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 into my creative life: spending more mindful time with my notebook and jotting down ideas. More time playing with text and typewriters, finding meaning in word play. And discovering methods for turning swirling ideas into concrete creative action.
This cover mockup uses scanned pages from my notebook, where I listed ideas for this book. I've layered them to represent the brainstorming processβideas overlapping, intermingling and multiplying. I typed "jot!" on my typewriter, scanned it at high resolution and enlarged it to create the wordmark for the book. It was fun to create an entire cover with my own thoughts handwritten and typed on paper, then brought into the computer.
Jot! will include profiles of artists, makers, writers and designers who share their creative process, as well as the people and companies who make the journals, notebooks and writing implements that are part of our daily lives. (Want to be part of the book? Audition here!)
In a world pushing artificial intelligence, Jot! is a hands-on celebration of originality, inspiration and the beauty of ideas.
Like all previous volumes in the Encyclopedia, the production of this book relies on your pre-orders. I'm also introducing a new option for avid supporters to become a Book Patron.
I hope you're excited about this next volume and look forward to adding it to your UPPERCASE library. Thank you so much for your ongoing support of independent publishing!
Early bird special: free shipping for the first 24 hours of Jot! pre-orders. βFinished books planned for December 2026. β βCA$65 / US$55
I'll send Book Patrons a selection of patterned papers, the last remaining Everyday Notebooks from my archive, a handmade Eclecto notebook from the early days and more paper goodies.
Project Timeline
This is a rough timeline for the project, with the goal of having the books finished by December. (Subject to change, updates will be provided.)
Watch my Sketchbook Revival session airing April 15
Join me and 30 other instructors in the 2026 Sketchbook Revival. My session is The "Text" Book: Through hand lettering, stamping, Letraset, collage and other found type, we'll employ copywriting and elements of graphic design in loose, poetic ways for self-expression. It's free to participate!
After signing up with your email address, there's an optional VIP pass that will give you more time to watch everyone's sessions. As an affiliate instructor, I receive a commission if you use my link and purchase the upgrade. thank you!
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Making Zen is back!β β This online event is always a favourite with UPPERCASE readers: Making Zen features 40 expert artists sharing their handmade craft techniques and mindful stitching ideas. It's free to sign upβyou have access to each day's sessions of videos for 24 hours, or you can invest in a VIP ticket to retain access to the recordings to watch at your leisure (plus other bonuses). β
UPPERCASE is a media partner for Making Zen and earns a commission on sales resulting from these links. Thank you.β β
