The Abecedary of Writing
"The Abecedary of Writing" is a beautiful poster created by UPPERCASE magazine. Download the high-resolution file for free using the button below. You can then print it yourself as an 11x17-inch poster!
Free Download!
It was a Saturday afternoon in 2012, when I first came across UPPERCASE magazine. I was browsing the shelves of the Anthropologie in the California beach town of Santa Monica, when I came across a publication like none I had seen before. I was immediately drawn to the cover, which read "for the creative and the curious" and bore a simple illustration of an assortment of gray-green rocks, arranged from small to large. But the third rock was not a rock at all – rather, it was a seemingly disgruntled turtle. Staring at me with his beady eyes, the arch of his shell echoed the curve of the rocks around him. I was completely charmed. Paging through the perfect bound volume with its rich uncoated paper, artfully designed layouts and thoughtful articles, UPPERCASE felt more like a book than a typical magazine. I bought two different issues that day, devoured them at home and quickly sought out back issues.
UPPERCASE is an independent quarterly publication based out of Calgary, Canada, and editor Janine Vangool has highlighted the work of artists, makers and designers since the magazine's inception in 2009. Janine chooses unique themes for each issue, but lettering and type always appear in unique ways, from alphabets created from office supplies and stationery design to Garbage Beauty, a crew of calligraphers who write witty sayings on discarded furniture and appliances. I could go on at length about the gem that was the calligraphy and lettering issue, but it's sadly sold out.
However, Janine was very kind to share something special with the Calligrafile community. Originally featured in issue #4, "The Abecedary of Writing" is available for you to download for free and print as an 11x17-inch poster – just click on the button below. From Allography to Zanerian, it's a beautiful primer dedicated to the written word, perfect for one of your studio walls. Thanks, Janine!
What is your favourite creative resource? Share it in the comments section below!
Joy Deneen // Calligrafile Core Contributor
Joy is a calligrapher, teacher and writer who specializes in pointed pen calligraphy and hand lettering. She currently serves as International Workshops Coordinator and Membership Chair for La Société des calligraphes de Montréal and is also core contributor for UPPERCASE magazine. Originally from California, Joy graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre in 2003. She and her husband relocated from Los Angeles to Montréal in 2013.