Thank you so much for the amazing reception of the next volume in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration, Jot!
In the 24 hours since I announced this title, more than 350 books have already been pre-ordered. (And I've received some lovely auditions already, too.)
What a wonderful vote of confidence for this book!
You're a bunch of kindred spirits, that's for sure. ❤️
In case you missed the announcement yesterday, read on for the project details. I've also added some more details...
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 process—ideas 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.
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 of Jot! pre-orders have been extended to the end of the day on April 15 Finished books planned for December 2026. CA$65 / US$55
This mockup incorporates some drawings from one of my old travel sketchbooks, overlayed with notes I've made about the Jot! book.
Here are some more cover mockups—these are just for promotional purposes and to help set the tone of the book: Sketchbook, notebooks, journals, commonplace books, diaries, letter writing, typewriting, mail art, postcards, handwriting, scribbling, doodling and drawing! The final covers will incorporate the work of the artists, writers, makers and designers featured inside this volume.
Want to provide extra support? Become a Book Patron!
Your additional support is appreciated.
Patrons receive the following benefits:
➨ your name and website listed on the book's web page as a patron
➨ an advertisement or profile within the UPPERCASE newsletter, highlighting you as a patron
➨ a selection of UPPERCASE notebooks and paper goodies from the past, mailed now (North America only)
➨ inclusion on the acknowledgement page within the printed book
➨ up to 4 complimentary copies of the book when it is released
Thank you to Noelle for becoming our first Jot! Book Patron
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.
Eclecto Notes were hand collated, then staple-bound. A foil-printed spine wraps around, covering the staples.
Below are some images of Eclecto notebooks I made years ago using makeready sheets from early issues of the magazine. Press sheets were cut down to size and interspersed with lined pages.
I saved a few of these Eclecto Notebooks, and now it seems like the perfect time to send some back out into the world.
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.)
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!
Making Zen is back! 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 up—you 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).
UPPERCASE is a media partner for Making Zen and earns a commission on sales resulting from these links. Thank you.
