Illustration and Illustrated Map Topics

WHAT IS ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR?:

Adobe Illustrator is the industry standard software for creating vector based illustrations. Unlike pixel-based images, vector graphics are defined by shapes and points along their edges, known as Bézier points, which control direction, curvature, and form. This allows vector images to be scaled to any size without losing resolution, making them ideal for precise, clean, and visually striking illustrations used in print, digital media, and large-format displays.

I have worked with a variety of vector illustration programs over the years, including Freehand and CorelDRAW, but Adobe Illustrator became my primary tool for both vector art and graphic design. Even when I create vector files in other programs such as SketchUp or Maperitive, they are typically imported into Illustrator for refinement and final output. I have been using Illustrator since around 1990, developing a workflow that combines technical accuracy with artistic expression.

Adobe Illustrator is particularly well suited for the bold, geometric styles I frequently work in, including Art Deco and Italian Futurism. Its vector-based format is ideal for creating flat fields of color, sharp lines, and axonometric illustrations, which are often used for architectural and technical renderings. The program's precision and flexibility allow me to create both highly stylized artistic works and functional maps or diagrams with exacting detail.

Vector artwork created in Illustrator can also be animated and integrated into motion graphics using Adobe After Effects, opening opportunities for dynamic presentations and video content. To explore examples of my motion work, see my After Effects and Premiere Pro Portfolio.


WHAT ARE AXONOMETRIC AND ISOMETRIC ILLUSTRATIONS?:

Axonometric and isometric drawings don’t have realistic perspective. I use specific mathematical formulas to draw this way. In these images things further away don’t appear smaller and therefore have equal weight of importance to things nearby. My axonometric maps and illustrations are generally bold and have a slightly cartoon like look. This method of rendering perspective is commonly used in technical and engineering drawings. I began using this method of drawing as an illustration tool in 2007.

The difference between isometric and axonometric is isometric drawings are really just from a straight on corner angle but axonometric drawings can be from other angles. Most of my illustrations have parts that are isometric, but are largely axonometric. I have a habit of calling them all isometric, but I shouldn't.


ABOUT PHOTOSHOP ILLUSTRATIONS:

Adobe Photoshop was originally developed as a photo retouching tool, and it continues to excel in that role. Over the years, however, artists and designers have expanded its use far beyond simple photo editing, exploring its capabilities for digital illustration, compositing, and creative image manipulation. Photoshop can be used to create original artworks from scratch, dramatically transform photographs, or produce complex visual effects comparable to those seen in television and film - only in still image form. While I have not yet ventured into fully replicating traditional oil painting in Photoshop, I have created original works and modified images so extensively that “retouching” no longer fully describes the process.

Photoshop is the industry standard for bitmap image editing, and I rely on it daily, often in combination with other tools such as Adobe Illustrator and SketchUp. Even when working on more routine tasks like resizing, compressing, or preparing images for print and web, I apply the same techniques and attention to detail that I use in full scale illustrations. This practice ensures that my skills remain sharp and adaptable across every type of project.

Nearly every illustration featured on this site has been touched in Photoshop in some way, whether for final compositing, color adjustment, or output preparation. Its versatility allows me to combine precision and creativity, producing images that are both visually striking and technically polished. From subtle enhancements to bold, original illustrations, Photoshop remains an essential tool in my workflow, enabling me to deliver professional-quality imagery for a wide range of applications.


ABOUT RESORT MAPS:

Clear wayfinding is essential to a positive guest experience, and a well designed resort map plays a major role in making that possible. When guests can easily locate amenities, lodging, dining, and recreation without confusion, they enjoy their stay more and place fewer demands on staff for directions. A custom illustrated resort map provides an immediate visual overview of the property, helping guests orient themselves quickly while reinforcing the resort’s brand and atmosphere.

I have created custom resort maps for a wide range of destinations, from waterfront properties and resort marinas to locations well inland. These projects include rustic cabin resorts set in wooded environments, luxury spa destinations adjacent to golf courses, and mixed use resort properties with complex layouts. In addition to full property maps, I have also produced detailed illustrated floor plans showing the interior layouts of rental apartments and resort accommodations, allowing guests to understand spaces before they arrive.

Clients consistently report that these illustrated maps become one of the most useful tools they provide to guests. They reduce confusion, minimize the need for staff to give repeated directions, and help visitors feel confident navigating the property on their own. Whether used in print, signage, mobile apps, or websites, custom resort illustrated maps offer both practical value and visual appeal, making them an effective investment for resorts focused on guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

 


WHAT IS SKETCHUP?:

SketchUp, originally developed by Google and now maintained by Trimble Inc., is a powerful 3D modeling program widely used across architecture, interior design, marine architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, and even film and video game production. While it is not intended for character design or organic modeling, SketchUp excels at creating precise, technical models using basic shapes, making it ideal for architectural renderings, site planning, and technical illustrations.

I first began using SketchUp in 2012 while creating the illustrated map for the St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show. At the time, I was seeking an efficient alternative to isometric drawing for map illustration. Since then, I have expanded its use across a variety of projects and now rely on SketchUp almost daily to create accurate, visually compelling 3D models for maps, buildings, and other technical illustrations.

SketchUp allows me to combine technical precision with artistic flexibility. Models created in SketchUp can be used as the foundation for detailed illustrations, integrated with Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, or exported for presentation and visualization purposes. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for projects that require accurate spatial representation, clear perspective, and a professional, polished look.

If you are interested in having a custom model or illustration created in SketchUp, please contact me for a quote. I can provide solutions for everything from complex architectural layouts to 3D maps and technical renderings tailored to your specific project needs.


TRANSIT, PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION MAPS:

These maps are often presented from a direct overhead perspective, giving them a familiar appearance similar to the street maps many people use in their cars. Accuracy, clarity, and selective emphasis are essential, as these maps are frequently used in real time, often while navigating busy streets or parking areas. I tailor the level of detail to each client's needs, including only the elements that are most useful for users, ensuring that finding the right location is always intuitive and straightforward.

In many recent projects, I have incorporated geospatial data to produce maps in a more conventional cartographic style. Complex sites with dense street networks, multiple access points, or high volumes of features require reliable external data sources to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Even when using this data, I apply my own illustrative approach to enhance readability, highlight key locations, and maintain a consistent visual identity that aligns with the client's goals.

There are also cases where a three-dimensional perspective is advantageous. A 3D view can provide a more realistic understanding of a site, helping viewers visualize parking areas, transit hubs, and landmarks in context. In locations dominated by prominent features or architectural highlights, this perspective can make orientation easier and offer users a more immersive, intuitive experience than a standard overhead view.

Whether presented in 2D or 3D, these maps are designed to simplify navigation, improve user confidence, and support the operational and marketing goals of transportation, parking, and transit organizations. By combining precision, clarity, and visual appeal, they provide an essential tool for both staff and visitors.


WHAT DOES VECTOR ILLUSTRATION MEAN?:

Vector illustration refers to artwork created using vector graphics, a computer-based method that defines images through shapes rather than pixels. Each shape is constructed from points along its edges, known as Bézier points, which control direction, curvature, and other attributes. Unlike pixel based images, vector graphics can be scaled to any size without losing resolution, making them ideal for applications where clarity and flexibility are essential. They are also efficient in file size, since a single shape can be defined with just a few points rather than thousands of individual pixels.

While vector graphics provide the technical framework, the style of the artwork is entirely up to the illustrator. In my work, I often use vibrant, tropical-inspired color palettes, bold shapes, and perspectives influenced by Art Deco and Italian Futurism. These stylistic choices create images that are dynamic, eye-catching, and highly adaptable for both commercial and artistic purposes. Unlike photo-realistic images, vector illustrations can be playful, stylized, or even cartoon-like, making them ideal for maps, signage, logos, and other applications where clarity and visual impact are critical.

By combining the technical advantages of vector graphics with a carefully considered artistic approach, my illustrations provide both precision and personality. Whether used for printed materials, digital media, or large scale installations, vector based artwork offers versatility, scalability, and a distinct, memorable look that engages viewers and supports your visual goals.

To learn more about vector graphics see my post... "What are Bitmap and Vector Graphics"

Vector based art created with Adobe Illustrator can be animated using Adobe After Effects to create motion graphics. To learn more see my After Effects and Premiere Pro Portfolio.


PHOTOGRAPHY:

Photography isn't my primary focus, but I am quite capable at it. I can cite many examples, but one stands out...

While working for The Catamaran Company I photographed all of their yacht listings within about an hour's driving distance. They had a large inventory of listings and listings came and went frequently.
For each yacht I photographed each cabin, salon, head as well as the galley, salon and cockpit. This is the equivalent of photographing very room in a home or real estate listing. I was an early adopter (at the time) of panoramic photography. I also shot panoramics of most of the same rooms.
One of the staff brokers remarked to me that once they started using the panoramic photography questions like "where exactly is the fridge" dropped to near zero freeing him up to handle more important things.


WHAT IS GEODATA:

Geodata is digital information about geographical locations and features that can be used to create detailed and accurate maps. This data can include street names, coordinates, topography, land use, demographics, and a wide variety of other location-based information. When combined and analyzed, geodata provides a foundation for creating maps that are both precise and informative. Software that integrates and visualizes this data is commonly referred to as a Geographic Information System, or GIS.

While the maps in my portfolio were not created using advanced GIS platforms like ArcGIS, I do use geodata as a key resource in conjunction with professional illustration tools such as Adobe Illustrator and SketchUp. High-density areas with complex street networks or numerous features require reliable external data to ensure accuracy, because manually tracing streets or locations from other sources is both time-consuming and prone to error. By incorporating geodata, I can produce maps that are more precise, efficient to create, and fully customized to the client’s needs.

Even when using geodata, every map I create maintains a distinct artistic style. I apply emphasis where needed, simplify complex areas for clarity, and incorporate a visual aesthetic that aligns with the client’s goals. Geodata is a powerful tool, but it is not the right choice for every project. When it is used strategically, it allows me to create maps that are accurate, functional, and visually engaging, combining technical precision with creative design.

 


ABOUT COVER ILLUSTRATIONS:

There is a well-known saying that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but in reality, people do. If you have invested time, money, and creative energy into a book, magazine, or other publication, having a strong, eye-catching cover is essential. Authors and publishers often tell me that my cover illustrations have helped sell more copies than the content alone, opening doors to readers who might not have discovered the work otherwise. While this may seem surprising, it underscores the importance of compelling visual storytelling in capturing attention and communicating ideas at a glance.

Illustration offers unique advantages over photography for cover design. While photography can be a powerful choice in certain situations, illustration allows for the clear depiction of abstract concepts, fictional settings, or ideas that cannot be photographed. It also provides complete control over color, lighting, and composition, down to precise digital detail. This flexibility allows each cover to convey mood, tone, and narrative in a way that is fully tailored to the content it represents.

Over the years, I have created cover illustrations for books, magazines, and a wide variety of publications. The earliest work currently displayed on my site is the 2011 cover for Phillip Singer: An Accounting, which was hand-painted in oil, photographed, and then completed digitally using Illustrator and Photoshop. Today, most of my cover illustrations are produced entirely digitally, with a focus on vector-based techniques that ensure crisp, clean, and scalable designs suitable for print or digital media.

Each cover I create is designed to capture attention, communicate the story, and elevate the publication's visual identity. Whether for a book, magazine, or other creative project, my illustrations combine artistry, precision, and concept-driven design to make a memorable first impression that engages audiences and enhances the overall impact of the work.


ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS:

I'm not an architect, but sometimes an architect isn't who you want doing your architectural renderings. I can bring a more aesthetic approach to rendering a building, interior or venue. Sometimes the engineering accuracy of an architect is overkill and you just need to know what the inside of your restaurant or office will look like. Particularly in the case of making proposals for future construction no one wants to get bogged down in a discussion about the style of park benches outside or some other point of trivia. In that case an I have no problem keeping the specifics vague while still making the place look like somewhere you would like to go.

The maps I make can also be described as architectural renderings and I use some of the same software as architectural firms use to make them. I sometimes work from CAD files and I have collaborated directly with architectural firms. That having been said, if you need the precision, licensing or engineering prowess of an architect you should hire an architect, but under many if not most architectural rendering circumstances I may be a perfect fit for your needs.


PROPOSAL RENDERINGS:

I've been called upon many times to create drawings, art or renderings for proposals. This work spans new construction, interiors design and all kinds of other stuff that never ceases to surprise me. Proposals for investment or to convey an idea to a board may need to be realistic or sketchy and vague depending on the client's needs. I can accommodate both situations. I frequently use the same software as architectural firms use to make these renderings so you can provide your potential financiers with a professional presentation in a style they're comfortable with. Sometimes the presentation of a nice piece of proposal artwork is all that stands between your idea staying a dream and the funding needed to get it done. I'm here to help.


WHAT ARE WAYFINDING MAPS:

Wayfinding maps are maps that help you figure out

  • Where you are
  • Where you want to be
  • and how to get from one to the other

I know what you're thinking... Isn't that all maps? That was my first reaction as well, but this is not necessarily the case. Some maps only provide an overview of an area and some maps show topography or things like crime rates etc. These kinds of maps are becoming more popular with the advent of GIS, but that's another story.

My maps do tend to be geographical in nature and fit the description of wayfinding maps, but I go about it differently on different maps and I place emphasis on different methods. For instance... Some of my maps are overhead street map type maps while most are illustrated. The illustrated maps I create lean more on landmarks as a method of location while overhead maps require the user to think more abstractly and use signs or other markings in the real world to associate the map with reality. Some of my maps specify routes to be taken to reach destinations, some show paths, but leave the user to choose which they take and some simply show where things are in relation to one another giving more directional than specific guidance.

Some people refer to what they call digital wayfinding. This is usually loosely defined as wayfinding on a digital device like a phone or laptop with some form of interactivity involved. The zoomable maps I have on my site fall into this category but beyond that is software that chooses a route for you or describes facilities in your vicinity etc.

If you would like a quote for a wayfinding map please contact me.


PORTFOLIOS


Additional Portfolios: