Dear Readers,
From the simple utility of the paper clip to the technical marvel of staplers and hole punches (the more old-fashioned the better!), the office can deliver a lot of inspiration for those of us who love to work. And from the unprecedented response to our open call for letterforms and alphabets created with office supplies, it looks like our readers love playing (and procrastinating) with these work tools, too!
The aesthetics of work extend to how a business is presented through its brand and its printed communications; the letterhead has long been the paper personality of a company—inside we explore its history. We investigate the cubicle—a work system devised with the best of intentions. We also take a look at an emerging style of working: collaborative, shared workplaces are becoming a popular alternative to the home office. We examine a variety of creative coworking scenarios in this issue—perhaps you will be inspired to look at your own work situation and environment in a new way.
As a graphic influence in art and design and as a traditional component in jewellery, in this issue we mine a trend that has a solid foundation: rocks, crystals and gems. The geometric appeal of crystals, the timeless seduction of gemstones and the solid comfort of smooth pebbles, these geologic treasures are universally adored. I hope you enjoy this nineteenth issue of UPPERCASE magazine—it’s a gem!
CONTENTS
SNIPPETS
Trend
Gems and Geometry
Abecedary
Geometry
by Glen Dresser
Blog Beautiful
Brittni Mehlhoff’s
“Paper & Stitch”
by Brittany Watson
Jepsen
Beginnings
Jett Butler
story and photos by
Adrienne Breaux
Business
Creating Workspaces
for Modern Work
by Rena Tom
Photos by Victoria Smith
FINE PRINT
Library
Geology
by Nikki Sheppy
Small Print
Letterhead:
Miniature Billboards
by Carolyn Fraser
Ephemera
Vintage Letterhead
Creature
Troglobites
by Glen Dresser
ART & DESIGN
Cover Artist
Paper Engineer
Lydia Kasumi Shirreff
by Colin Peebles Christensen
Photos by
Jas Chi Ying Tang
Sketchbook
Iceland: A Love Affair
by Lisa Congdon
Painting
Carly Waito
Story by MF Miller
Photos by Natasha Bardin
Dynamic Duo
One Plus One Design & Illustration
Photos by Lani Elias
and Aly Lenhardt
History
Monolithic Insanity:
The Cubicle
by Jonathan Shipley
Illustrations by Naomi Elliott
Culture
Japanese Work Aprons
by Holly Hutchinson
Illustration by Danielle Kroll
Type
Alphabets and Letterforms
inspired by Office Supplies
submitted by our readers
PLACES/SPACES
Workplace
Studiomates
by Janine Vangool
Photos by Julia Robbs
Cowork
The Unique Space
Nest Space
Assembly
Studio
A Brief History of
UPPERCASE
by Janine Vangool
photos by Tracey Ayton and Janine Vangool
Field Trip
Alvar Aalto Studio
by Lisa Congdon
CRAFT
Stitch
Hélène Magnússon:
Icelandic Handknits
by Erin Bacon
W.I.P.S.
Diana Fayt’s
Painted Pebbles
by Alessandra Cave
Guide
Gemstones
by Erin Bacon
Illustrations by Jenny Bonar
STYLE
Wardrobe
Rock-ability
Illustrations by
Kelly Lasserre
Accessories
All that Sparkles
Tools
A Salute to the
Vintage Office
by Brendan Harrison
Illustrations by
Melissa Easton
Hobby
Rockhound
by Celina Wyss
Kitchen
Iceland Cookies
by Tara O’Brady
Recipe
Cardamom Cookies
with Prune Jam
by Tara O’Brady
MISC
Peeps
Subscriber Profiles
Marketplace
Covet
Built to Last
by Andrea Jenkins
