acrylic standee

—digital—

PDF of main zine
     ❖ bonus content only in the digital version of the zine
     ❖ around 10 extra artists (for exclusive digital-only high quality bonus content!)
     ❖ around 5 extra writers (for exclusive digital-only high quality bonus content!)

Merchandise (digital)
     ❖ emojis
     ❖ memes
     ❖ wallpapers (for phone and computer)
     ❖ shimeji of Lumine & Aether
     ❖ printable colouring page

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⬥ Application Guidelines

—all applying contributors—

     ❖ For your application, we strongly encourage that you include some piece including Genshin Impact characters, especially for writers
     ❖ Please provide a link easily accessible as your portfolio where the mods can see your work in an organised manner, like Google Drive, Ao3, Carrd, etc.
     ❖ Should your link not be working, you will automatically be eliminated

—fanfiction writers—

     ❖ If you want to apply as a regular fanfiction writer, you will be asked to provide three (3) writing samples, no longer than 3000 words. At least one completed work is preferred, but you can also provide samples taken from longer writing as long as they read well as a stand-alone
     ❖ Other than the three (3) samples, an additional portfolio isn’t mandatory, but it is preferred
     ❖ Your samples need to have a proper beginning, middle and end. Please mind proper grammar and capitalisation

—poetry writers—

     ❖ If you want to apply as a poetry writer, you will be asked to provide three (3) poetry samples, no longer than 250 words. At least one completed work is preferred, but you can also provide samples taken from longer poems as long as they read well as a stand-alone
     ❖ Other than the three (3) samples, an additional portfolio isn’t mandatory, but it is preferred
     ❖ Please mind proper grammar and capitalisation

—flash writers—

     ❖ If you want to apply as a flash writer, you will be asked to provide three (3) flash fiction samples, no longer than 400 words. At least one completed work is preferred, but you can also provide samples taken from longer writing as long as they read well as a stand-alone
     ❖ Other than the three (3) samples, an additional portfolio isn’t mandatory, but it is preferred
     ❖ Please mind proper grammar and capitalisation

—page artists—

     ❖ If you want to apply as a page artist, you will be asked to provide three (3) samples of your art that you think best represent your work
     ❖ Please submit completed fully rendered illustrations, and it is preferred that at least one of them has some kind of background

—comic artists—

     ❖ If you want to apply as a comic artist, you will be asked to provide three (3) samples of your short comics that you think best represent your work
     ❖ Please submit fully coloured comics that are no longer than 5 pages and tell a story in those short pages (dynamic character interactions count as storytelling)

—merch artists—

     ❖ If you want to apply as a merch artist, you will be asked to provide three (3) samples matching the kind of merch you'd like to create for this zine
     ❖ Samples need not be physically produced samples

—alternative creators—

musicians:
     ❖ If you want to apply as a musician, you will be asked to provide three (3) track samples of at least two (2) minutes each that you think best represent your work
     ❖ Samples can include instrumentals only or acapella
     ❖ Bands are welcome to apply together under one (1) application
     ❖ Please make sure to note your contribution on each of your submitted samples (lyrics, a specific instrument, composition, etc.)handicrafters:
     ❖ Handicrafts included but not limited to: crochet, embroidery, paper crafts, sewing, felting and miniature making
     ❖ If you want to apply as a handicrafter, you will be asked to provide three (3) high-quality 300 DPI photographs you think best represent your handiworkcosplayers:
     ❖ If you want to apply as a cosplayer, you will be asked to provide three (3) high-quality 300 DPI photographs you think best represent your cosplay
     ❖ Please submit photographs that have a proper background that set the mood for the intended cosplayother:
     ❖ If you want to apply as an alternative creator not listed above, you can do so by following the guideline of submitting three (3) samples you think best represent your work

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⬥ What is a zine?

A zine is a collection of works, including, but not limited to, art and writing, created by fans for a specific fandom or a specific topic. It can come in digital or physical form and might often include merchandise created by participating fans.

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⬥ What is this zine about?

“Through the Looking Glass” is a Genshin Impact fanzine revolving around Teyvat with alternate settings and designs that might have been possible in another universe. Examples of this include, but are not limited to, more culturally accurate versions of the canon designs, characters with different visions or from different nations, characters swapping positions, or even nations inspired by different real-life countries or cultures.

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⬥ Will this project contain NSFW content?

This zine will be strictly SFW, with no NSFW content allowed.

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⬥ Can anyone apply to this zine?

Of course! As long as you are at least 18 years old or older by the time of your application, you are free to apply and be accepted as a contributor to our zine.

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⬥ Do all of your moderator get to create for the zine?

Not all of them. To make it fair for everyone that wants to apply, our moderators only get to create for the zine if their skills are as high as the applications we receive.

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⬥ Will you judge applicants if they create NSFW or “problematic content” outside of the zine and portfolio?

Not at all! As long as the portfolio stays SFW, we will not judge anyone for any content they do or are known for. Please feel safe with us, and also do not judge anyone for their fictional tastes in return.

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⬥ Do I need to have any prior experience in zines to apply?

Not at all! Everyone will be judged based on the quality of the samples they submit, even if they were not specifically designed for zines.

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⬥ Do I need to include Genshin Impact samples in my application?

Not at all! Pieces for Genshin Impact are highly recommended, but not required for acceptance. Just make sure to submit your best work!

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⬥ Will this zine be for-profit?

No, this zine will be for-charity, and the foundation that will be receiving the money will be decided together with the contributors who can recommend trustworthy charities. Should there not be enough recommendations we can verify, we will most likely donate to CareForGaza. Donations will be made once every participant receives their full bundle for free, should sales allow.

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⬥ Will this zine be physical as well or only digital?

This zine will be both physical and digital, with both physical and digital merch included as well. On top of this, the digital version will include bonus content exclusive to the digital version and a Behind The Scenes with commentary and specials like quizzes will also be released as an add-on.

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⬥ How many contributors will be accepted?

As of right now, we are expecting to accept around 50 artists, 15 writers, 5 merch artists and 3 alternate creators. However, the aforementioned numbers are subject to change depending on the results of the Interest Check and the number of applications received during the Contributor Applications phase. For the digital zine, there will be around 20 extra artists and 5 extra writers accepted that will work exclusively on that zine

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⬥ What kind of alternative creators will be accepted?

This zine will accept the following alternative creators: Musicians, handicrafters, cosplayers, and other possible alternative creators.

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⬥ Will this zine accept guest contributors?

Absolutely! Feel free to write down any suggestions you might have when submitting our Interest Check.

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⬥ What will contributors be expected to create for this zine?

Writers will be able to create either a one-shot story of a maximum of 3k words, a flash fiction story or a poetry piece, while artists will be expected to create at least one single-page art, an art spread or a comic of up to four pages. Merch artists will be expected to create at least two pieces of merchandise, which will be decided following the end of the Interest Check and in communication with the moderators, while musicians will be able to produce one original song of up to three minutes in length. Finally, handicrafters will be expected to create a piece that takes up either one page or a spread, while cosplayers will be able to create a cosplay that takes up either one page or a spread.

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⬥ Are ships allowed in the zine?

No, they aren't. But platonic interactions between characters are very welcome and encouraged!

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⬥ Is the usage of AI allowed for this project?

No, the use of AI is strictly prohibited for this zine.

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⬥ Can I apply for multiple roles?

Of course! Just be aware that you will only be chosen for one position.

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⬥ Will collaborations between creators be allowed during the creation period?

Yes, they will be! After contributors are accepted into the zine, discussions for collaboration can freely start, with the moderators’ help.

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⬥ Will I be allowed to share my work with people outside the zine during the creation period?

Unfortunately, you will not be allowed to share your piece outside of the project’s Discord server until you are permitted to do so. This includes sharing WIPs, asking someone outside the project to beta read or give art critique, or posting your completed piece on social media. However, with permission granted from the moderators, you can include your piece in a private portfolio. Once the project has been completed, you can do with your piece as you wish!

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⬥ I have more/other questions.

Feel free to DM us on our Twitter, Bluesky or Tumblr, and we will do our best to offer our assistance and answer any other questions you might have!

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Constellation
Sussura Menthae

⬥ Mod Nuanyang (he/they)

—head mod, organisation, graphics, co-formatting—
also our animator and coder

• Carrd
• Bluesky

 “     This zine has been in its planning stage for more than half a year and I'm extremely blessed to be able to launch it into passionate reality with my amazing co-mods!     ” 

Experience
     ❖ True Blue (a Honkai: Star Rail Yanqing artbook) — Head, Graphics, Formatting, JP Mod
     ❖Zeitgenossen (a Reverse: 1999 magazine) — Head, Graphics, Formatting, JP Mod
     ❖ Ready, Set Nikki (an Infinity Nikki zine) — Head, Graphics, Formatting Mod

About Nuanyang
A Dendro bow user that drives bloom as a buffer. He scales off HP and Elemental Mastery.
Nuanyang's Kitsune bloodline comes with a curse that whenever someone uses his real birth name, they can use his powers to their advantage. This is why Nuanyang goes by the Chinese reading of their rare name.

About Isabella
I became friends with her right away back when I studied linguistics under Haravatat for a certain period. Despite getting along with her, her overly professional way of communicating intimidates me from time to time. She must awake both awe and fear in people.

About Barde
Wisp reminds me of the Anemo Archon Statue I saw when I visited Mondstadt.

About sey
Why are his hands always wet? Anyway, he always feels the need to correct me going “I'm not a Tanuki, I'm a raccoon!”

About Mack
For being a noodle he sure carries his gigantic bat like it weighs nothing. Maybe carrying it around like it's part of his body put his braincells out of commission.

About AKnightOfAGoodKing
People don't know much about them. And, well... it's not my place to extinguish this mysterious flame that seems to follow them around.

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Constellation

⬥ FPS MOD (to be replaced very soon)

—finances, production, shipping mod—

• Carrd
• Bluesky
• Archive of Our Own

 “     Pending     ” 

Experience
     ❖ pending
     ❖ pending
     ❖ pending

About FPS Mod

About Nuanyang

About Isabella

About Barde

About sey

About Mack

About AKnightOfAGoodKing

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Constellation
pending

⬥ Mod Isabella (she/her)

—writing & social media mod—

• Tumblr
• Twitter

 “     Knowledge is power... but so is being able to successfully speedrun Genshin story events on the very last day!     ” 

Experience
     ❖ BLOCKBUSTER (a Zenless Zone Zero Zine) — Writing Mod
     ❖ La Commedia Dell'Arte (a Genshin Impact Harbingers Zine) — Writer
     ❖ Vita Morsque (a Honkai Star Rail Castorice Zine) — Intern Mod

About Isabella
Pending

About Nuanyang
Pending

About Barde
Pending

About sey
Pending

About Mack
Pending

About AKnightOfAGoodKing
Pending

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Constellation
pending

⬥ Mod Barde (he/it/wisp/wispself)

—writing mod—
also our harpist

• Bluesky
• Tumblr
• Archive of Our Own

 “    I'm here to play harp and disrupt oppressive systems of power... and I broke all my harpstrings!    ” 

Experience
     ❖ Drunk Twink Summer (a Venti-centric gift exchange) — Head Mod, Writer
     ❖ Missed Connections (a Genshin Impact rarepair zine) — Head Mod
     ❖ HEART Teyvat (a Genshin Impact animal zine) — Flash Writer

About Barde
A Geo catalyst support whose shield doesn't tank hits but collects damage that counters back to the enemy when hit by critical damage. Barde is a travelling bard with a penchant for going missing for days at a time, only to be found unscathed in the most inexplicable of places. Someday that wanderlust is going to get the best of him, but he doesn't seem too concerned about the potential danger he keeps putting himself in... Life is meant to be lived to its fullest, after all.

About Nuanyang
He can be kind of scary at times... While I wouldn't want to be on his bad side, I love knowing he has my back.

About sey
Ha! Sey is funny as hell. I love that funky little guy.

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Constellation
Ursus Lavatio

⬥ Mod sey (he/they/any)

—art mod—
also our promo artist, animator and Paimon voice actor

• Tumblr
• Bluesky

 “    jack of a handful of traits, master of none (yet). need an extra pair of hands, then i’m your guy!    ” 

Experience
     ❖ Zeitgenossen (a Reverse: 1999 magazine) — Promo Art Mod
     ❖ Ready, Set NIKKI (an Infinity Nikki zine) — Promo Art Mod
     ❖ Zenith (a Kaeluc multiverse zine) — Art Mod

About sey
A Hydro Polearm user who excels at off-field Support and sets up for Vaporize reactions. A little creature of the lakeside that yearned to join in Mondstadt’s merriment so deeply, it was gifted a (partly) human form and a vision. Nowadays, he runs a pawnshop that doubles as an odd-jobs agency.

About Nuanyang
Nuanyang has always smelled like home… They told me in Inazuma creatures like me are called Yōkai. Still, I’m a raccoon and not a Tanuki, hm!

About Isabella
Isa excels at considering everyone’s perspective before finding a solution. People have become quick to judge and quicker to anger, so someone like her is much appreciated!

About Barde
Shortly after I first transformed, Barbatos came to check if I was gonna cause trouble. Barde’s harp music and cheer remind me a lot of him!

About Mack
When I asked Mack why his bat is THAT big, he just shrugged and pointed at it with a grin. He is right, of course, that big-ass bat is awesome! BONK!

About AKnightOfAGoodKing
AKnightOfAGoodKing gives off such a pleasant warmth, but if you fall asleep, they’ll be gone by the time you wake. Stay another while!

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Constellation
name pending

⬥ Mod Mack (he/they)

—formatting & EU shipping mod—
also our artist

• Globe
• Bluesky

 “     Never gonna see me without any type of caffeein in my veins, we rise at dawn     ” 

Experience
     ❖ ZineTown (a zine community) — Co-Admin
     ❖ Always with You (a ZoSan AU zine) — Head, Art, Graphics, Formatting, Finance Mod
     ❖ Emerald Storm (a Jiyan zine) — Co-Head, Co-Graphics Mod

About Mack
A Pyro Physical DPS. He scales off ATK and Energy Recharge. Because of Mack's blunt force to solving problems, people misunderstand him to be not the brightest. Though he isn't academically inclined, his strategic thinking and good communication abilities led him to be recruited by the Knights of Favonuis, though he was quick to decline as he likes exploring new places and new faces the most as a seasoned Adventurer.

About Nuanyang
Absolute legend. Met a bunch of times all over and always up for good laughs or serious discussions. Would let him BONK someone with my Bat. Think he'd enjoy it.

About Isabella
The smart one for sure. Always equally impressed as scared by the amount of brain cells up in her head... Would let her write an analysis on my Bat.

About Barde
Definitely a good chat! Friendly like you rarely see it, wisp is always up and around! Would let wisp sing a song to my Bat.

About sey
For one, incredibly skilled with brush and color every time I see his work. Also fast as hell with it. They also get the awesomeness of BONK, would let them hold my Bat.

About AKnightOfAGoodKing
I keep running into him, it's starting to get weird... Good Guy though. Would let him admire my Bat.

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Constellation
pending

⬥ Mod AKnightOfAGoodKing (he/they)

—Discord mod—

 “     I must be silly, or I will scream. Please be nice to me because I will cry. QvQ     ” 

• Twitter
• Tumblr
• Bluesky

Experience
     ❖ Ardent Blossom (a Dragon Age flower zine) — Writer
     ❖ HallowHome Vol. 1 & 2 (a Hollow Knight zine) — Organisation Mod
     ❖ Winds of Hoenn (a Pokémon Hoenn region zine) — Writer

About AKnightOfAGoodKing
A scholar AND a coward, thus easily frightened by knowledge. Should be handled with care and whimsy. As a Pyro Shielder that scales off Defense, he will take the brunt of the damage—not as a fighter, but as a friend.

About Nuanyang
Find them at the center of the universe with all the people always surrounding him...

About Isabella
Dedicated and beloved, a master mastering her craft...

About Barde
It speaks and writes—of many wisdom...

About sey
A fresh breeze that fills the air with delight and color...

About Mack
Perhaps a rival, or a stalker. Always shows up in the same places...

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                                                                             ❖ Schedule is being kept up to date