Sri Lanka Vintage Travel Poster Map Art
A richly illustrated map of Sri Lanka combining local iconography, hand lettering, and a sun-warmed palette to celebrate the country’s landscapes and traditions.
This commission involved creating large-scale illustrations for a design-led hospitality brand. They wanted to adorn their mid-century modern interiors with Sri Lanka vintage travel poster map art; fusing the golden era of travel with the vibrant local culture. They needed an illustrator who could layer detail, sun-kissed colour and subtle visual nods to Sri Lankan heritage. And they knew I could lean into the 1950-60’s aesthetic, drawing on the grain and warmth of older print techniques to create a sense of place; and a nostalgic invitation to explore.
A Nostalgic Voyage
Two large format map illustrations were commissioned to highlight points of interest, teem with detail, and pin point the locations of each property. Each one was designed to sit comfortably alongside the vintage travel posters already hanging on the hotel walls, reinforcing the brand’s distinctive visual identity.
An illustrated map of Galle Fort in the style of Sri Lanka vintage travel poster map art. It captures the historic town’s charm through layered colour, textured detail, and hand-drawn lettering.
More than just decoration, the artworks played a key role in shaping the hotel’s atmosphere; setting the tone for a stay that felt both luxurious and unhurried. As well as unifying the interiors, the illustrated maps served a practical purpose: giving guests a chance to plan day trips and explore the region, all while chatting over breakfast or a cocktail.
Capturing Daily Life
Working in digital collage let me combine form and texture in a way that brought the country’s landscapes and landmarks to life. The flexibility of my montage-approach made it easy to weave together different architectural styles; from ancient shrines to colonial buildings, without losing visual cohesion.
Close-up of the Sleeping Buddha at Gal Vihara
This detail of the ancient stone carving at Polonnaruwa detail adds gentle atmosphere and depth to the illustration. Zooming in reveals the textured grain and stylised approach that represents historical forms using contemporary language.
Narrative illustration was the perfect medium to capture Sri Lanka’s religious diversity and multiculturalism with sensitivity. It was a chance to create small illustrated scenes, of people going about daily life, telling human stories in a way that feels relatable and sincere.
Detailed illustrations highlight Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, featuring traditional scenes like the Kandy fire festival, ceremonial elephants, and tea pickers. These elements bring authentic local life to the map, enriching the visual storytelling.
A Palette of Inspiration
I worked with the client’s brand colours, complementing them with hues drawn from Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Lush greens inspired by the coastal landscape balance with the warm, soft tones of wood, stone, and golden sand. This palette guides the viewer’s eye to key landmarks and stories and creates a cohesive visual experience throughout the space.
Temple life: stillness and mischievous monkeys
The colour choices here draw directly from the landscape and cultural dress, grounding the illustration in real-world detail while keeping its character and warmth.
Inviting Guests to Stay
Through a blend of hand-crafted lettering, subtle grain and patina, and an authentic colour palette, I created illustrations that are visually engaging and deeply connected to local heritage.
By weaving stories of culture and history into the artwork, I aimed to create a genuine connection with guests.
These details don’t just make the space look appealing -they create a warm, welcoming feel that invites guests to start their journey and encourages them to stay.
Connect with Me
If you’re drawn to the way illustration can tell stories and shape space, you can learn more about my approach to interior commissions here. I’d love to hear from you if you’re working on something with character and want to explore a creative collaboration.