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WORK/LIFE FIRST EDITION

This is the cover of the First Edition, illustrated by Darren Booth

PRAISE FOR THE FIRST WORK/LIFE

This book is so much more than eye candy; it is a feast. With luscious illustrations and photography backed by engaging profiles, it’s a peek into the creatives’ studios and sketchbooks, giving a sense of their process. It feels so intimate it’s almost a guilty pleasure. Every detail is considered, thought out, flawless, and is there only to enhance the great body of work exhibited by these exceptionally talented artists. Congratulations Janine for the idea, the design, and for enriching our lives with art that is beautifully brought to our doorstep.

—Zahra Al-Harazi, Foundry Creative Inc


Our studio gets many illustration and photography promotions, and it’s unusual that we keep any. This one was different. I saw many copies on designers’ desks in my own studio. The editorial format was fresh and engaging, and the design was elegant and understated, allowing the photography and illustration to shine. The juxtaposition of illustration roughs and studio environments against the finished work added great insight into how illustrators work. Also, the writing is credited to the designer, a rare combination of talent in one person.

— Carey George, Up Inc


I don’t often keep illustration or photography directories, but I kept this one on my desk. The size and weight of the book are fitting for a novel, which reflects its added benefit—it is full of stories. It’s visually compelling. Each artist has been interviewed and their story accompanies their work. The typography is clean and unobtrusive, which enables designers to easily visualize how the illustrations or photos would work in a layout.

— Pamela Lee, Samata Mason Design Inc


Without the shadow of a doubt, this document proves that placing artists in their environment is an appealing approach. Work/Life offers a close-up look by inviting us to see their work behind the scenes. Using uncoated paper helps to immerse us in the day-to-day practice of their craft.

— Vincent Martel, Communications, Cirque du Soleil

Submission Guidelines


Our creative mandate

We're inquisitive: learning from other artists, illustrators, designers, photographers, filmmakers and musicians, whether they're upstarts or icons, famous or shy, verbal or visual.

We're inspired: enchanted by great ideas and strange inventions; by colour and pattern; things fancy and frugal; the charm of vintage in a modern life; the ridiculous and the sublime.

We're adventurous: traveling to destinations both real and imagined, peeking into creative spaces and discovering magnificent people and memorable places.

We're eclectic: curating souvenirs, collecting treasures and celebrating the extraordinary in the everyday.

We're playful: delighting in visual amusements, intelligent distraction, entertaining wordplay and sweet indulgences.

We're UPPERCASE: a magazine for the creative and curious!

Writing style

intelligent, informative, conversational/friendly, succinct

Writing submissions

We are always interested in hearing your suggestions and working with new talent. When introducing yourself as a potential contributor, please provide a brief description of your interest in UPPERCASE magazine and outline your writing experience. Provide some writing samples and/or links to your blog or portfolio. If you have a specific topic in mind, please provide a paragraph description of the article and how it would be of interest to our readers.

Writing Assignments

When an article has been assigned, you will be given a word count range for the completed manuscript and a description of the article’s focus and intent. We will indicate if we would like supplemental writing for sidebars or other graphical features. You will be given two deadlines: the first will be to submit a working draft. Your article will be reviewed to ensure that the article is well organized, clear, consistent, grammatically correct, and conforms to UPPERCASE tone and style.

This draft will also be used to plan appropriate illustrations or images required for the piece (if the author is also providing photos or images, they are due at this time.) If an illustrator has been assigned, they will be given a copy of the edited draft. The manuscript will be returned to the writer with comments, suggestions and corrections and the writer will have additional time to finesse the article.

The second hard deadline is for submission of the completed article. The final manuscript will again be reviewed and edited by the UPPERCASE team to ensure that it is ready for publication. Should you wish to be included in the contributor’s page, a brief biography (3-4 sentences) and photograph (3”wide at 300dpi) are due at this time.

Meeting our deadlines is very important. If you are unable to meet the deadlines set out at the start of the assignment, please advise us immediately. We may be able to accommodate a revised schedule or make other arrangements. UPPERCASE reserves the right to postpone or cancel an article for any reason.

Illustration and Photography

Submit your portfolio via email or this contact form. Thanks!