Sometimes I don't know what to write in this newsletter until I sit down and start typing. I compose this newsletter on the day that it is sent to you. I always check the news before sending, to see "what's going on," because I wouldn't want to send something out at "the wrong time."
These days, there is always something going on, and it never seems like the right time.
Everything going on outside of UPPERCASE magazine is of greater importance.
And yet, UPPERCASE is my world, too.
You and I, along with this community of caring creatives, have together created something rather special inside these pages.
Let's escape, inward, if only for a few moments.
Inside, you'll find beauty, your values and your inner strength. Keep these things with you as you face the outside world.
❤️
Although black and white artwork is one of the themes (like these reader submissions shown here)...
For those reading this message who are not yet print subscribers*, please consider becoming a subscriber. It's in these inky pages that UPPERCASE comes to life.
The discount 'keepgoing' gives CA$10 off a subscription/renewal.
*This message is sent to a general list, not segmented based on past purchases.
Issue 67 shipping update
I have copies of the new issue, delivered by courier, and subscriber copies are in the postal system as of Friday. Production took longer than expected due to mechanical problems and a COVID outbreak at the printer. This is the October-November-December issue: please don't expect it to arrive until early October! (And later, if you're outside of North America.)
New Open Calls!
illustration & the elements of creativity
Issue #68 will highlight what makes human-made illustration so wonderful—its heart, personality and uniqueness. The joy of art-making and the satisfaction of thinking for oneself.
We aren't machines! We exist in the natural world, one made of physical elements—earth, water, air and fire. These elements will serve as visual metaphors throughout this issue.
This special issue will profile illustrators across all stages of their careers. As long as you don't use AI in any way to ideate or generate your artwork, you are welcome to participate in this creative brief entitled "The Elements of Creativity."
This submission will require you to respond to a creative brief, answer three questions and submit 4-6 images from your portfolio and 2-4 images of your studio, sketchbook or other details, along with a full colour, square headshot.
Creative Brief: The Elements of Creativity The classic four elements—earth, water, air and fire—have long been themes and motifs in visual art. Depicting them literally or using them metaphorically, create an illustration that expresses the elements of your creativity. REQUIRED DIMENSIONS: 7.125" wide by 9.625" tall at 300dpi, saved as a jpg. (Either RGB or CMYK is fine; we will handle the prepress requirements.) Deadline: October 8 at 5pm MDT
How do the elements (earth, water, air and fire) inspire, inform or affect your art or craft?
For example, do you make things out of earth? Is water (or ice) integral to your process? Does air, wind, or weather factor into your creation? Do you make prints with sunlight or need the heat of a flame to create?
At the printer, they're applying the dust jackets and packing up the preorders as of September 17. New orders for the book will be sent from my fulfillment partner in October.
InDesign Your Portfolio with Genna Blackburn
REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPT 24
The InDesign Your Portfolio course is a step-by-step blueprint for creating a professional printed and digital portfolio in Adobe InDesign so you can confidently pitch to your dream clients. Putting a portfolio together can be an overwhelming task. Genna Blackburn has broken it down into bite-sized, actionable steps, so you can save yourself the time and frustration of trying to figure it out on your own.
Module 1: Anatomy of a Portfolio Learn what to include in a portfolio and how to present it.
Module 2: Tour of InDesign Tools Learn the essential tools of Adobe InDesign.
Module 3: Portfolio Creation Blueprint Go step-by-step with Genna to put together an InDesign document that is ready for your personal customization.
Module 4: Publishing Online & In Print Learn how to get your document ready to be printed AND how to publish it online and embed it into your website.
