Mapscapes

I endeavor to make maps entertaining, user-friendly, and informative to leave a stronger, more positive impression on the viewer than is possible with a typical diagram or Google-style road map. These illustrated maps have been used in many ways including online interactive programs (apps and widgets), incorporated into other printed marketing pieces, and even stand-alone displays in kiosks.

Above is an illustrated tourist map of Flagstaff, AZ partially funded by the visitor bureau and partially by the individual advertisers. It is shown here before labels are added to participating businesses for the printed version of the map. The reverse side of this folded map contains a detailed page of display ads in a directory form organized by business category.

Feedback from project leader: "Thanks again for everything, you’ve been fabulous to work with, and your map is amazing."



I can work in different styles. In fact, if left to my own devices I will probably go a little overboard on whimsy and cartoonishness. For example. If you're presenting the opportunities for entertainment of a college town to incoming freshmen, it might be useful to make a poster that shows nothing but fanciful activities happening around the community. Such is the case with the group of businesses advertising on the piece below.

On the other hand, if your audience is going to be serious tourists who need to find their way around easily with information that is clearly presented, it would be more advisable to present the community with fewer distractive elements such as the sample shown below. Either way, the message can be tailored to appeal to the specific audience you wish to reach. And I can help in that process.

Speaking of the above La Conner map . . .  if imitation is the highest form of flattery, I am indeed flattered by the organization that funded the creation of the map below. While it contains some different elements and a simplified style, it is obviously a direct tracing of the layout and major features of my earlier original. Moral of the story: If you want a nice map, don't go to the expense of having someone copy an existing map. While it may honor the original artist, it could make you look unimaginative. Have an original created to your own specifications instead.