Meet Janine Vangool the publisher, editor and designer of UPPERCASE magazine!  UPPERCASE is a Canadian quarterly magazine inspired by design, illustration, craft and creativity.

Can you tell us a little about who or what started you on your career in graphic design/publishing and more specifically founding UPPERCASE Magazine?

I've always loved combining words and images—as a child, I'd make little books to create my own little library. In highschool, in the days of pasteup, I was the yearbook editor. So, it was inevitable that I would study visual communications in college and become a graphic designer. I worked freelance for a dozen years before starting UPPERCASE. At first, it was a gallery and papergoods shop with my design business in the back, but soon, I started designing and creating my own products. (I even sewed items like pencil cases that were made from upcycled vintage maps sandwiched between clear vinyl.) UPPERCASE magazine launched in 2009.

As more and more publications transition to online-only versions or close altogether, how do you remain steadfast in your commitment to print, and why do you believe it is so important?

My magazine is all about hands-on creativity! Since the founding of the magazine, I have always focused on print because that's my first love. I want to hold UPPERCASE in my hands, and my core group of readers do, too. The content inside each new UPPERCASE magazine has always been solely available through print. I think print offers a better experience; it encourages you to slow down, to really enjoy the text and images, and to bring it with you in ways that are more personal than digital content could ever be.

How has the process of founding and publishing UPPERCASE changed your life?

Looking back, I never imagined that I'd still be publishing books and magazines all these years later! There have been many hurdles, but I am grateful to my readership, who appreciate what I publish. UPPERCASE is my life, in that creating it and running the business is all-encompassing. It brings creativity, colour and curiosity to my life and challenges me in good ways.

Where do you find inspiration for the themes found in each quarterly edition of UPPERCASE as well as other publications you print including the Encyclopedia of Inspiration?

I'm always looking, absorbing, gathering and making connections between ideas. Inspiration is both found serendipitously but also nurtured over a lot of time and intention. I'm always looking to my subscribers, too, they are an amazingly talented bunch and my first intention is always to feature as many as I can inside the pages.

What have you learned about your own personal style as a designer over the past 15 years of publishing UPPERCASE?

When I first became a designer, my design style was a bit more pared back. Through UPPERCASE, my love of colour and pattern has really blossomed. I've even been able to explore creating my own designs through collaborations with Windham Fabrics. I'm interested in layers, graphic contrast and bright, true colours.

Are there any specific skills you would like to explore or expand on to grow your personal making practice?  Either at work or in another making realm.

Creating the magazine is a lot of work on the computer. So, I want to do more hands-on creativity. I like to sew and crochet. I've also recently purchased some eco-friendly paints and am looking forward to exploring them over the holidays. Just mixing colours and seeing where it goes.

What's the last creative pursuit you worked on (or are still working on!) and what did you like most about it?  Is there anything about the project that is holding you up?  How do you get over that hump?

I spent two years researching, writing and curating my newest book, Notions. All about sewing tools and miscellany! Notions was such a big project, and it took twice as long as I anticipated mostly due to challenges in my business, both good (purchasing my own studio after renting for 18 years) and not good (fulfillment company woes and having to move my inventory twice in one year). Getting through it was a matter of forging ahead as much as possible, even if it was just a little each day. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the history of sewing notions and expanding my writing abilities. I am very happy with the finished book! the workroom is profiled within it, too. I am grateful to Karyn for being UPPERCASE's very first stockist way back when both of our businesses were new!

Is there a term or technique you favour as a maker?  Why does it speak to you?

Serendipity isn't really a technique, but this is an aspect of being creative that I love. You never know when one idea will match or echo another concept. These happy accidents or coincidences are to be appreciated!

As a publisher, editor and designer what do you look for when purchasing/deciding to invest in another publication for your own personal pleasure? 

I love coming across a book in which you can see that everything went right. The publisher, author, visual artists and designers all working together to create an experience that just happens to be in book form. I might come across a book like this in a bookstore... I'll pick it up and that's it, I can't let go. It has to come home with me!

What advice would you offer to your past self, or someone who is thinking about launching a print publication?

My past self didn't realize UPPERCASE was to become a lifetime commitment, but I don't think I'd tell her that since I might have scared her away from a fulfilling career. Creative drive and a unique point of view are integral in launching a print publication, but from a practical standpoint, you have to have a high tolerance for financial risk!

Connect with Janine Vangool and UPPERCASE magazine on Instagram and at uppercasemagazine.com

Shop our selection of UPPERCASE Magazine issues and pre-order the Encyclopedia of Inspiration : Notions featuring the workroom and Karyn here!