UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide Cover

Hello there, so happy to see you again! Today I’d like to share with you the latest issue of UPPERCASE magazine (#41), which includes the third edition of the UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide. I tell you, this guide is a must in any pattern designer’s arsenal!

For those of you that haven’t met this wonderful magazine before, here’s a little background…

UPPERCASE is a quarterly print magazine inspired by craft, design and illustration. A playful exploration of creativity, an affinity for vintage ephemera, and a love of handmade are some elements common in each issue. The magazine boasts high-quality paper and printing, a unique design aesthetic and incredible attention to detail. – Uppercase Magazine

The woman behind this awesome endeavour is publisher, editor and designer Janine Vangool. She’s also published other creative books like The Encyclopedia of Inspiration, the Compendium of Craft and Creativity and many others, all inspired by design, typography, illustration and craft. She’s even designed her own line of fabric for Windham Fabrics! How does she do it I wonder?

The magazine is an absolute pleasure to hold with its high-quality paper and matt finish. The graphics, layout design, typography, photography and colours are all stunning. The attention to detail is remarkable… It really is a feast for the eyes!

In the UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide you can find among other topics:

  • The abecedary of decorated domestic surfaces
  • What goes on at trade shows?
  • Top 10 tips for living a life full of pattern
  • How to be inspired
  • Pursuing surface pattern design
  • Developing your own artistic style
  • Tips for artists
  • Creating a cohesive pattern collection
  • And hundreds of designer/maker features!

And talking about designer features – not that I like blowing my own trumpet – I was one of the lucky 100 surface pattern designers that got selected to be featured in this issue! Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see a detail of the feature. So excited!

If you’re interested in getting your creative little hands on this gorgeous magazine, you can visit the UPPERCASE shop… They’ll even plant a tree with every subscription!

You can also browse it online below but I highly recommend you get yourself a printed copy… There’s nothing quite like holding the real thing.



UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide - 'Rebirth of a Fabric Company' spread

UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide - 'Fine Print' spread

UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide spread

UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide - 6 designers' work spread

UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide - 'Pursuing surface pattern design' spread

UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide - 5 designers' work spread

UPPERCASE Surface Pattern Design Guide - Veronica Galbraith's feature detail

So what do you think? Like the look of it? Are you planning to get your own copy? Were you one of the featured designers? Do you know of any other amazing magazines or publications out there for us pattern lovers? Share it all with us… Can’t wait to hear from you!


I am a designer, originally from Colombia and now living permanently in Cornwall, UK. I graduated in Product Design but since then have mostly worked in graphics for print and web. A few years ago I decided to specialise in Surface Pattern Design and I'm loving it!

6 Comments

  1. CONGRATS on the feature. You look good in there!

  2. Thank you, Veronica, for sharing this lovely review—and for submitting your beautiful patterns!

    • Hey Janine, so happy to see you here! So glad you liked the post, and thank YOU for featuring my designs :-) UPPERCASE it’s absolutely awesome, keep up the good work!

  3. artfourelementsdesignstudiocom

    Mmm, lovely post to browse through.. inspired o get my own copy now!

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