A color illustrated overhead map of a site plan
These color renderings was based on an existing, supplied, black and white CAD drawings. They will be used for presentations to investors who don't have a technical background and might find the CAD drawings difficult to comprehend.
This color site plan was developed from a provided black and white CAD drawing and reworked to feel more accessible and visually engaging. The original drawing delivered accuracy and structure, but its technical appearance limited its ability to communicate clearly with a wider audience. By applying color, texture, and simplified visual cues, the plan becomes easier to read and more inviting, helping viewers quickly understand the layout without needing a background in design or architecture.
The illustration is created in a clean, overhead vector format, allowing for precise lines and consistent scale throughout the composition. Vector based artwork ensures flexibility across platforms, whether the image is used on a website, in printed marketing materials, or within a presentation. This approach supports both clarity and longevity, as the artwork can be resized or updated without loss of quality. For developers, planners, and designers, this type of site plan strikes a balance between technical accuracy and visual appeal.
Strategic use of color enhances both usability and presentation. Distinct areas, circulation paths, and key features are easier to identify, making the plan more intuitive at a glance. Color also adds warmth and personality, helping transform a strictly functional drawing into a communication tool that feels more human and approachable. This is especially valuable when sharing concepts with clients, stakeholders, or community members who may not be accustomed to reading traditional CAD drawings.
In addition to improving readability, this style of color site plan supports marketing and branding goals. A polished, approachable illustration reinforces professionalism and helps projects stand out in proposals and portfolios. By elevating an existing technical drawing into a refined visual asset, this rendering demonstrates how thoughtful illustration can improve understanding, strengthen presentation, and add value across a wide range of commercial and residential projects.
OVERHEAD MAPS:
PORTFOLIOS
- Illustration Portfolio: Start here for custom illustration and book covers. You can also browse illustrated maps and architectural rendering.
- Fine Art: I offer original paintings and drawings, including my Custom Halftone Series. You will also find mural work here.
- Graphic Design & Motion: View my graphic design portfolio. After that, explore motion design and animated illustrations.
- Maps by application: I create illustrated maps for boat shows, resorts, marinas, real estate, transportation, transit and parking, towns and cities, parks, and wayfinding.
- Additional project types: I also produce cover illustration, vehicle and vinyl wraps, proposal renderings, and street art.
- Illustration methods: My techniques include vector, isometric and axonometric, painting, black and white, GeoData maps, overhead maps, and custom halftones.
- Software portfolios: I work primarily in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp Pro, and Adobe InDesign. For motion projects, I use Premiere Pro and After Effects. You can watch my demo reel here.
