USA Small-Town Maps with Retro Lettering

When Country Magazine approached me to about this series I knew 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 USA small-town maps with retro lettering was to express the unique feeling of each location.

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, it was nuances such as retro lettering on old signs that conveyed the truest sense of place.

Seasonal Colour Palettes

To bring these illustrated 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 used retro lettering 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're interested in maps with retro lettering, get in touch! Dive into my portfolio to see how vintage textures and vibrant palettes come to life. Let's create something memorable together!