UPPERCASE { Janine Vangool }

Printer proof for the next issue Printer proof for the Glue book Hello Reader, The photos above are "proof" of all my creative efforts over the last few months. Issue 67 printer proofs are okay to print, and so are the proofs for the Glue book. I signed off on both projects last week, and now I'm taking time away, in another province, visiting my parents. Here's an example of my mom's creativity (she's a prolific quilter): And my dad restores antique cars. Here's a funny "installation" he...

ART BY PAULINE GREUELL / PHOTO BY KATLEEN WILLAERT Hello Reader, I know it feels early to be talking about an issue that doesn't come out until October, but actually, this issue is at the printer already! Sending a print magazine through the postal system has always been challenging, but particularly so in the past year. Labour disruptions at Canada Post, the overall downgrading of postal standards pretty much everywhere and climate-related weather delays have all increased the time it can...

Hello Reader, Yesterday, I went to Pioneer Acres near Irricana, Alberta. They had tractor pulls, a horse parade, wheelsmithing and more, but the highlight for me was the linoleum floors in The Long House, built in 1914. Just look at 'em!!! Sarah Watts is hosting free pattern design workshop. Learn the basics of getting your art into Photoshop to make a surface pattern! UPPERCASE magazine is an independent, ads-free publication supported by its readers. Please subscribe or renew or purchase a...

Hello Reader, My collection of letter stencils began in high school with a blue-grey plastic template of the alphabet. I carried it around in my geometry tin alongside my protractor and compass. Other than perhaps stencilling a neat book report cover or personalizing a duotang folder, I’m not sure why this template merited keeping it with me at all times. Looking back, I can see it was my early fondness for letterforms and controlling the look of a page (even if it was only a grade eleven...

Hello Reader, I've been playing with my collection of stencils to create the next UPPERCASE magazine cover. It's not ready for a reveal just yet; I still have to design the accompanying pattern that will fill in the masthead and spine. Thanks to the very cold and rainy days we've had here in Calgary, I've made tremendous progress on designing the pages for issue #67. Only 32 to go, though the remaining pages are more complex and will require more time. This issue won't be out until October,...

Hello Reader, I've always believed that inspiration is found both in diving deep into what we love, but also when we are willing to look beyond our usual frame of reference. Looking to other mediums, new genres of art, different crafts, and others' techniques creates serendipity, makes unexpected connections and provides tangents to discover... and that's where originality lives. Creativity exists in all of us, but sometimes we need the encouragement of seeing what other people are creating...

Hello Reader, It's the July edition of The Pattern Journal! I'm happy to share various reader submissions. I've curated some that have a holiday or beach theme... These featured designs are by Latifa Righi: My name is Latifa, and I'm an Algerian surface designer and illustrator. My studio is Jasmine Blooms Designs. Although my background is in architecture, I fell in love with pattern design and dedicated my full time and energy to it while being a mom to my two lovely daughters. I enjoy...

Hello Reader, I haven't sent an All About YOU newsletter since May! I've run out of recent submissions. Please share your projects here if you'd like to connect with a creative and curious readership. What's new at UPPERCASE The latest issue is available in my shop as a single issue or part of a subscription. The Glue book is nearing completion—all 488 pages have been designed and are now in the hands of the copyeditor. It will go to print in a few weeks and be ready to ship sometime in...

Hello Reader, The new issue is out and about!* Thank you for sharing photos and reels and stories of it on Instagram and YouTube and talking about the magazine with your friends. I so appreciate your posts! Not only does it make me feel good as the designer/creator of this magazine to see it out in the world, but it helps the magazine tremendously to find new, kindred spirits who might decide to subscribe. By the time you're holding a new issue, I'm immersed in creating the next one. I always...