Cake for Charlie

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Los Angeles-based UPPERCASE reader Sarah Hodges has just launched a new website called "Cake for Charlie" featuring her wrapping paper designs. A graphic designer by trade, Sarah is leaving client work behind and "branching out and having some fun!"

​Cake for Charlie papers are designed in Los Angeles and printed in Pasadena, CA. Keeping operations local, environmentally friendly and made in the USA is important to me. I live in Los Angeles with—in order of size —my husband, two kids, two dogs, a guinea pig and two beta fish. After studying art history and semiotics at Brown University, I received my MFA in graphic design from CalArts. I am a New York City girl gone west and I'm always surprised that I've stayed. I guess it's grown on me.

third prize: Clare Phillips

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Clare Phillips won a Creative and Curious pennant. She share the following information with us, proving that such a motto is quite befitting of such a talented and entrepreneurial person.

​A print available for sale on Clare Phillips' Etsy shop.

Clare Phillips is a Graphic Designer and Illustrator. Clare's influences are varied but themes include the retro aesthetic of the 1950's, busy cities, vintage childrens books like those by M.Sasek, classic modernism and posters of that era. she also loves typography, old signage and hand rendered lettering. since graduating clare has developed a love for screenprinting and alongside that has recently started to apply her illustrations to ceramics and textiles as well as carrying on with her very detailed digital illustration. 

Clare has also just launched a gift range called "Wish You Were Here" which celebrates the souvenir in retro-chic style. She captured the landmarks of several UK cities in her whimsical 50's inspired illustrations giving them an air of nostalgia. She is currently working on several American cities. View the cities she has done so far at: www.qooky.co.uk​​

grand prize: Katrina Van Heest

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Thank you for your participation in our recent survey: we heard from over 1700 of you! From those participants we did a random draw for four prizes. Today we we will introduce you to the winners.

First up, the Grand Prize of a lifetime subscription to UPPERCASE magazine plus a full page feature about the winner (or someone of their choice) in an upcoming issue of the magazine! The winner is Katrina Van Heest. She found out the good news while on a road trip and her boyfriend snapped these photos at a wooded rest stop. 

Let's meet Katrina, in her own words...​

hip​

hip​

hooray!

The reaction photos may be a bit over the top, but I was indeed feeling the endorphin rush of fresh, awesome news.

My online work is really just the website for my editing practice, http://tweedediting.com, the audience for which is scholarly authors. As I am wont to say, I refine scholarship so that research makes its mark within the academy and also has a pollinating effect on society. It's important to me that academic writing has at least the potential of engaging with broader culture. The field of my own research is scriptures and cultures. I suppose it's obvious that I have a fascination with the printed page and how humans create meaning through text.

It may be of interest to UPPERCASE readers that my idiosyncratic, untrained method for creating Tweed's graphics is bounded by what I can do in office-productivity software—the same applications that I use in editing manuscripts. Most of my graphics are based on text and simple shapes. Any illustrations that I incorporate into the graphics are usually just carefully selected characters from dingbat typefaces. I love experimenting with type too much to limit myself in that respect (although Futura appears often), but I douse a constrained color palette: a cream chosen to evoke aging paper, black and grays, and a bright orange for a little pop. I'm a sucker for pattern and texture, too. The collage I'm attaching just gives an overall sense of the Tweed aesthetic. If you are interested in higher-resolution versions of any individual graphics, I can locate them for you.

What else? My Tumblr site, Rolling File Cart, is http://katieanne.tumblr.com. I began it as a way of visually bookmarking online content that I enjoy (now what Pinterest is used for). Along the way, it has begun developing its own discernible look and feel, but that's more incidental than orchestrated.

maison alice: art for your home

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Jeff Rogers​ (Profiled in issue #10 of UPPERCASE magazine.)

​Anne Smith (Anne illustrated the pigeon on the cover of issue #12.)

Petra Börner​

Alice Hoffmann​

Alice Hoffmann is a German art director and graphic designer living in Zurich, Switzerland. She recently launched a new venture, an online poster store called Maison Alice. Curating a small selection a few times a year, the posters are by contemporary illustrators and designers with a nod to the heyday of vintage advertising posters.

"Quite recently I discovered my passion for illustration," shares Alice in her subscriber profile featured in issue #15 (October). "All day long I am searching for cool illustrations: old or new, coloured or black and white, 3D or linedrawed, on paper or on textile, in advertising or on bookcovers, on packaging or on the street, for children or adults, from China or from TImbuktu. Doesn't matter. Through all theses different styles and influences I get my everyday inspiration."

Art by Alice Hoffmann, founder of Maison Alice.​ (Read Alice's subscriber profile in the forthcoming issue of UPPERCASE magazine.)

"At Maison Alice, we are passionate about beautiful art created by illustrators, graphic designers and typographers—and we think that their works should be part of stylish apartments. This is why we set up an online store where we sell art prints. The prints are all produced in limited editions, as we truly believe that quality should be more important than quantity. Maison Alice is positioned between the high-priced art market and the low-priced poster galleries and we collaborate with selected artists from places such as New York, Great Britain, Sweden, Finland, Japan and Switzerland.

​We print our collections using offset and silk-screen printing processes and high-quality paper. We also collaborate with long-standing printing shops in Germany and Switzerland, who turned their craft into art."

Sawdust (Participants in the upcoming Beautiful Bitmaps feature in issue #15.)​

girl friday: meet Trixie

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Nicole Geller Photography

Thank you for all your support of The Typewriter project. I'm working on updating the latest total! In the meantime, I wanted to share this photo that Judy sent my way. Judy writes:

I just contributed to helping your new Typewriter book get published. I have a few vintage typewriters myself. Several typewriter accessories, vintage pencils, school boxes, items that have life and continue to work. When I read about your new book, I had to get this photo taken for you. My dog happens to be a canine model (yes there is such a thing). Meet Trixie, an Italian Greyhound and my Royal typewriter.

As as dog model, designers send her clothes to model. Her big moment was a Halloween contest where she was dressed up like Audrey Hepburn—wig, tiara, pearl necklace and all. She was a hit, made the newspaper and so her career began. She was a finalist in America's Top Dog model contest and appeared in their calendar in 2009. She found her calling, she's a ham in front of the camera. I am convinced watching her work with a photographer that she knows what they are saying and what her to do on set. Agility training with her helped me learn signals and commands they we use on set. Of course a piece of chicken helps too.

She has been everything from Cleopatra, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Cinderella to a Toddler and Tiara contestant. This year she will be a Pan Am flight attendant. Imagine trying to explain to a designer I found on Etsy that makes reproductions of the Pan Am uniforms for people... can you make one for my dog? All her contest winnings and earnings are donated to rescue groups. Also the national rescue group for Italian Greyhounds auctions off many of the dresses she models. She also helps by donating to the military service dogs and their handlers overseas. Dogs can teach us so much, sometimes we have to listen to them even though they don't use words.

Trixie is featured in and on the cover of the new 2012 book by Jo Jo Harder, "How to Become a Top Dog Model.

Thanks again for creating such an amazing magazine. I am not a designer, can't draw, sew or such, but inspired by those that can. My background is from an ad agency, account executive, so I learned to inspire and direct talent over the years. That fun bridge between creative and clients, always done with "kit gloves" on.

Your magazine creates an environment for anyone to find their voice. Oh—and I just purchased a pink Royal typewriter! Adding to my collection. Too exciting.

Dream Big Always,

Judy

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Twitter: @PawsUpTrixie
Website: www.TrixieTalk.com

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FUN FACT:

Did you know that Trixie is also the name of the typewriter font made famous as the X in X-Files television show?

type and tell: a true story

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This story about a typewriter rescue was submitted by Jennifer Morell​. (Though The Typewriter book won't have personal stories like this, I do enjoy hearing them and sharing them with our readers.)

The weight of the keys, the deliberation of action, the satisfying tap tap tap, the charming ding: typewriters have always fascinated me. Despite the fact that my family owned an old Commodore computer, I found my grandmother's antique typewriter much more intriguing. It was a simple process: insert paper and reveal my secrets, stories, and wishes.

Read More

featured stockist: Rare Device

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Rare Device is located at 600 Divisadero Street (at Hayes Street) in San Francisco.

Rare Device is located at 600 Divisadero Street (at Hayes Street) in San Francisco.

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Giselle Gyalzen, owner of Rare Device

Giselle Gyalzen, owner of Rare Device

​A wonderful stockist and great place to meet UPPERCASE readers.
​Dynamo Donuts... mmmm. Maple bacon apple anyone?

​Dynamo Donuts... mmmm. Maple bacon apple anyone?

​Glen hauled 4 dozen donuts on two buses (worth it!)

​Glen hauled 4 dozen donuts on two buses (worth it!)

​Our current issue features Jon Klassen's illustration on the cover.

​Our current issue features Jon Klassen's illustration on the cover.

Nicely curated children's tees, toys and books.​

Nicely curated children's tees, toys and books.​

Everything was tempting.

Everything was tempting.

Lots of things for paper-lovers.​ Eye spy some Rifle Paper Co. notebooks: look for an interview with Anna Bond in the fall issue of UPPERCASE, out in October.

Lots of things for paper-lovers.​ Eye spy some Rifle Paper Co. notebooks: look for an interview with Anna Bond in the fall issue of UPPERCASE, out in October.

It was lovely to meet Heidi Swanson! (We featured her in issue 9 which had a theme on how a love of food inspires creativity. I still remember how excited I was when she first subscribed to the magazine.)​

It was lovely to meet Heidi Swanson! (We featured her in issue 9 which had a theme on how a love of food inspires creativity. I still remember how excited I was when she first subscribed to the magazine.)​

Lisa Shaffer of Zelma Rose Handmade Goods was there—her cross-stitched jewellery are featured in issue 14's zigzag trend page and also stocked in Rare Device.​

Lisa Shaffer of Zelma Rose Handmade Goods was there—her cross-stitched jewellery are featured in issue 14's zigzag trend page and also stocked in Rare Device.​

Zelma Rose necklaces.

Zelma Rose necklaces.

So many beautiful things for the home.​

So many beautiful things for the home.​

Here's Caitlin Kirkpatrick, my new editor at Chronicle Books. Look for the official announcement of our project later this fall.

Here's Caitlin Kirkpatrick, my new editor at Chronicle Books. Look for the official announcement of our project later this fall.

There was lovely natural light in the shop, especially late in the afternoon.​

There was lovely natural light in the shop, especially late in the afternoon.​

It was great to meet so many supporters of the magazine and to hear stories about why you appreciate it so much. It makes all our hard work worthwhile to know that UPPERCASE magazine has such a positive effect on your lives.

Thank you to Giselle for graciously allowing us to host our event in Rare Device, and for supporting indie publishing and artists in such a great store. We can't wait to visit again.

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reader: Lorrie Whittington

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Country: England

How are you creative in your daily life? I am a work at home Mum, so art and design is my business. I have a large room in my house set aside as my studio, and in there I do my stuff each day. Whilst my main preoccupation is illustration and painting, web design constitutes the main part of my income.

What are you most curious about? History and science. I LOVE history and have read and still read countless history books. Had I not done Art at University I would probably have studied History and/or Archaeology. I have a fascination with the past, and our connections to it, the older better. When I am working in my studio, I watch (or rather listen to) history documentaries on iPlayer. I have a particular interest in ancient history, though have got a pretty good knowledge of most aspects and periods of English and European history. My father is a history buff and I guess I caught the bug from him.

What is your most prized possession? At the moment my Canon EOS 550D. It’s the most expensive thing I ever bought for myself and I count it as my first ‘proper’ camera. I love it to bits, and even though I have had it for a year now, still handle it reverently.

What is your favourite letter of the alphabet and why? Q. It’s perfectly round, though includes the elegant tail adding querkiness, and can only be used with the letter U, making it unique. Phonetically it is an interesting sounding letter. It’s also the name of one of my favourite characters from Star Trek Next Generation. The character ‘Q’ played wonderfully and extravagantly by by John De Lancie was Captain Picard’s nemesis.

What is your favourite colour? Light Teal or Cyan. A colour I cannot really wear (I am an ‘earth tones’ girl), but I love to incorporate it within my art. It’s has a freshness and vibrancy that appeals to me.

What is your preferred creative tool? Ink pens. Like most illustrative artists, I use a broad range of materials and mediums, but my ink pens (mostly Sakura Micron Pens) go with me everywhere.  I incorporate a lot of line work, stippling and cross hatching in my illustrations.

Link

www.lorriewhittington.co.uk

want a lifetime subscription?

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Would you like a lifetime subscription to UPPERCASE magazine? Or, how about a full page feature about you (or someone of your choosing) in an upcoming issue?  ​Complete our reader survey and you'll be entered to win one of our fabulous prizes. 

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GRAND PRIZE: a LIFETIME subscription to UPPERCASE magazine plus a full page feature about you (or someone of your choice) in an upcoming issue of the magazine!

1st PRIZE: a free 1/3 page ad in an upcoming issue of the magazine
2nd PRIZE: a complimentary subscription or renewal
3rd PRIZE: a free creative and curious pennant

Contest closes September 15. 

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who are u?

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We love getting to know our subscribers. We compile the best profiles for publication in the magazine and online. Send in your answers along with an image of yourself labeled with your last name (at least 2" wide at 300 dpi) by email to janine@uppercasemagazine.com.

Meet Lee in our latest subscriber profile >>>​

Name:

Country:

Email:
How are you creative in your daily life?

What are you most curious about?

What is your most prized possession?

What is your favourite letter of the alphabet and why?
What is your favourite colour?

What is your preferred creative tool?

website url, if applicable:

blog, if applicable:

shop, if applicable:

twitter, if applicable:

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marblellous platters by a subscriber in Athens

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Combining experience in mining engineering and interior design along with a family history of stonework, UPPERCASE subscriber Filio Pnevmatikou used this interesting combination of skills to produce unique marble products:

"I grew up working in our family marble company and I adore marble and everything that comes out of it. A month ago, I launched an online store on Etsy, called Marblellous, which is a project that I have been working on for a while and that I am really excited for! Marblellous includes handrafted marble kitchenware made of unique greek marlbe. Marble platters, serving plates, small dishes, coasters...  And this is just the beginning!"

​Strikingly delicate, Filio's marble tableware creates the perfect spot to rest an icy drink on a hot summer afternoon.