Examples of map illustration for brands, publishers and cultural organisations

One type of illustration, many different applications

Illustrated maps can be useful in all kinds of projects, from tourism and hospitality to publishing, cultural organisations and branded campaigns. The setting, audience and information being communicated may all be different, but the guiding principles remain the same.

The map needs to communicate clearly while giving people a sense of the place, subject or organisation behind it. The balance between information, illustration and visual character can then be adapted to achieve the right direction and outcome.

Tourism and visitor experiences

For tourism organisations, illustrated maps can combine practical navigation with a strong sense of place. They can help visitors understand a destination, discover places they might otherwise miss and get a feel for what makes it worth exploring.

They can be used in destination guides, themed trails, visitor attractions and heritage sites, as well as town and city plans. The level of detail and visual treatment can be conceived specifically for that unique destination and what visitors need to know about it.

Alaskan Cruise Itinerary Map
I illustrated an itinerary map for cruise line marketing, designed to guide passengers through Alaska’s ports of call. Combining travel information with visual storytelling, the map helps passengers understand their journey while hand-lettered fun facts add character and highlight the unique details of each location.

Hospitality and lifestyle brands

Within hotels, resorts and estates, an illustrated map can become part of the experience guests have with the brand. It can help them understand the property, discover what there is to do and get a feel for the character of the place.

Maps can be used in guest guides and other visitor materials, or as part of a wider experience. The illustration can reflect the personality of the brand while bringing together the practical information guests need with the places and options you want them to notice.

Interior Map Art for Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka
Working with the interior design team of a boutique hotel group in Sri Lanka, I created custom illustrations for their branded hotel spaces. The artwork introduced scenes of local life, faith and landscape, bringing a stronger sense of place and cultural identity to the hotels while complementing their mid-century interiors.

Publishers and editorial projects

In publishing, an illustrated map can turn geographical information into part of the wider editorial story. It can help readers understand a place while adding visual interest and giving a feature, book or supplement its own character.

Maps can be used in magazines, books and travel supplements, as well as educational publications where a visual explanation of place can make information easier to understand. They can also support editorial storytelling, helping connect locations, events or ideas within a larger narrative.

Feature Map Illustration for Travel Magazines
I’ve contributed editorial map illustrations to National Geographic Traveller UK over several years, creating immersive city maps, narrative route maps and feature maps that combine clear visual hierarchy with storytelling and a strong sense of place. The maps help readers explore a location while adding visual interest and atmosphere to the wider feature.

Museums, cultural organisations and public spaces

For museums, galleries and heritage organisations, an illustrated map can help visitors understand not just where things are, but how different places, stories and exhibits connect.

It can form part of an exhibition or interpretation, guide people through a building, site or wider area, or help bring the history and character of a place to life.

For public spaces, illustration can also make a large or unfamiliar environment feel more approachable, while giving visitors the information they need to explore it with confidence.

Illustrations for a National Conference
For two consecutive years, I created illustrations for a major museum conference, including hand-illustrated map covers showing the conference venues across the host city. The maps combined an engaging visual treatment with a practical overview of the event locations, while illustration elements were also adapted across the wider event identity.

What all successful illustrated maps have in common

Whatever the project, an effective illustrated map starts with the people who will use it. The information needs to be clear, well organised and easy to understand, with a visual hierarchy that helps people see what matters.

But clarity doesn't mean stripping away character. Illustration can add storytelling, atmosphere and a sense of place, giving people a reason to look more closely and helping the information stay with them.

The balance will be different for every project. The important thing is that the illustration, information and design are all working towards the same thing: communicating the right information, in the right way, to the right audience.

Which type of project are you planning?

Whether you're promoting a destination, welcoming guests, telling a story through a publication or helping people understand a cultural space, an illustrated map can be shaped around what your audience needs from it.

You might like to explore the relevant map illustration service, or take a look at some of my portfolio examples to see how I've approached different kinds of projects.

If you're not sure which approach would work best for your project, you're also welcome to get in touch and tell me what you're thinking.