February 10 2010
February 10 2010
Coming from Canada, the graphic-design community is very small and can feel limiting. Janine Vangool is an example of how to create your own opportunities:
Vangool has been an inspiration for me since she graduated from the same design school a few years before me. After she graduated, Janine found a studio-space and started working on personal projects.
Last year she began quietly producing a magazine, named after her studio “Uppercase” (the studio sits atop a case of stairs and focuses on typography). Uppercase magazine is an independent project, but rivals many magazines with a large staff and budget.
Only 1 year old, Uppercase has grown its readership by being a well-designed gem, spreading word-of-mouth without advertising.
Today it was announced that Uppercase magazine made the shortlist for “Magazine of the Year” by a 45 year old industry standard: The Society of Publication Designers. One of 16 to make the prestigious list, Uppercase now sits among, GQ, Esquire, Time, The New York Times Magazine and others vying for the top honor.
A true testament to what happens when you follow your passion and create a unique path, I’ll be rooting for Uppercase (and Janine) when the winner is announced on Feb 12.
