This cover mockup uses scanned pages from my notebook, where I listed ideas for this vert 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.
Dear Reader,
Thank you for an incredible week—the response to the Jot book has been extraordinary. Thanks to your enthusiasm, over 800 books have been pre-ordered in just a few days. (I'm genuinely stunned—it typically takes months for a pre-order title to get that far!)
If you'd like to be in this book, auditions are open the rest of April.
I'll soon announce some fun ways you can participate by post, with mailed-in submissions of handwriting, letters and postcards.
I look forward to sharing project updates with you in the months ahead. If you're excited about this volume in the UPPERCASE Encyclopedia of Inspiration, please tell your friends!
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.)
This uplifting volume will be about journaling, note-taking, sketching, book-making, handwriting, and other ways of jotting down our thoughts onto paper.
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.
Finished books planned for December 2026. CA$65 / US$55
Sketchbook Revival is on now — Here's something to watch this weekend
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!
Some pages from my Text book.
Let's play with Letraset, rubber stamps, stencils, found type and more!
Sketchbook Revival students get a 20-page download of letters, type and words to cut up and play with.
Here are some examples from students, as shared in the Sketchbook Revival Facebook group. It's fun to see your interpretations!
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.
