UPPERCASE { Janine Vangool }

Hello Reader, I am excited to announce that the next volume of the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration is called Jot! This uplifting volume will be about journaling, note-taking, sketching, book-making, handwriting, and other ways of jotting down our thoughts onto paper. This book concept is one I've been exploring for some time (you might see some similarities in theme with it and my Sketchbook Revival "text" book session). I am consciously and purposefully incorporating hands-on elements...

Dear Reader, I have something beautiful to unveil today... cover by Elisa Sheehan It's the cover of issue #72 by Elisa Sheehan! These are painted eggshells adorned with a gold kintsugi effect: Elisa submitted her portfolio to UPPERCASE back in the spring of 2024 and so I am glad that the next issue's exploring fragility was a good opportunity to highlight her work with a feature article and front cover! (And it just goes to show that things take time when only 4 issues are released each...

Dear Reader, My notebook held up against my computer screen, showing the opening page for an article about glass paperweights. Paperweights photo by Eric Jump. I made it! Another edition of UPPERCASE magazine has been designed. Here's the tiniest possible preview of what's inside: Many of you have written in to say how much you've enjoyed seeing more of the design process, thank you for your encouragement. Here's the full opening spread from the Paperweights article by Kerrie More. It's an...

Hello Reader, I am pleased to say that all pages of UPPERCASE 72nd issue are now designed! And as of this morning, the cover pattern and all the little details are finished! Hooray! Yesterday afternoon I did some hands-on image making to illustrate an article in the next issue. I printed out reference photographed by the author and then used those images to cut out shapes from tissue papers and miscellaneous "discards" from a previous gelli plate printing session. This many issues in, it's...

Dear Reader, I thought I'd share some more behind the scenes activity for the next issue of UPPERCASE magazine! (Because that's pretty much all I've been doing for the past seven days.) There has been quite a change from last week. Here's a screenshot of the magazine at a glance as of this afternoon: After last week's message, I received many comments in awe of this bird's eye view of the magazine—it's funny how many readers never thought about the design aspect of the magazine before! Yes,...

Hello Reader, UPPERCASE features magazine subscriber studios within its printed pages and in our weekly newsletters like All About YOU. Share your workspace, studio or corner of the dining room... wherever it is that you create. Bonus points if you include images of UPPERCASE magazine in your space! I'm looking to feature 2-3 studios for UPPERCASE issue #72 (Jan-Feb-March 2027). Get your submissions in by Monday, October 26, to be considered for this next issue. "Fragile, delicate,...

Dear Reader, Today, relieved that Alberta voted to remain a province of Canada, I unplugged from everything except for the page design program on my computer. It's time to concentrate on the next issue of UPPERCASE magazine! The two-week marathon of designing another issue has begun! From my perspective, it's the last issue of the year. I have to design it and get it to the printer for early November so it will be ready for mailing in early to mid-December. From your perspective, it's the...

Hello Reader, If you're looking for something to listen to while you craft or make some art today, my cozy conversation with Jessica Swift is available now in the Art Oasis. Thanks! The current issue is #71, Oct-Nov-December. Use the code 'creativepath' for CA$12 off subscriptions and renewals. shop UPPERCASE Monochromatic Postcardsby Lucie Duclos Typography is such a fun element to use in collages, especially big bold letters and numbers. In my latest Skillshare class, Postcard Studio:...

Dear Reader, This is the first letter my son ever gave me. At two years old, he understood the basics: a piece of paper in an envelope, both with writing on them. So he used his abilities to compose a letter and give it to me. And while it doesn't "say" anything at all, it communicates everything about who he was in that moment: the pride he had in making it and the love with which it was delivered (and received). It's perfect. * * * * * * * In the early days of UPPERCASE, I wrote because I...