Hand-illustrated map of Manchester by Anna Simmons, featuring textured details, vibrant rainbow colors, and playful hand lettering. Highlights museums, galleries, local landmarks, and tiny whimsical figures.

Event Illustration Services

This detailed Manchester map was the heart of the Museums Conference visual identity. With lively lettering, texture, and rainbow tones, it highlights key venues and local culture , setting the scene for an informative and welcoming event.

Bespoke illustrations to set the mood for your event

I create illustrations that help tie your event together. Whether it's a flagship map for your conference or custom visuals for your materials, I bring user-friendliness and energy - across signage, slides, digital platforms, and print.

Illustration can tie your event identity together

Here’s how that’s worked in practice

Illustration-Lead Map for a National Conference

Over two consecutive years, I created illustrated maps for two different venues, each for a major museum conference. Each highly detailed map became the heart of the event's visual identity for that year. As the conference guide covers they helped guide attendees through a multi-site exhibition trail. Additionally, illustration elements were adapted into projection slides, banners, and web assets.

My event venue illustrations provided a visual starting point; giving the organisers a flexible, recognisable visual system that worked across formats; from print to stage to screen

  • Exhibition invitation in blue and yellow, featuring the word “Exhibition” in large, letters surrounded and covered by location-themed illustrations of Glasgow, illustrated by Anna Simmons.
  • Multi-screen display with “Welcome to the Conference Party” and illustrations of famous Manchester figures, including Liam Gallagher and red MOSI girder. Illustrated by Anna Simmons.
  • Mobile view of an illustration with graphic design text reading “Conference & Exhibition Glasgow,” illustrated by Anna Simmons.
  • Photograph of an event banner in green, yellow, and blue, featuring an illustration of Glasgow’s Riverside Museum and green lettering that reads “Careers Hub,” illustrated by Anna Simmons.
  • Photograph of a conference slide on stage displaying a montage of Glasgow map illustrations, created by Anna Simmons.

A mix of photos showing how my richly detailed and character-filled event venue illustrations were used across two events; from banners and printed guides to screens and signage. These illustrations are a smart investment, delivering consistent branding, improving wayfinding, and creating lasting visual impact.

Photograph of a conference stage with four speakers seated in conversation, with a large screen behind them showing illustrations by Anna Simmons.

My custom event illustrations formed part of the on-stage visuals—bringing clarity, character, and consistent branding to a multi-speaker museum conference

One illustration did it all - saving time and ensuring consistent branding. As seen in action here- projected behind panel speakers, where elements from the illustrated map (including the Whitworth Gallery) were repurposed across presentation slides. 

This project shows how custom event illustration can orient, inform, and give a strong visual boost to a large-scale cultural event - while also offering attendees a springboard for sharing on social media, thanks to imagery that’s both eye-catching and rich in character. Illustration brought a bit of brightness and warmth to thoughtful, often academic museum sector content.

To explore the maps and see the full project, visit the portfolio page here.

Bring events to life

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Spark curiosity

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Unify your visual identity

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Bring events to life - Spark curiosity - Unify your visual identity -

Photograph of evening dining scene with flowers and a wine glass, showcasing a hand-lettered La Boca seating event signage by Anna Simmons, depicting vibrant Buenos Aires buildings

Photograph © Alley Theatre

Illustrated Touches for a Tango-Themed Fundraiser

This theatre fundraiser had bold art direction from the start; rich florals, dramatic lighting, and a theme inspired by the neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. I was invited to contribute illustrated table signs that would tie into this atmosphere and help guide guests to their seats.

Working within the established theme, I created a series of collaged and hand-drawn cards - each one spotlighting a different barrio, using colour, lettering, and stylistic references to echo the event’s mood. The illustrations added a playfully personalised layer to the tables, blending quietly into the visual storytelling of the night.

This project is a good example of how illustration can support an event's identity and help connect the dots of a carefully planned experience.

Photo of an evening table setting with wine glasses, featuring a hand-lettered Puerto Madero seating card illustrated by Anna Simmons, showing a vibrant night scene of tall buildings.

Photograph © Alley Theatre

Hand-lettered seating signage that sets the mood. These illustrated table signs brought warmth, colour, and a sense of place to a formal evening event, doubling as both practical tools and talking points.

Custom illustration for conferences and launches

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Illustrated assets for signage, slides, and screens

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Hand-drawn maps for festivals and exhibitions

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Custom illustration for conferences and launches - Illustrated assets for signage, slides, and screens - Hand-drawn maps for festivals and exhibitions -

Want your event to stand out? My illustrations do more than just look good:

Give your guests visuals they'll chat about long after the event wraps up.

Draw People In

Illustrations break the ice, making content approachable and inviting everyone to join in.

Create Lasting Memories

Highlight what makes your event unique with custom artwork that expresses its spirit and identity.

Capture the Essence

Used by museums, venues, and cultural organisations

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Supporting event branding, wayfinding, and comms

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Helping teams deliver seamless, memorable experiences

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Used by museums, venues, and cultural organisations - Supporting event branding, wayfinding, and comms - Helping teams deliver seamless, memorable experiences -

Planning an event with a lot to say?

I’d love to hear what you’re working on. I create artwork that welcomes people in and helps your event feel like it’s for them.

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Seating Card Illustration