Illustrated U.S. Small-Town Map Series
When Country Magazine approached me about a series of illustrated U.S. small-town maps, they were seeking more than just the geography! They wanted a visual journey, an invitation to explore the quaint charm and hidden stories of places often overlooked. Visuals speak to us instantly, and the job of the illustrations was to express the flavour of each location, allowing the reader to absorb its atmosphere even before reading a single word.
Bringing It All Together
The illustrations also worked as centrepieces uniting written copy and photography into one cohesive offering to readers. The illustration provided a thread of consistency to each issue, aligning with and strengthening the magazine's identity and value.
Capturing the Essence of Hidden Gems
Illustration is perfect when it comes to depicting lesser-known destinations. It allows for creativity and imagination to bring out the unique character of a place. Whereas photography is limited to capturing existing visuals, illustration can present a curated selection of observations, showcasing those little Idiosyncrasies and details which convey real character.
As I delved into the research, I enjoyed tucking away the quirks that made each place seem to me so uniquely American- as viewed with an outsider’s gaze. And without the presence of world-famous landmarks in these quaint towns, it was often such nuances that conveyed the truest sense of place.
Seasonal Colour Palettes
To bring these small-town maps to life, I thoughtfully selected a colour palette that reflected each location's unique visual characteristics. I chose shades that mirrored the natural landscape and the season featured in the issue, while also considering the architecture, shop signage, traditional crafts... Often, patterns and palettes would reveal themselves naturally!
Creating Depth with Digital Collage
The digital collage technique enabled me to seamlessly integrate various elements, creating a layered, textured effect that added depth to each map. I hand-lettered in styles that reflected each town's distinct history, culture, and character. This blend of colour, texture, and lettering ensured that each map was both a portrait of a place and a visual guide, helping readers navigate the text in the feature.
Let’s Collaborate
If you'd like to see more of my illustrations, feel free to explore my portfolio! Whether you're a corporation, a design group, or part of the travel industry, I'm here to help craft illustrations that inform, persuade, and brand. Let's embark on a creative journey together!