Read All About It: BLAG on the Newswires

I'm currently working on the final copy and layout checks for BLAG 04, which goes to print next week. Creating the magazine has been a huge learning curve, giving me a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the periodical publishing process.

Occasionally, my work on BLAG is featured in other media, and below I've shared some (relatively) recent appearances. These often move beyond just the magazine to include lessons learned, music and books I like, advice to others in various realms, and more.

I'm always available to talk with press about my work so, whether it's a small blog or global media brand, please put me in touch with people that you know.

Next Up: The Kernference

The Kernference is a three-day virtual summit bringing the global typography community closer together.

My next outing is going to be at this week's Kernference, sharing my publishing experience on a panel titled 'From Artist to Author'. The online event, 1–3 November, features dozens of brilliant talks, workshops, and demonstrations. Ticket sales close today, 31 October...

Inside Illustration

Hana Sunny Whaler on the brush for her feature on site-specific installations with the AoI.

The Association of Illustrators (AoI) interviewed me as part of their 'Inside Illustration' series on site-specific work. I talked about how I got into all this, what qualities good sign painters have, and gave some tips for those that are looking to add hand-painted lettering to their repertoire.

(Regular BLAG contributor Hana Sunny Whaler is also part of the series, with AoI members able to access her insights into working on murals and getting into sign painting.)

The Daily Heller

Hand-painted Signs Have a Brand-New BLAG on The Daily Heller.

Most sign painters will have at least one of Steven Heller's books on their shelf, and it was an honour to be interviewed by him for this Daily Heller column. We talked about the ups and downs of the trade, how BLAG got started, and my mission to keep its international focus.

Signlink

Cover of Signlink, Issue 249, with my tribute to Dapper Signs' James Cooper on the cover.

I'm now four issue into my regular columns for Signlink, with these available to read digitally online. In addition to a ghost sign in each issue, the 'Adventures in Sign Painting' column has so far included: a tribute to Dapper Signs' James Cooper; a project profile of a ceiling mural in Panama; advice on where to learn the craft of sign painting; and reflections on ten years since the release of Sign Painters.

Open Studio

Episode 96 of Martina Flor's Open Studio podcast.

Even though her Open Studio is a podcast, my chat with Martina Flor can also be watched on YouTube. I can't bear to watch or listen, but it was, as always, a pleasure to talk to Martina and reflect on the wider realm of my work across Better Letters, BLAG, and Ghostsigns.

Ghost Sign Corner

If you don't already receive it, then I also have a Ghostsigns newsletter which you can sign up to through your subscriptions here. I send out an email every few months with a tighter focus on fading painted signs.

I have recently been featured in a couple of places for my work in this area too...

Night Beats

Ghost signs and BLAG for the latest author interview on Night Beats.

Every Tuesday, Night Beats interviews an author, and for Halloween they chose me and my work on ghost signs, and BLAG. I also share some books that have influenced me and the music that accompanied my work on Ghost Signs: A London Story.

Undercurrent Stories

Ghost Signs interview on the Undercurrent Stories podcast.

Undercurrent Stories is an eclectic podcast, and it was fun to step back and reflect on my time researching ghost signs. The interview is available on all major podcast platforms.

Apple | Spotify | Google | Amazon | More...

Halloween Offer

Ghost Signs: A London Story in the BLAG Shop.

Just in case you don't get any treats tonight, I've extended the discount on Ghost Signs: A London Story until midday, Thursday, 2 November. Just add it to your order here in the BLAG Shop and the offer will be applied automatically.

Thank You

Thanks for reading, I'll be back on Thursday with the regular despatch from bl.ag online.

All good things, Sam

bl.ag / @betterletters / @betterletters@typo.social