Anna Simmons – Illustrator Specialising in Maps, Hand Lettering, and Visuals That Explain
Need to explain something complex, guide your audience, or connect with them? Then I’m here to help!
My illustrations help people find their way: visually, emotionally, and sometimes literally (when it’s maps).
I layer, digitally collage, and hand letter work that:
Makes information easy to take in
Brings your message to life
Feels honest
Illustration crafted with care, in a style that feels carefree.
Looking for visuals that explain your message clearly and in your voice? Let’s chat!
I help brands, publishers, and organisations make complex ideas easy to understand through custom maps, visual guides, hand lettering, and visual storytelling so their audience remembers what matters and connects with the message.
For each project, I create concept sketches and a considered colour scheme, work through at least two rounds of revisions, and deliver high-resolution files suitable for digital or print applications, typically within 2–4 weeks. Recent clients include museums, tourism organisations, hospitality brands, and event organisers.
I’m Anna, I think Drawing Helps Us Think Things Through
We all draw as children - it helps us make sense of the world and show how we see it. And that process still works, even when we’re older.
I use visuals to make ideas and scenes easier to understand- not by stripping them back, but by illustrating the interesting details. I’m really into history and gathering those cultural cues and olden-days styles that we all keep in our heads.
I love unpicking briefs and exploring how illustration can help people make sense of things; through maps, visual stories, or lettering that captures the right tone of voice.
My Journey
I began my professional life (after graduating in 2006) as an artwork studio assistant in London. It was there that I got hooked on lettering and maps, and used to meeting deadlines. Since then, I’ve taken on all sorts of projects, from conference graphics to pin badges, for clients around the world.
I’m now back in Wales where I grew up, living the mountain life with my cat Biddy (she agreed to quit the city too) and my gardener husband Andrew.
Clients I have Worked With
I explore ideas through colour, texture, imagery, and custom lettering. Browse my portfolio to see how I bring concepts to life, from maps to visual storytelling.
Words from Happy Collaborators
Lauren Atkinson-Smith – Deputy Art Director, National Geographic Traveller UK
Working with Anna was a dream, she always understood the brand and the brief, and produced carefully considered and beautifully illustrated work every issue. Her artwork was not only impactful enough to provide a beautiful visual introduction to the feature, but was also an informative reference map. I've got a real passion for Anna's handwritten type, too. I'm always looking for excuses to work with her again!
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Brett Warnock – Publisher and Editor, Kitchen Table Magazine
Working with Anna was a real honor. Not only did her final work deliver as I was hoping it would, but the process was super fun, and exceeded expectations. As an art director, my main ask from an illustrator or storyteller is to be a good listener and then bring their own ideas and skills to realize a vision—collaborating with Anna is an editor/publisher's dream.
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Lauryn Sanford – Senior Manager, Special Events, Alley Theatre, Texas
Anna was an absolute pleasure to work with on this project! We appreciate how open she has been to our ideas and feedback and how quickly she turned around the deliverables. THANK YOU!!!!
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I’m available for commissions in map illustration, lettering, and visual storytelling
I start with a conversation, provide concept sketches and revisions, and deliver high-resolution final artwork: a clear, guided process that ensures the outcome matches your goals.
Interested in Collaboration?
If you’re working on something that needs a thoughtful, visual approach, I’d love to hear more.
Fill out the form, or email me here and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Looking forward to connecting!
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