Depending on who’s offering their opinion, the Kindle and iPad are either killing the publishing industry or reviving it. But if the curriculum at DePaul University is any evidence, small presses might be able to lead the way in innovation for publishing. This fall, DePaul is offering a new course as part of their continuing and professional education program. The Certificate in Publishing course covers the ins and outs of small-press publishing. Jonathan Messinger and Zach Dodson, who designed and will be teaching the course, know their small-press stuff. They founded local indie press featherproof Books five years ago. more ›

It’s hard to craft a full-time job out of being an artist. But some say it’s possible. The Public Works Speaker Series is bringing artists and entrepreneurs - like the brains behind Designing Obama , the owners of a Chicago-based art and screen print studio, and a wallpaper designer - to talk about making a living in the independent arts. The series runs for the next four weeks and will speak to the idea that “Art makes work; work makes art.” It’s meant to educate and inspire more artists to turn their hobbies into jobs. more ›

There’s nothing better than listening to an artist / designer talk about their creative process—the inspiration, the tears, the glory. But when you add in some random crazy-ass comedy, ‘80s jams, and deliciously crafted cocktails, the result is a brilliant alternative to an uptight theory lecture—The Show ‘n Tell Show. more ›