Mapscapes

I tend to think of my maps as "portraits" of a property that can also 

be used to help people get around

The illustrated map above was made for a shopping guide for a facility in Kona, Hawaii. The back of the hard copy version contains a directory of businesses with more detailed information. It replaced a flat diagram-style online map of the area that could direct people around the property once they were there but had no ability to entice the viewer into visiting. This map serves both to promote the marketplace in a compelling way AND direct visitors around the property to the various merchants in print and digital formats. Maps, when approached creatively, can do more than one thing.

Actual quote by Coconut Grove Manager: "Wow. I really like it."

This USA map commissioned by the Land and Water Conservation Fund in DC is meant to convey the diversity of projects funded by the organization by illustrating a sampling of the familiar and not-so-familiar beneficiary venues and programs around the country.

The illustration became an interactive addition to the Wilderness Society website.

Comment from LWCF project leader: "We have started promoting! Thanks for the amazing work."

Trail map (below). Most major ski areas already have wonderful trail maps produced by the king of ski trail maps, James Niehues. I cannot compete with his legendary coverage within that market. But, there are times when a ski resort may want to do  something different like a special co-op promotion with sponsors or show off the facility with a degree of whimsy that communicates the joy of skiing as the close up details of a ski resort poster shows (click image for larger view).  

Speaking of ski resorts, this map of Mammoth Lakes, CA was commissioned by the Mammoth Mountain Ski Co. and used in their newcomer packet of information for visitors unfamiliar with the offerings of the local business community which would make their initial impression more enjoyable. The map includes many artistic embellishments that show the recreational activities of the area. To create more interest in the map, numerous black bears were "hidden" within the illustration as a type of game to get viewers to scan the map in more detail. You can see the game announced in the lower right corner next to the large bear.