Each issue of UPPERCASE, a Canadian magazine based in Calgary, is a work of art in its own right, an inspiration for the creative and curious. It is, quite remarkably, a one-woman operation with creator Janine Vangool at the helm as publisher, editor and designer. As Janine describes in her welcome message on the website’s homepage, the high-quality production value, together with the eclectic and inspiring (ads-free) content, appeals to a loyal readership of “designers, illustrators, craftspeople, creative entrepreneurs and paper lovers around the world.”

Issue #64, which is partially available to view in digital format (you’ll need to subscribe to read it all!), aptly introduces 2025 with a theme of transformation and transitions. 

With “Finding Your True North” in this issue, artist Meera Lee Patel describes how she recovered from creative burnout by turning to an exercise to find her true north. “Your true north is the philosophy that guides the work you make…When your true north is aligned with your personal values—rooted in the same core beliefs that you live your life by—it will act as a barometer of significance.” She helps readers find their true north with a simple creative process to regain perspective and find purpose and fulfillment.  

Also profiled in the issue is Crystal Reynolds, Calgary-based creator of MyLife Planners, describing her career and life transition in “Planning for Wonder: Creating Space to Plan for Your Dreams.” She transformed her extensive experience as a graphic designer into a business creating her ideal day planner, developed from her own need to find focus and clarity, to live with intention.   

In “A Creative Career is About Persevering, Pivoting & Everything Else,” Lilla Rogers answers the question “how do you know what to do next for your art career?” with 10 suggestions for getting inspired in 24 hours. 

Alongside these stories of transformation and transitions, there are vibrant pages filled with extraordinary creative projects on the theme of time, with inspiration from artists and contributors around the world.  

It’s hard to truly appreciate this publication without holding it in your hands. As beautiful as it is in glimpses at the content online, there’s nothing quite like that tactile experience of holding such a high-quality printed volume. Start your new year with the transformation and transitions issue—you won’t regret it!

You can save on your subscription in UPPERCASE by pairing it with one of the other amazing magazine subscriptions in the Read Alberta buy-one-get-one subscription promotion. Double the content—half the price!