maps

Nelleke Verhoeff

2011-10-10T13:05:00.000+01:00

My Rotterdam by Nelleke Verhoeff

Nelleke got in touch with the Maps project after seeing a blog post over in Pikaland. Her project was to make a physical map and this lovely image of her home town of Rotterdam is her response.

"I made this map whilst doing the Pika artist-bootcamp at Pikaland. This map is about my Rotterdam in Holland, the city where I live: My most favorite spots and activities."

Awesome! Thanks Nelleke! See more of Nelleke's work here: www.redcheeksfactory.com

Holly Wales

2011-10-05T14:40:00.000+01:00

The Arctic Circle by Holly Wales

Illustrator, educator, writer, felt-tip pen hoarder and studio buddy Holly Wales has made this beautiful Map of the Arctic circle. The map comes complete with a Walrus, Polar Bear and my favourite sea-bird: an Arctic tern.

"I find it really interesting that the way we imagine the world is relative to our position in it; the UK-centric weather maps I saw every night on TV when I was growing up is a long way from this map which focusses on the wildlife and position of the Arctic Circle, with just a small footnote to reference the UK. And I love Walrus!"

Amazing map Holly! Make sure you have a good rummage around Holly's portfolio here: www.hollywales.com and keep an eye on her excellent blog here: www.hollywales.blogspot.com

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If you'd like to contribute to Maps then please feel free to get in touch, either via Twitter (@mrahayes) or email me at adam (at) mrahayes.co.uk or even send something in the post to Adam / OPEN Studio, 90 De Beauvoir Road, London N1 4EN

James Hunter

2011-10-03T15:11:00.000+01:00

Map of my Head by James Hunter

James created this map a year ago as part of his illustration course at Falmouth College of Art. The map describes his working process - perfect for this project!

"The image depicts a fictional map of my working process - strangely enough the image is a map of how I made the map! From the brain [ideas, concepts], through the brainstorm and thumbnail process, to the final idea [exports!] including all the contributing factors and inspiration along the way."

Nice work James! See more of his work here: www.jwhunter.blogspot.com

Luke Whittaker

2011-09-06T18:26:00.010+01:00

Home by Luke Whittaker

The multi-talented Luke Whittaker is one busy dude, but his work load has significantly decreased since completing this awesome map of his home. Luke explains the idea behind his map...

"To feel at home to me is to feel surrounded by a collection of little stories, each one present in all the objects and spaces in it. I wanted to represent that in some way with my current home, and, seeing as every object is different, or means something different, using a multitude of different info graphics seemed like an interesting way of exploring the idea. I also enjoyed the idea that these stories are somehow encoded like this, and you need to look closer to see them. It's been enjoyable making a record of the home too, even if a lot of the facts are half remembered and very possibly apocryphal."

Awesome work Luke! See more of Luke's work here: www.lukewhittaker.co.uk

If you'd like to contribute to Maps then please feel free to get in touch, either viaTwitter(@mrahayes) or email me at adam (at) mrahayes.co.uk or even send something in the post to Adam / OPEN Studio, 90 De Beauvoir Road, London N1 4EN

Grandpa Snail

2011-08-24T22:50:00.004+01:00

Ernold Same by Grandpa Snail

Grandpa Snail (known as James amongst gastropods) has sent over his incredibly detailed illustrated map of suburban London. Inspired by the Blur song of the same name, the map captures the mundanity of the city's samey suburbs.

"A familiar sight in suburban London."

Thanks Grandpa Snail! I guess today will always be tomorrow.

See more here: www.grandpasnail.com/comics.php

Gabriela Nicole Gonzalez

2011-08-24T22:31:00.007+01:00

U.S.A Map by Gabriela Nicole Gonzalez

This wonderfully textured map of the U.S was sent over by Gabriela. Whilst creating the map, she realised there is much of her own country she is still yet to see...

"Since I was really little, I have been very into traveling, and my family would take me on big trips to Europe or South America, places far away. As I've gotten older, my love for traveling has not faded at all and I've saved up my money several times to go abroad exploring new places and new faces. But recently it has dawned on me that I have not traveled much in my own country, so I am making it a point to explore the U.S. and what it's all about soon in my future."

Thanks for getting in touch Gabriela!

See more of Gabriela's work here, and check out her cool portraits on her tumblr blog right here > fromgabriela.tumblr.com

If you'd like to contribute to Maps then please feel free to get in touch, either via Twitter(@mrahayes) or email me at adam (at) mrahayes.co.uk or even send something in the post to Adam / OPEN Studio, 90 De Beauvoir Road, London N1 4EN

Lucy Davidson

2011-08-05T11:14:00.004+01:00

Seaside Map by Lucy Davidson

Lucy Davidson (aka Peas and Needles) sent over her lovely image of where she wants to live; by the sea...

"I've always wanted to live by the seaside in a big tall building right on the coastline. Where you would have views of all the boats sailing past and people swimming in the sea. This is my dream and where I feel happiest. Minus the seagulls though please."

Thanks Lucy!

Keep a look out for Lucy's website launching soon > www.peasandneedles.co.uk

Kerry Hyndman

2011-08-04T15:53:00.007+01:00

The Village of Hartley by Kerry Hyndman

Kerry Hyndman has a large and impressive portfolio, and now it's just got even more impressive with this fantastic map of Hartley...

"This is where I grew up and where my parents still live. I didn't realise until I moved away how great it was to have friends and family living so close by. Even though when I was growing up it felt like everybody knew what I was up to! I've made it look at lot more picturesque that it actually is. But in my mind it's pretty idyllic!"

Thanks Kerry!

Go have a look at more of her work here > www.kerryhyndman.co.uk and while your at it get yourself a lovely print from her shop > kerryhyndman.bigcartel.com

Timothy Hunt

2011-08-03T11:56:00.005+01:00

Where I Grew Up by Timothy Hunt

Tim got in touch via Twitter to contribute to the Maps project, and this is his awesome creation.

"The map is of the village where I grew up, the forest was very scary and there were a lot of strange stories about ghosts and all sorts of weird things.
I made up the lake, there wasn't one, but that is all that was missing. There were lots of open fields of grass and some filled with crops, getting chased by farmers was a regular occurrence."

Beautiful, simple and great colours; Nice work Tim!

Go have a look at Tim's other works at www.ficklefate.co.uk

If you'd like to contribute to Maps then please feel free to get in touch, either via Twitter (@mrahayes) or email me at adam (at) mrahayes.co.uk or even send something in the post to Adam / OPEN Studio, 90 De Beauvoir Road, London N1 4EN

Ryan Chapman

2011-06-02T15:03:00.005+01:00

Lighthouse by Ryan Chapman

Illustrator and artist Ryan Chapman has sent over this great map of where he belongs; on a luminous beacon by the sea...

"People say the Lighthouse keepers job is the loneliest job on earth, I however think it's ideal as you have the days to surf, paint, cook, fish and relax. Then at night you guide ships home while falling asleep to the sounds of the sea. And best of all; no neighbours."

Nice one Ryan!

Now go check out www.ryan-chapman.com !

MICA Student's Maps (2)

2011-04-15T13:14:00.011+01:00

Continuing from my last post, here's more of my favourite maps created by the students of the Maryland Institute of Art...

Janna and the World of Wonderful Shoes by Janna Morton

Janna's colourful map of shoes...

"It is hard for me to be sure at this time in my life where I belong geographically and/or emotionally, but one thing I can be certain of is the fact that I belong in wonderful shoes! With an 11 wide shoe size, thick calves, a tiny budget, and a penchant for the bright and unusually obnoxious, I have a lot of difficulty finding agreeable footwear. Everything is either too tight or too loose or too boring or too sporty! In my dreams, however, I walk in forests of De Stijl flats, breakfast-themed high tops, and kitten heels (adorned with actual kittens!) and every shoe fits me better than Cinderella’s glass slipper."

Forest Memory Map by Meghan Walsh

I really love Meghan's delicate and detailed map of the forest behind her house...

"I have always felt most at home in the forest behind my house. It was always a place I could escape to during my childhood and the possibility of having a place where I could be alone and have adventures was very freeing for me. My dog would escape my house and I would always have to be the one to capture her, so I've mapped out the routes on which I've chased her. This map is meant to portray this forest as I remember it, so I have drawn different portions from different viewpoints to more accurately show how this place exists in my memory."

Recurring Dream from my Childhood by Caleb Lin

Great underwater colours in Caleb's map...

"When I was in elementary school I had a recurring dream where I would be drowning and a lifeguard would come and rescue me. Once I learned how to swim in the 3rd Grade the dream altered so that the same lifeguard would be drowning, and I would rescue her.The more memorable part of this dream, however, was the fact that it was set on the rocky California coast, where I grew up. In this dream I had an underwater home carved right into the rock, and the entrance was hidden deep underwater and functioned like that of a beaver’s den. This dream was a favorite of mine because I guess it fulfilled fantasies of being a hero, having superhuman swimming ability, and having my own secret hiding place."

It's Really Frustrating by Sarah Straub

Sarah maps the process of making her map, and in turn creates a journey of frustration...

There comes a point in every semester where you are given an assignment that causes your brain to just cut its losses, power down and cut up the power cord. At the ripe old age of 22, I don't really "belong" anywhere geographically, but instead I belong to my mind and its twisted route of frustration. So with this particular task, I mapped out and listed some of the phrases that trampled up and down my cranium when I'm stuck. Hence, we have a map of frustration. And if this map was not frustrating enough, consider this: just prior to getting the title in, the file corrupted and I had to re-finish it, resurrecting it from its festering grave from a pdf.

A big thanks to all the students who took part in the assignment and to Rebecca Bradley for helping the collaboration take place.

Keep an eye on all of the work created by the MICA illustration students by following their blog here: http://micamaps.blogspot.com/

MICA student's Maps (1)

2011-04-15T11:50:00.012+01:00

Earlier this year, I worked with Rebecca Bradley at MICA in Baltimore on the Maps project for her illustration class.

Each of the students produced fantastic and original maps and I was totally blown away by the standard of the work.

Here's a selection of my favourites...

Icons of the American Outdoors by Mitchell Goodrich

Mitchell created this amazing map of the American outdoors. Being a bit partial to outdoor living myself, I was instantly attracted to the theme and drawing style of this map.

"It is not in the "Great American Outdoors," as a geographical location, that I find a sense of belonging; rather it is in the image of this imagined landscape. My comfort dwells in nostalgic associations, such as hot-dogs and hamburgers cooking atop a grill, as symbols of family vacation. This image is an attempt tocompile several vibrant icons representative of the American materialization of the outdoors. Exclusive of the real-life annoyances of actually inhabiting the "natural world" is the comfortingimage of the idealized American landscape."

Where I Belong in 10 Years by Jilly Yoffe

Jilly's map is one which imagines her future country retreat, complete with letterpress studio out the back!

"This map is the mental plan I have for my future home. Thinking of this place always makes me feel at peace. This imagined home is on a small farm with plenty of space for my dog to run, and in a house that has plenty of room for my favorite material things (books, records, art supplies). This place will be my sanctuary."

Sailing the Open Ocean on a Piece of Driftwood by Danie Drankwalter

I really liked Danie's map of a raft, which contains everything she needs to sail the world...

"Sailing the Open Ocean on a Piece of Driftwood. How great would that be? No obligations, just a fishing pole and a tent. I don’t even eat fish! My suitcase would be a large infinite magical suitcase in which Everything I Need would be among its contents, regardless of if I packed it. I could visit my friends all over and make new ones along the way! The garden would do wonderfully most of the year on the sunny seas, though upon entering colder climates a hoop-house can be erected. The watchtower is both for looking out for pirates (or friends) as well as reading in the sun."

Bel Air, Maryland Map by Kristin Nohe

Kristin's maps her hometown according to the places she's at the most...

"This is a map of my hometown, Bel Air, Maryland. I don't know that I belong here forever, but so far that is where I have spent the majority of my life and obviously have the most meaning to me. I haven't included everything in my town, but only the places that I frequent or have special meaning to me, and the roads that I take regularly. Important places on my map include my house, my boyfriend's house, Spenceola Antiques(my former place of work), and the parks that I frequent."

Map of a small section of the Internet by Aimee Fleck

Aimee has mapped the unmappable internet...

"My map is of part of the internet-- a "place" I spend a lot of time. I think everyone sees it somewhat differently-- I often picture it as a library, partially because of the overwhelming amount of knowledge and media you can find there, but also because I find libraries comfortable. It's a small section of the internet because I think that no matter how long you spend there, everyone kind of sees only their own corner of it: thus, a small section of the large "series of tubes" that some say make up the internet."

More MICA maps continued >>

See more work from the class here: http://micamaps.blogspot.com/search/label/assignment%202

Richard Sanderson

2011-03-14T12:22:00.004Z

Mt Oliver by Richard Sanderson

The brilliant Mr.Richard Sanderson has contributed a map of where he belongs; on an arctic archipelagan outpost...

"This is a sort-of map of a ghost town, inspired by the recently abandoned Russian settlement of Pyramiden in Svalbard, Norway.

Mount Oliver was a mountain rich in natural resources, which led to the construction of mines, power stations and factories. That is until the fires started in the mines. They're still burning today."

Both a great map and great idea, thanks Richard! Be sure to give his portfolio a webhit at www.rjsanderson.co.uk

James Clapham

2011-03-13T17:20:00.005Z

Birkenhead Map by James Clapham

Illustrator James Clapham has turned the area where he lives into a fabulous (if not lethal) hand drawn mythical fantasy...

"I wanted to not only illustrate my area, Wirral, but also the surrounding places; looking into bits of mythology and playing around with local landmarks."

Nice one James! See James's great portfolio here: cargocollective.com/jamesclapham

Tom Jackson

2011-02-04T17:42:00.004Z

Living Out of a Bag by Tom Jackson

Tom Jackson is a 3rd year illustration student at Bucks University. Tom came across Maps whilst on a group visit to our studio (see here) and swiftly set about creating his own artwork for the project. Living Out of a Bag is Tom's brilliant illustration...

"It's a map of my backpack because I guess that's where I feel most comfortable, or atleaast have most fun, travelling around, living out of my backpack, great fun! "

Thanks Tom. See more of Mr. Jackson's portfolio here; http://cargocollective.com/tomjackson1.

If you're an illustration or design student who would like to be part of the project, send over your map!

Åh Studio

2011-01-28T16:34:00.009Z

untitled by Åh

Åh are Swedish-Finnish design duo Johanna Lundberg and Elin Svensson, and this is their awesome contribution to the project!

"Our map is a journey starting in the Swedish suburb, through the Finnish forest, becoming Åh, and heading towards..."

Thanks Åh, great map!

See more of the talented duo's work over at www.ah-studio.com

Hye Su Lee

2011-01-19T11:01:00.008Z

Manhattan Map by Hye Su Lee

Illustrator Hye Su Lee splits her time between London, South Korea and New York and finds inspiration for her beautiful and vibrant map from the city streets of Manhattan...

"I am creating a visual autobiography based on city maps from where I have lived, and am currently living. I am getting inspired by people; anybody and everybody who I run into and New York is my current home. Thank you for those people on my map."

A great map! Thanks Hye Su!

Check out more of Hye Su's work right here: www.heyheysu.com

Enrique Flores

2011-01-17T10:26:00.007Z

San Vicente de Alcantara by Enrique Flores

Enrique Flores has an impressive portfolio of illustrated maps, and he got in touch to share his beautiful map of his home town drawn from memory.

"It´s San Vicente de Alcantara, a small village where I spent my childhood. My old house is the one coloured in orange and the surroundings are the ones I remember from my bicycle rides... Lots of memories."

Thank you Enrique, it is a fantastic addition to the project.

See more of Enrique's maps and other lovely drawings and paintings here; http://www.flickr.com/photos/4ojos/with/1379835557/

Adam Hayes

2010-11-19T11:33:00.005Z

I thought it was about time I participated in the project and upload my own map. Desk maps out where I spend a lot of my time while including elements of where I live and of where I want to be.

"It took me a long time to decide how to design my map. But I knew it had to incorporate my work, the city I live in and the countryside I escape to. In the end I settled upon the idea of my desk as the surface upon which I draw and work, a place from which I explore the city streets and delve into the forests and hills."

See more maps and other work in my portfolio over at www.mrahayes.co.uk

If you're an artist or designer and would like to be part of Maps, send over your stuff!

Billie Jean

2010-10-15T13:43:00.004+01:00

All Roads Lead to the Slaughter House by Billie Jean

The fantastic illustrator that is Billie Jean has sent over his map, All Roads Lead to the Slaughter House...

"I find it incredibly depressing to see the proliferation of chicken shops on my High Street. Even the building that was once the birthplace of local hero Alfred Hitchcock, is now a 'Chicks' chicken and pizza shop. They missed a trick by not calling it 'The Birds'.

Chicken bred for these establishments are often pumped up with drugs so that they can grow at an unnaturally fast pace. They are crammed in to faeces laden and over crowded barns, where they never ever see the light of day during their short lives.

These establishments that blight the urban landscape are completely unethical."

This is really really great, thanks Sam! I've always wondered what the K in KFC stood for!

See more beautiful works at; www.billiejean.co.uk

David Sparshott

2010-09-07T13:58:00.005+01:00

South East Asia 2009 by David Sparshott

David Sparshott, illustrator and master of the pencil crayon, has sent over his map of a journey he took in 2009;

"Last year I went away travelling with my girlfriend. During this time I kept a diary and sketchbook. I had a huge amount of reference material to work from, a written diary, drawings, photographs, and videos. Taking the time to revisited this was really enjoyable experience and only helped to convince me to explore the possibility of going away for a few months again next year."

An awesome map David, thanks!

See David's portfolio at www.davidsparshott.com. It's full of great work, especially his really cool and recent football illustrations for the Times.

David Peter Kerr

2010-09-02T13:45:00.004+01:00

Great Britains by David Peter Kerr

Glasgow-based designer and illustrator David Kerr has sent over his map for the project which is based on a recurring nightmare of his...

"My nightmare is perhaps rooted in a deep seated fear of there being nothing other than Britain or perhaps some strange complex akin to that of Alexander of Macedonia who was once claimed to have wept whilst saying: "There are no more worlds to conquer!"

A great map, thanks very much Dave!

See more of David's other work, including comics, design and unique illustrations over on his website; www.davidpeterkerr.com

Ryan Todd

2010-09-01T17:50:00.005+01:00

Wrong Side Up by Ryan Todd

The talented Ryan Todd has sent over a splendid map for the project. Here's what he has to say...

"My image maps an assembly of visual riddles. It's a place where things don't quite function as expected; a hamlet in a conjured world of inflatable concrete, broken rainbows and garden gnome soirées, thats where I belong."

Thanks Ryan, it looks great!

Take a look at more of Ryan's work for Duke Press here; www.dukepress.co.uk

Anton Weflö

2010-08-31T11:56:00.004+01:00

Inner Space by Anton Weflö

Swedish graphic designer and illustrator Anton Weflö has created a map which tackles the issue of not necessarily belonging anywhere in particular...

"I had some trouble relating to a certain geographical place or identifying with a single destination as to where I belong. Therefore I created this portal, which allows oneself to explore further dimensions and far out places in order to find where one might belong."

Great idea Anton, thanks very much!

Keep an eye out for Anton's new website launching soon... www.antonweflo.com

Murray Somerville

2010-08-13T14:26:00.003+01:00

Mapping the Thinking Process of Murray Somerville by Murray Somerville

Murray's map is an insight into the twist and turns he undergoes before generating his illustration ideas...

"It's a map of my thinking process; chaotic, mental and full of ups and downs and left and rights! There is a board game theme as well due to the luck and unpredictable nature of where an idea can go. The ending of course is the destination of an idea, until the day which there is no idea, meaning I'm most likely dead!"

Nice work Murray, thanks!

See more results of Murray's chaotic brain on his website and blog, both here; www.murraysomerville.carbonmade.com & www.murraysomerville.blogspot.com

Aron Jones

2010-08-11T09:51:00.005+01:00

The World of Tomorrow by Aron Jones

Aron in Wales has sent over his World of Tomorrow, where bright colours collide with with skateparks, skyscrapers and strippers.

"I often wondered what it would be like to live in the future. I knew there would be flying cars and that but I always imagined there would be more heavy metal music and strip-joints. So here's my map, a place filled with all the things I love and expect to be there."

Nice one Aron, the map looks fantastic!

See more of Aron (aka Ronskidoodles) here; www.ronskidoodles.co.uk

Design Week Blog feature's Maps

2010-08-10T11:27:00.005+01:00

Laura Snoad at Design Week has featured Maps on the DW Blog. Read the article here; www.designweek.co.uk/cartographers/3016817.article

Thanks Laura!

Denis Carrier

2010-08-09T15:18:00.007+01:00

Rives sur Fure by Denis Carrier

Denis of StudioFolk has sent over a map of where he belongs, inspired by a recent trip...

"Last weekend, I went to see my family in the countryside and I was inspired by the landscape for my map."

A beautiful and simple idea, nice work Denis!

See more of Denis' work here; www.studiofolk.com and from his Grenoble-based studio here; www.pnts-studio.com

Jacqueline Wagner

2010-08-05T12:21:00.006+01:00

A Map of the Middle Ages by Jacqueline Wagner

My old studio-mate Jacqueline Wagner has been busy using her brilliant 3D illustration and set design skills to create her map...

"The inspiration for my image was the fact that my boyfriend and I recently bought a flat together. When I was little I thought that all people over 30 were middle-aged and had massive sideboards full of crystal vases in their living rooms. Instead I find myself discussing floor plans and happily planning 'the autumn of my life'."

Thanks Jacky! Ace stuff.

See more of Jacqueline's work here; www.wagner.de.com and keep a look out for my personal favourite, the Radio Tank.

Josh Cochran

2010-08-05T11:18:00.006+01:00

Mt. Whitney by Josh Cochran

I absolutely love Josh Cochran's illustrations and his map for the project is surely the most personal (and permanent!) contribution yet; an amazing map tattoo...

"This map has significance to me because it was the last hike I went on with my Dad (who was an avid backpacker and hiker) before he passed away from cancer. It is also the highest point on the continental US."

This map is amazing and is one hell of a cool tattoo, thanks for sharing with us Josh.

See Josh's work here; www.joshcochran.net and keep an eye out for more awesome maps of his.

Andrew Groves

2010-08-04T18:16:00.002+01:00

Middle of Nowhere by Andrew Groves

Andrew's map, Middle of Nowhere, answers the project brief by imagining a place he knows he belongs to...

"I've yet to actually go to a place where I feel I completely "belong" but I'm always at my happiest when I'm outdoors so I've created an small island that I think would be a great place to live. Ideally there would be great snow in the winter, great waves in the summer, lots of trees, and a few mysterious creatures."

This sounds like a place I'd like be!

Thanks Andrew, I love it.

See more of Andrews fantastic illustrations here; www.imakethings.co.uk

Abi Daker

2010-07-22T13:52:00.004+01:00

Brainstorm Island by Abi Daker

Cyprus-based illustrator Abi Daker has sent over Brainstorm Island for the Maps project...

"I started off by drawing the castle and worked outwards from there. I wanted to draw a fantasy map and to put all the ideas I've had for maps in the past in to see what would come out. I think I will work on this again and draw a map of a Smuggler's Island, with more detailed villages and areas of landscape."

Really cool, thanks Abi!

Nomoco

2010-07-12T17:36:00.005+01:00

J.S Bach's Concerto D Minor by Nomoco

Nomoco's work is stunning in it's intricacy and it's delicate beauty, and her map for the project is definitely no exception. Nomoco has created this beautiful textured map of Bach's Concerto D Minor.

"I've decided to map one piece of his music as his music influenced me so much."

See more of her work on the Pocko website; www.pocko.com/pockopeople/artist/nomoco/animation

Incredible, thanks Nomoco!

Lucy Gough

2010-07-08T17:43:00.002+01:00

The Great Outdoors by Lucy Gough

Lucy's alluring map contribution arranges the patchwork-patterns of her countryside, so we can all go roaming about the fields with her...

"I have always been fascinated by the beauty and abstract quality of aerial maps. I particularly love the patchwork effect created by years of farming the same fields.

For my map I produced an abstracted view of rural countryside. It has purposefully been made using generic shapes and an empty compass and map pins. My intention is for anybody to be able to customise the map by utilising the compass and pins and adding landmarks, roads and rivers."

Lucy's artwork mixes stylised drawings with lovely hand rendered typography; have a look at her work here; www.lucygough.com

Nice one Lucy, Thanks!

Louise Norman

2010-07-06T17:03:00.006+01:00

Map Where I Belong by Louise Norman

Artist and illustrator Louise Norman is no stranger to making and manipulating maps in her own work. For the maps project, she's combined maps of the countries she's visited with her personal encounters...

"It's a pen drawing of all the countries where I've felt I've belonged somehow. How many can you spot? They are all filled in with dots and have small images of memories, experiences, people, circles etc... I always seem to come back to dots and circles in my work, maybe I just belong with them and always will."

Louise has more amazing map drawings over on her website, hit this link! http://www.louisenorman.co.uk/map-drawings.html

Thanks Louise!

Matthew Dent

2010-07-02T15:04:00.008+01:00

Past, Present, Future by Matthew Dent

Illustrator Matthew Dent has sent over his great new map for the project;

"I wanted to create a version of my past, present and future within the world that I create as an illustrator. I looked at the past (building a tree-house, a family trip to NY, summers in the Lake District.) The Present, (My illustration, football and time spent with my girlfriend!) and the future, (Marriage, a family and happy times ahead!)"

Matt's got some really great work over on his website, my favourite has to be his drawing for cycling in London; www.matthewdent.co.uk/#458752/AOI-Transport-For-London

Lovely stuff, thanks very much Matt!

Anna Simmons

2010-07-02T07:56:00.004+01:00

Marylebone to Wrexham by Anna Simmons

Anna Simmons' portfolio is filled with incredibly beautiful and accurately detailed maps so it's great to have her work included in the project. At first you may think her artwork isn't strictly map-like, but let her explain...

"It's a (sort of) map in that it's a record of the Wrexham and Shropshire (the nicest, most old-fashioned, punctual train company in the uk) journey back home to Wales. Each frame is a view from the train window as it travels north west up to Wales. It's a work in progress really as I hope to draw more of what I see each time I travel until I have every last crumb of the journey noted down. Like a train anorak type.
North Wales still feels like home to me, even though I am living here in London. One day I will go back but for now, the journey back connects the two places. There is a Welsh word for the feeling of missing Wales 'hiraeth', it has no direct translation but it means a sort of homesickness and longing for Wales or for what is departed."

See Anna's maps at her website here; www.annasimmons.com

Thanks very much Anna!

Sarah Lutkenhaus

2010-07-01T15:56:00.005+01:00

Greenpointing in Brooklyn by Sarah Lutkenhaus

Our second map of Brooklyn (after Mike Perry's) comes from New York-based designer and illustrator Sarah Lutkenhaus. Greenpointing maps out Sarah's new neighbourhood...

"I just moved from Williamsburg to Greenpoint. Like most moves in New York, the distance may be small (barely one mile), but the changes are dramatic. These are the first impressions I've gotten from walking/biking around the neighborhood."

Love it, thanks Sarah.

Check out Sarah's other work here; www.sarahlutkenhaus.com

Jochen Schievink

2010-06-30T17:59:00.006+01:00

Hamburg by Jochen Schievink

Jochen got in touch to share his great map of Hamburg with the project. Jochen's illustrations have a lovely sense of humour which is shown in the map of his new home;

"As I moved half a year ago to Hamburg I drew a map of this town to get some orientation and share some impressions. Maybe it's something for your project!"

It certainly is something for the project!

See his other great works here: www.jochenworld.de

Thanks Jochen!

Paul Bower

2010-06-30T17:11:00.004+01:00

A Map of The Secret Evil Headquarters (aka my desk) by Paul Bower

Artist, illustrator and fellow Pocko person Paul Bower has been busy printing up his fantastic new map for the project. Like a lot of artists, Paul is only ever at home when he's either painting, drawing, printing or twisting his moustache...

"I figured that my favourite-ist place is my studio in Peckham and, since I spend most of my time there, it can become like it's own little world, hence loosely plotting all the important areas on a map similar to the London underground map.

Maybe I should get out more?"

Great stuff Mr. Bower!

Jess Wilson

2010-06-23T18:58:00.004+01:00

High Tea by Jess Wilson

High Tea is Jess Wilson's great new work for Maps. Jess uses an afternoon tea theme to illustrate how she belongs to lot's of places - all of them within Britain.

Her map consists of a pot of Hacheston Road, a cup of Border Cot Lane and plates of Kitchener Road and Bawdsey. Nice!

Jess' map makes use of the full capacity of her pencil case, as does her portfolio which is jam-packed full of everything from felt-tipped portraits to lovely pencil-sketched typography. Go 'ave a look here!

Cheers Jess!

Andy Smith

2010-06-22T19:18:00.003+01:00

House by Andy Smith

Type and screen print whiz Andy Smith has just sent over House, his new work for the maps project. It's a map of his home where he lives amongst his own characters and creations...

"I guess like a lot of illustrators I've built up a collection of characters and other stuff that have come to make up my own little 'illustration' world. They now all live with us in our house in Hastings. It can be tough when you bump into Fatty on the stairs or the Target People are playing up on the landing but I have grown used to it."

If you've not seen his work already, take a look around Andy's website where he has a load of great screen printed posters all for sale.

Thanks Andy!

Mike Perry

2010-06-21T18:51:00.006+01:00

Brooklyn. The Smallest Town I've Ever Lived In! by Mike Perry

The unstoppable Mike Perry has sent over his map for the project and it looks fantastic. "Brooklyn. The Smallest Town I've Ever Lived In!" is a map of where Mike lives and works, amongst his 4-story tall stationary sets, paint brush pavements and giant pencils.

Check out more of Mike's work over on his website here and read a great interview here.

Thanks Mike!

Matt Johnstone

2010-06-10T10:13:00.003+01:00

Pirates Deep by Matt Johnstone

Friend and studio buddy Matt Johnstone's map is a beautifully coloured hark back to a place in his childhood where he had the most fun ever;

"When I was 5 years old there was only one place to have your birthday, it was called Pirates Deep, an indoor Pirate themed adventure play centre underneath one of the arches on Brighton seafront. It was a childs paradise of ball pits, nets, slides, inflatable characters, obstacles, bouncy things, ropes, tunnels and padded Velcro shapes. Looking back it seemed like it was invented before health and safety, as there didn't appear to be any rules you could really just go mental. It isn't there anymore."

Lovely stuff Matt!

Ben Javens

2010-05-28T16:16:00.005+01:00

Look North by Ben Javens

Ben got in touch to send over his map for the project. Called 'Look North', Ben describes it as "a map of my life at this moment". Like much of his work, Ben's map has a lovely hand printed quality to it. If you've not had a look around his website yet, make sure you do...www.benjavens.co.uk

Nice one Ben!

Ben Newman

2010-05-24T19:49:00.004+01:00

Journey to the Centre of the Page by Ben Newman

Over the weekend Ben sent over his map, 'Journey to the Centre of the Page'. Ben has recently moved into a new studio and decided his map should represent how he conjures up his mad and brilliant illustration ideas. He writes;

"Until recently, I've worked from home for years but for the last few months, before my studio space came through, I had to work in my bedroom. This is not healthy

for a 28 year old man and meant that some days I wouldn't leave the house or talk to anybody in person. I decided that for my map I would illustrate the journey my ideas had to make because it's a hell of a lot more interesting than my walk to the shop to buy milk. Thankfully my working from home days are finally over."

Ace work Ben!

More map inspiration

2010-04-28T14:31:00.000+01:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks in the studio, and the Maps blog has been somewhat neglected. So I thought it was a about time to post some more map inspiration just in case you hadn't quite worked out your own creation yet.

This is Josh Cochran's beautifully detailed and coloured map of Vancouver.

This amazing map of London by Liam O'Connor is made from layering 253 hand drawn maps from people in the street.

Artist Stephen Walter's etching of London. Check out his other maps on his website, they're absolutely amazing.

A great mix of hand lettering and mapping details in this for Newsweek by John Hendrix.

And finally, one of my own maps from a couple of years ago. This one is a map of Liverpool's 'cool' places according to James Barton of Cream.

Even more mappers...

2010-04-27T09:45:00.000+01:00

More talented folk signed up to Maps include; Holly Wales, Jacky Wagner, Ben Newman, Kate Forrester, James Graham and Hiroshi Kariya!

Alex Synge

2010-04-23T14:18:00.000+01:00

Map of the stars above your grandparents' house, 2:20am, 2nd April 2010 by Alex Synge

Alex got in touch with the project to share his map of the stars. His beautiful and technical pencil drawing answers the question of belonging wonderfully, while his title gives us a more anchored clarification. Lovely stuff, thanks Alex!

The Beauty of Maps

2010-04-23T11:35:00.000+01:00

There's a really great series on BBC4 at the moment called 'The Beauty of Maps'. Available to watch on the iPlayer, the series looks at incredible historical maps for there pure visual appeal.

On the surface the series appears to be made for map geeks, but there's some amazingly illustrated work which could inspire your own map-making. And besides, with such facts as; did you know the British Library is home to 4.5 million maps? - how could this show be anything other than brilliant?

www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/beautyofmaps

Map inspiration

2010-04-16T11:32:00.000+01:00

I thought it might be helpful to add one or two map examples to the blog, one's which may inspire more people to join in or even act as reference for those who've already started scribbling.

Most illustrators will have probably been commissioned to make a map at some point. It's one of those subjects that always requires an artist to interpret a location according to a specific set of themes, features or directions. The beauty of it is that every map will look totally different according to the artists natural style, even if it maps an identical location.

So here's a few examples to get the juices flowing, maybe some of these will inspire your own personal map...

This map of East London by Hennie Haworth has a lovely warming winter-time feel to it.

This map of Australia by Jess Wilson is beautiful and bright, yet remains simple in its notation by simply adding the nations major cities and territories.

Pentagram designer Paula Scher is well know for her many painted maps. If your approach is more typographic then perhaps her work will be a big inspiration.

I'll post more map inspiration as and when I get hold of it, but if you have maps from your portfolios or know of great maps that have inspired your own work then send me a link and i'll post them up.

More mappers...

2010-04-15T10:20:00.000+01:00

Slowly but surely my invites are being emailed from my tired computer, and I'm chuffed to bits with the response so far. More talented figures from the visual world who'll be contributing to maps include; Billie Jean, Lucy Gough, Paul Bower, Ryan Todd, Jess Wilson, Hennie Haworth and Mike Perry. Thanks guys!

And remember, if you come across this project and like to contribute too please get in touch. The chances are you're on my invitation list but hadn't got round to contacting you yet!

Map makers...

2010-04-13T16:59:00.000+01:00

Today I've made a start at sending out the first invitations for contributions to Maps.

I've decided to individually invite people to participate, rather than splatter gun a massive group email. But as a slow/medium typer it's taking me a while, and with a mountain of other 'work' to get on with I've barely made double figures. So if you've come across this project and want to join in by all means do so.

Confirmed map makers (so far) are;

Andrew Joyce, Olivier Kugler, Melvin Galapon, Sarah Bridgland, Anna Simmons, Luke Whittaker, Rob Ellis, Matt Johnstone, Ben Javens and Alice Stevenson!

Can't wait to see what they come up with!

Make a Map!

2010-04-12T13:12:00.000+01:00

This is the official invite for Maps. A soon as I get chance, i'll be sending it out to artists the world over, but if you're seeing this before I've had chance to get in touch then please feel free to join in!

Andrew Joyce

2010-04-11T11:52:00.001+01:00

Tokyo by Andrew Joyce

It's really exciting to receive the first submission to Maps. Andrew Joyce sent over his map of tokyo, a city where he spends a lot of time visiting friends and family. A place he feels he belongs to, Andrew says "It has become a bit of a second home. Although I may never blend in, it's somewhere I have come to feel very comfortable in as well as endlessly fascinated with."

See more of Andrews great illustrations here; www.doodlesandstuff.com

Thanks Andrew!

Maps

2010-04-07T17:28:00.000+01:00

Hello, this is the first post of my new art project called simply, 'Maps'. As I write this the project is still a matter of being only hours old, so there is still much to think about and finalise before I can start inviting my favourite artists to take part.

I will (hopefully soon) be asking artists to create a map of somewhere they feel they belong. The idea of where you belong is a fairly tricky thing to work out, after all is it possible to associate yourself with a location?

I will be starting my own map soon, but at the moment I have no idea where I belong. I guess I could go with a map of London, it's where I've lived for the past 6 years but if I'm honest I don't think i'll ever regard myself as a Londoner. My possible other location would be Stoke-on-Trent, the town where I grew up. However I no longer have family there and haven't visited for months. Does this mean I no longer belong there? It could be that a town is too big for my map, and that where I really belong is at this desk where I sit for most days whilst drawing and day dreaming.

As this project develops it will aim to collect a series of totally individual maps by some fantastic image makers - creating an insight into who they are and where they belong. I'll be posting the maps on this blog and hopefully include a bit more info on the artist. Then who knows, maybe i'll organise an exhibition or design a book to show them all off.