Illustrated Museum and Gallery City Maps
Each of these illustrations (Glasgow and Manchester) became the very essence of the branding for their respective Museums Association Annual Conference. I love sharing them, as examples of when a map illustration isn’t merely a guide, but at the heart of an entire event's identity.
Crafting the Conference Experience
My illustrations needed to capture both the essence of the event and the personality of the host city. I combined vivid colours, distinctive lettering, and energetic textures to create a richly detailed scene.
Since each map illustration was to be the cover star of the annual conference guide, the first stage of the brief was to create an exciting tapestry to catch the eye. I wanted to shine a bright light on the hidden excitement within each museum site. Using kaleidoscopic colour and clashing texture to make even the most solemn Victorian facade go electric.
Visual Branding: More Than Meets the Eye
But peer closer still, and you'll discover a bustling community of tiny people, and local tales interwoven into the map's design (see if you can spot the little L.S.Lowry figures within the Manchester art!). I relished the prospect of attendees making little discoveries for themselves as their eyes roamed around the artwork. It felt like the perfect analogy for the themes of experiential learning and exploration… topics always on the agenda at a Museums Conference!
Beyond the Cover Star
Beyond the usage as the Conference Guide’s cover, my illustration elements wove their way into various event materials, elevating the content and ensuring brand cohesion.
So, from the moment the invites were sent out, the illustrations became the conference’s visual signature! They danced across banners, warmly greeted guests as they arrived, and played a starring role in the visuals projected during presentations. The map’s vintage textures and vibrant palettes didn’t just enhance the aesthetics; they created a unified brand identity that resonated with participants.
Transforming Engagement with Visual Storytelling
As the conference unfolded, the illustrations did more than decorate—they engaged. They turned dry facts and figures into visually memorable moments, making complex information more accessible and memorable.
Maps with a Life of Their Own
Witnessing the map's impact on engagement was especially thrilling. It was firsthand experience of how crucial visuals are in facilitating social media connection. For many attendees, snapping a picture of one of my illustrations was the prompt for sharing their own conference experiences with others online.
It felt as if the map itself had taken on a life of its own; it connected with the audience and made the event more eventful!
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