We were lucky to catch up with Dorian Wolf recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dorian, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is Action Cat Zine, a music and media arts publication based in Nashville, TN. It was founded in 2022 by some of my peers as a way to uplift primarily women and LGBTQ+ artists in the Southeast U.S. I got involved from the start as a journalist for Issue One. I had the opportunity to write an article on the experimental noise band Spirit of the Beehive and photograph their show at Saturn in Birmingham, AL—it was an electrifying experience that sparked my love for the D.I.Y. music scene and covering shows.

In 2023, I became Photography Director for Issue Two. It was a tumultuous year for all of us on staff—we went through a lot of personnel changes and it was a challenge figuring out how to keep the momentum going. Despite that, we were able to cover a wide range of events that resonated with us and our readers. Our team covered Borofondo, an annual cycling and D.I.Y. music fest in Murfreesboro; Zulu and Soul Glo at Exit/In in Nashville; and Loud at the Library, an annual event that partners with the local DIY music scene to raise funds and awareness for the Birmingham Public Library. Those are just a few examples. The second issue came together through a lot of collaboration, improvisation, and many late nights in front of a computer.
In early 2024, I was elected President. For Issue Three: The Green Zine, we widened our lens. Instead of focusing only on one-off events in the local music scene, we turned our attention toward businesses that were actively holding their communities up—places that felt pillars. We featured Last Call Baking, a Birmingham bakery helmed by Chanah Willis with a cult following. We wrote about Guerilla Bizkits in Nashville, a hardcore vegan biscuit shop that’s just as known for its food as it is for supporting LGBTQ+ folks and the local music scene. We also covered Cave Valley Kava in Louisville, a local kava bar and event venue that focuses on being a safe, sober space for people to gather and enjoy music. And then there’s the Chapel of St. Philip Neri, also in Louisville, which reimagines what spiritual space can look like—centered around mutual aid and truly welcoming everyone. These are all places run by people building something intentional, with love, for their communities. That’s what our third issue was all about.

What makes Action Cat meaningful to me is how it keeps me connected to the D.I.Y. scenes in Nashville and Birmingham. These scenes are built on real community—people showing up for each other, creating space where none existed before. Venues like The Firehouse in Birmingham and DRKMTTR in Nashville have been central to that. They’ve inspired articles, hosted our release parties, and shown us what it means to support your local scene with consistency and care. Working on the zine has been a way for me to stay rooted in the culture I care about. It’s provided an avenue to support artists and organizers we believe in, and helped me grow in the process—writing, photographing, editing, curating. Action Cat gives people a place to share their work without needing to be perfect—just authentic. That’s what matters to me.

Dorian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Dorian Wolfe, a multidisciplinary creative based in Birmingham, Alabama. I graduated from the Alabama School of Fine Arts in 2022, focusing on creative writing. It was there that I truly learned the value of voice—how to shape it, trust it, and use it to genuinely connect with others. Published several times in high school and college, I developed a strong interest in the publishing world, which ultimately led me to the path I’m on today. This foundation shapes how I approach all my work, whether I’m writing, photographing, or designing. I later pursued a BA in Marketing and Advertising at the University of Alabama, with the goal of promoting up-and-coming creatives like artists and musicians.

I prioritize process and people. I’m committed to showing up for others, amplifying underrepresented voices, and building spaces where creativity, collaboration, and authenticity take center stage. My goal is for my work to support other artists and help people feel seen.
As I continue this journey, I find that both my writing and art feel sharper, more aligned with who I truly am. They’ve become expressions I feel proud of sharing—more authentic and reflective of my growth. Beyond the zine, I also regularly sell my art at local festivals and markets. It’s another way I stay connected to my community and support myself as an independent artist. Whether it’s zines, prints, or original paintings, I strive to make my table an extension of the values I carry into every project—accessibility and a real love for expression.
What I’m most proud of is how my artistry has grown through hardships. Even more, I’m proud of the progress made by the staff and board of Action Cat Zine, particularly my fellow board members, Ashley White (Editor-in-Chief) and Jess Diaz (Photography Director). Despite tough transitions and limited resources, we’ve created something real—a platform that makes space for expression and encourages people to support each other. That’s the kind of work I want to continue doing.
Whether through a zine, a brand, or a community event, I want to create spaces where people feel seen and supported. If that resonates with you, I’d love to work together.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

When everything aligns—those moments when inspiration strikes and the world feels full of meaning. It’s not just about making something; it’s about observing the world in a way that goes beyond words. Creating is how I process what I’m feeling, especially in moments of loneliness or hardship. But the real fulfillment comes when I get to share that process—when someone else connects with what I’ve made. It’s in those shared moments with other creatives, the exchange of ideas, and the feeling that our work speaks to something bigger than ourselves. That connection—where we feel seen and understood—is what keeps me coming back to create again and again.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Make zines. Buy local. Reach out to people and tell them you love their work. Don’t stop supporting what you care about. Supporting artists doesn’t have to be some big institutional effort—it starts with making stuff with your friends. Play music in someone’s garage. Trade paintings or poems. Put together a DIY show in a backyard or publish a zine with people you admire. The best creative ecosystems grow out of connection, not competition. It’s about showing up for each other, building each other up, and creating spaces where art doesn’t have to be polished to be powerful. When people feel free to experiment, mess up, and try again—especially with people they trust—that’s when the good stuff happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://actioncatzine.com
• Instagram: dorwlfe
• Other: Tiktok: dorwlfe

Image Credits

Riley Luthin and GC Moorman