Design your own drop cap | Jessica Hische's Skillshare class "Introduction to Lettering"

Though years out of school, I still get that autumn ache for new notebooks and a set of my favorite pens (office supplies have always been my jam).  This year, I'm exploring a new learning platform with

Built on the ethos that everyone is a teacher, Skillshare believes that everyone – from leading industry professionals to budding, passionate enthusiasts – has something to teach and to learn from each other.  Skillshare offers classes spanning a range of creative fields, from Advertising, Business, Fashion & Style, Music, Photography, Technology, Design and Writing & Publishing.  Best of all, their online classes are project-based and entirely self-paced, so you can learn anytime, anywhere.

Designer and illustrator Jessica Hische's first Skillshare class, Introduction to Lettering: One Letterform at a Time, officially launches today.  Through video lessons and step-by-step project instruction, students get a sneak peek into Hische's sketchbooks and design process as they complete their very own drop cap letterform inspired by their favorite book.

($25 course fee, with $10 off for first-time Skillshare students)

The Australian Ballet for Sideshow Alley

One song.  One take.  Cinematically captured in the roads and alleyways around Melbourne (and occasionally, a New York City rooftop).  With its own spin on raw, honest productions of local and international artists, Sideshow Alley explores a uniquely intimate experience with each unrehearsed performance in a distinctively high quality style.  From Kimbra (♥) to the Australian Ballet, the creative collective challenges its mediums and dares to expect the beautifully unexpected.

For similar outfits, check out the London-based Black Cab Sessions and La Blogothèque's Take Away Shows (shot primarily in Paris).

Citation (sneak peek) | Vincent van Gogh

A much-needed reminder, from a friend visiting the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

A Work in Progress | Floral Pattern Series

A sneak peek at a simple hand-drawn pattern series that I recently took on.  This first set features the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), a favorite of an aunt who has been on my mind lately.

(Click above to download the individual colors or grab all three, here.)