Creative Spotlight: Ramanza Revrindra Blends Visual Art and Heritage Through Zine-Making

Art knows no boundaries, allowing individuals to express their passions, thoughts, and interests in countless forms and styles. Among these is the unique world of zines (short for magazines), which EnVi explores in this feature.

Jakarta-based graphic designer and illustrator Ramanza Revindra has found his creative outlet in zine-making, where he blends pop culture with vintage aesthetics. Through an email interview, EnVi asked Revrindra about his love for art, design, and fashion, his zine-making process, and the distinctive style behind his work.

The Early Days

Revrindra has always been interested in drawing, painting, and coloring since the age of five, when he also dreamt of becoming a painter too. At the age of seven, he would collect used cereal boxes and turn them into model houses. “Watching art and DIY shows like Art Attack and Mister Maker as a kid had a huge impact on my childhood interests,” he wrote. 

As a pre-teen, he discovered America’s Next Top Model, a show that ignited his love for fashion. He was captivated by the photoshoots, the creative concepts, and the glamorous final images. Reflecting on his journey, it became clear that his fascination with creativity and craftsmanship started at a very young age. “Today, art, design, and fashion remain my greatest passions,” Revrindra added. 

Finding His Medium

Revrindra’s passion for creating has led him to explore a variety of artistic mediums over the years, including drawing, painting, pottery, crafting, lettering, sewing, and other DIY projects. While pursuing his Bachelor of Design, he dedicated several years to refining his graphic design skills and experimenting with different techniques. He cherished his time as a student, especially in classes that allowed him to dive into hands-on projects. One of his favorites was media production, where he learned about printing, bookbinding, lino cutting, and other creative processes.

As for his artistic style, Revrindra’s journey has been evolutionary. While he doesn’t define his work by a fixed style, he has developed distinct preferences that shape his creative process. “Over time, my style has naturally evolved, and I find myself increasingly drawn to a vintage-inspired aesthetic — infused with elements of retro. My work is a reflection of the inspirations and preferences I’ve cultivated along the way, blending nostalgia with my personal creative vision,” Revindra stated. 

Influences, Ideas & Inspiration

“Being exposed to a wide variety of visuals, ideas, and media from a young age has shaped me into someone who is open-minded about creative influences. Pop culture — whether Hollywood films, music, or Indonesia’s most iconic sound, Dangdut — has been a significant influence,” he wrote back to EnVi. Additionally, his exposure to various facets of fashion, from reality TV shows and films to designer biographies, has had a profound and lasting influence on him. He deeply values these inspirations, which continue to shape his creative perspective and work to this day.

His first zine, “The Legends of Dangdut”, was part of the merchandise he developed for his final academic project. When creating a zine, he typically starts with a theme, drawing inspiration from his current emotions or even a single resonant sentence. From there, he creates a mockup to plan the layout and organize page numbering for printing. He also assembles a Pinterest board filled with visual references, typography ideas, quotes, and a curated color palette that aligns with the theme.

Much of his work is influenced by Indonesian culture, spanning pop culture elements like Dangdut to traditional aspects from his mother’s hometown in Solok, West Sumatra. He also finds inspiration in Indonesia’s breathtaking landscapes and rich visual heritage. The colors in his zines are carefully chosen to match the theme and mood he aims to convey. Some feature minimalistic palettes with three to four colors to emphasize the written content or message, while others are vibrant and playful, filled with intricate illustrations that create a whimsical atmosphere.

Revrindra and His Zines

“The Legends of Dangdut”

This zine is a tribute to legendary Dangdut artists, such as Rhoma Irama, Ellya Khadam, Elvy Sukaesih, and A. Rafiq. Each edition in the series includes a concise history, a selection of top songs, and iconic lyrics, accompanied by illustrations of the featured artists. The color palette — green, pink, and yellow — captures the vibrant and energetic essence of Dangdut.

@sens0rama ‘The Legends of Dangdut’, a zine pack I made earlier this year and was part of the merchandise I developed for my Bachelor’s final project (Dangdut Explained). 🎸🎶 This zine is a collection dedicated to legendary Dangdut artists, including Rhoma Irama, Ellya Khadam, Elvy Sukaesih, and A. Rafiq. #zinemaking #diyzine #zine #arttok #artprints #illustration #foryou ♬ heart pt. 6 – Kendrick Lamar

“Nurhayati”

“Nurhayati” is a visual-narrative zine inspired by the Minangkabau ethnic phrase, “Bak si bisu barasian, takana lai takatokan tido” (trans. “Like the mute in a dream, remembering but unable to speak”). It weaves a quiet, emotional story of unspoken feelings, enriched by illustrations and designs deeply rooted in Minangkabau culture. The creation process was influenced by heartfelt love ballads from artists, such as Siti Nurhaliza, Krisdayanti, and Reza Artamevia, which shaped the zine’s tender and melancholic tone. The narrative culminates in a heartfelt letter written by Nurhayati, revealing her unspoken love and adding a deeply personal and intimate layer to the story.

Among all the zines he has created, Nurhayati holds a special place in his heart. It is deeply personal, inspired by his own emotions at the time and his connection to his mother’s hometown, Solok, in West Sumatra. Expanding the Minangkabau phrase, “Bak si bisu barasian, takana lai takatokan tido,” into a full narrative was a creatively rewarding process. The zine delves into themes of love, silence, and lingering memories, blending storytelling, design, and cultural elements. From conceptualizing the story to assembling the final product, every step was deeply fulfilling, offering him a way to express himself with authenticity.

@sens0rama stil from the ‘Nurhayati’ zine I made last week, here’s the mini version of it. 🥀 gotta use the most of some space left from the printing paper to make the mini zine version of ‘Nurhayati’ 🤍 #zine #zinemaking #illustration #diyzine #foryou #minizine #minangkabau ♬ MUTT – Leon Thomas

“Through Her Gaze”

This zine is a curated collection of illustrations created over the years, centered around women. It celebrates the strength, grace, and mystery of women, drawing inspiration from Indonesian culture. The illustrations feature diverse subjects, such as Balinese women carrying food towers, Papuan women in traditional attire, and scenes inspired by iconic Indonesian films like Tiga Dara (1956). With a vibrant and colorful aesthetic, the zine reflects Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity while maintaining a feminine and elegant tone.

@sens0rama ‘The Legends of Dangdut’, a zine pack I made earlier this year and was part of the merchandise I developed for my Bachelor’s final project (Dangdut Explained). 🎸🎶 This zine is a collection dedicated to legendary Dangdut artists, including Rhoma Irama, Ellya Khadam, Elvy Sukaesih, and A. Rafiq. #zinemaking #diyzine #zine #arttok #artprints #illustration #foryou ♬ heart pt. 6 – Kendrick Lamar

Moving Forward

“One of the most valuable lessons has been to trust in my unique perspective and not diminish the value of my voice. Everyone has a distinct point of view, and that’s what makes our work stand out,” Revrindra wrote. He believes that staying curious, continually learning, and drawing inspiration from others are very important in the creative industry. “I’ve also realized that there will always be people who resonate with your creations, and that thought alone makes the effort worthwhile,” he added. 

Moving forward, Revrindra aims to stay open to new ideas and expand his creative practice. Whether through graphic design, illustration, or experimenting with other mediums, he is committed to constantly challenging himself. He hopes to refine his artistic identity while finding balance between his evolving style and the various fields he explores. Staying adaptable and agile remains a priority as he continues to grow on his creative journey.

Revrindra is active on TikTok. Give his account a visit to discover more of his creative works and vibrant zines!

Want to explore more on illustrations? Check out our editorial illustration spotlight with Nadine Meriel here!