Here's my desk, with freshly organized piles of things to do!
But before I continue working on Jot and the Jan-Feb-Mar 2027 (!!!) issue of UPPERCASE magazine, I should really highlight the brand-new issue #71 (Oct-Nov-Dec).
The cover art is by Helen Cann, UK illustrator and author of the excellent book How to Make Hand-Drawn Maps. This is a book I gave to my son quite a few years ago (it's always nice to give books that you also enjoy and appreciate!)
Inside the current issue, Helen shares some of her cover sketches. Below is one of her first roughs. Although this version didn't make it onto the cover, Helen completed the illustration, and it is featured inside.
The final cover direction was a compass rose.
Read more about Helen inside issue #71.
Below are some closeups of little moments in this issue that caught my eye. My natural inclination is to focus on typography and lettering.
What sorts of things do you zoom in on when you get a new issue?
The only way to truly experience UPPERCASE magazine—in all its printed inkiness—is to hold it in your hands!
Subscriptions are how this magazine keeps coming back, issue after issue, year after year. I couldn't keep doing this without your support and readership.
There are two options for subscriptions; start with #70 (July-Aug-Sept), and issues #70 and #71 will be sent together now. Or start with the current issue #71, featuring Helen's compass rose cover.
The code creativepath gives CA$12 off subscriptions and renewals.
The next cover, for issue #72, is in development. It does not have circles on it... but it might have a gold-foil accent on the artwork. All shall be revealed in the weeks ahead...
FOR CANADIANS ONLY: My efforts to reduce inventory costs continue. If you're a Canadian non-profit, school, educator, event or community group that could use multiple cartons of back issues (30 per carton), please be in touch via this form.
50% off back issues when you purchase 3 or more
Only 116 copies remain of last year's issue #67 about stencils, black-and-white artwork, and making something out of nothing.
With AI stealing our written works and visual art to feed large language models and output AI-generated images, it is becoming harder and harder to know what’s true. Genuine. Authentic. Human-made. Making art and craft and being creative—without any digital or technological mediation—is something we dearly need to hold on to. How do you explore your art/craft and express your creativity in a way that is completely authentic to you? What is the truth in your making? How are you expressing your truth and individuality? How are you discovering the truth of who you are by making art or creating something by hand?
This message has been sent to a general list. If you're already an UPPERCASE print subscriber, thank you!!! If you've already pre-ordered JOT, thank you!!! (Please refer to your order receipts from shop@uppercasemagazine.com.)
Art Oasis
A Free Virtual Creative Retreat
Hosted by Jessica Swift October 17-23, 2026
Jessica has invited UPPERCASE editor Janine as one of her cozy conversation guests, plus there are other activities and lessons about art-making, intuition, and art for self-care from over 45 creatives. Free! (optional paid upgrade options)
❤️ Don't want to get sick? Wear a respirator! They're great accessories to your daily life that keep you and others safe from airborne pathogens like COVID. Layer your protections by also cleaning your indoor air with good ventilation and air filtration. Stay home if you're sick (and protect your household members from getting infected, too). Stay up-to-date on vaccinations. → Don't spread COVID Canada Covid Hazard Index Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative World Health Network → Download my posters in English, German and French.
