From Esté MacLeod's Colori collection with Free Spirit
Hello Reader,
If your new year resolutions include getting published in UPPERCASE, let's make that happen!
There are a couple of open calls for the next print issue, plus Fresh, Sketchbook, Worthwhile, and other categories open for print and inclusion in my newsletters.
And, if you're not already, please become a subscriber to UPPERCASE magazine. Subscriptions keep all of this going! Use the code take15 for a discount at checkout. The newest issue, #68 Jan-Feb-March, is a must-have for illustrators—it explores how human-made artwork and imagery are more important than ever.
We’re talking about real texture—creating a surface or an object that is tactile and tangible. For example, weaving, basketry, needlework, knitting, crocheting, carving, and impasto painting involve creating or modifying or affecting surface texture. The submitted projects should have the exploration of texture as one of their primary features. Deadline: January 20 at 5pm MST → Submission details and form
How do you nurture your creative self?
The creative self is the essence of who we are as expressive beings. How are self-confidence, self-discovery, self-reliance, self-compassion and self-care aspects of your creative practice? How do you nurture your creative self? Deadline: January 20 at 5pm MST → Submission details and form
I’m an illustrator, surface designer, and professor of Illustration at SCAD who’s passionate about creating art that inspires joy. With 17 years of experience in print and pattern design, I've created artwork for magazines, books, sewing fabric, gift wrap, and product packaging. I hold a B.F.A. and an M.A. in Visual Communication. I also have experience in art direction and project management, giving me a well-rounded perspective on the creative process. I especially love storytelling through surface design. I’m based in Savannah, GA, where I cherish slow mornings with coffee on my back porch and spending quality time with my husband, son, and our two cats. When I’m not drawing, you’ll likely find me exploring nature in the low country, crafting one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, or hunting for treasures at local vintage markets and antique stores. Instagram / Website
Fostering community through one print at at time by Sally Caston
I am an Australian printmaker and passionate creative, dedicated to both my own artistic journey and inspiring others. I facilitate regular creative sessions for corporate groups, private clients, and beginners alike. Twice a year, I also host women-only creative retreats designed to help women escape the everyday distractions and reconnect with their creative selves and like-minded new friends. I also herd more than 170 printmakers once a year from around the world to take part in my curated print palooza printmakers exchange. This concludes with a wonderful exhibition on the theme here in Australia. It is all the behind-the-scenes stories that motivate me to continue to foster this creative community. While my first love is creating art for my soul, drawing inspiration from Mother Nature and the beautiful bush that surrounds me, I am also energized by helping others discover their own creative voices. So like I say—I love to help humans find their creative play. My main portfolio of works is relief printmaking; however, I work across most printmaking mediums. Cyanotype, Intaglio, eco botanical markmaking. Instagram / Website
Vintage Floras Collection by Zhining Dong
Inspired by the memory of seeing a cartload of chrysanthemums in the city when I was a child, I selected some traditional flowers that I like to create this retro floral series in crayon colours. Besides, my birthday also coincides with the blooming time of chrysanthemums! Instagram / Website
ViHiBoh Portfolio by Andrea Voros
I'm Andrea Voros, an illustrator, surface pattern designer, and the founder of the ViHiBoh brand. I'm originally from Hungary and currently reside in St. Augustine, Florida. I love slow travelling, which allows me to learn about local traditions, people, nature, and food. Their unique vibes and surroundings inspire many of the designs in my portfolio. I'm influenced by retro textures and unusual bright colour combos. I typically begin with crisp, clean vector motifs, then add detailed line work and retro textures to give my designs a unique vibe. ViHiBoh brings the feel-good energy of the ’60s and ’70s into today’s homes with a modern twist. Instagram / Website
Catching my eye...
This crackle tray by Xenia Taler—smooth bamboo/melamine, but looks like a textured mosaic.
