3D rendering of a town used as a map for visitors
I am very pleased with this new illustrated map of Red Bluff, California. The Durango RV Resort was looking for a map of the towns highlights and asked if I could make a fun, easy to follow guide of the town. I think this map does the job nicely and the client is pleased as well.
If you have an interest in hiring me to create a map of a whole town, city or large area this serves as a good example. It shows some of the changes in scale and so forth that have to be made to make an entertaining illustration while still having a navigable map. Some of the buildings have been spun around so that you can see the facades rather than the backs, since no one recognizes the back of even a famous building.
TOWN AND CITY MAPS:
(and maps of similar areas)
TOWN, CITY & NEIGHBORHOOD MAPS:
I've have created many illustrated maps over the years showing downtowns, neighborhoods and sometimes whole cities. These maps vary in nature based on the area involved. Most span an area of a few city blocks or the equivalent. At that scale I can include a fair amount of detail and use accurate scales for buildings and such and you can still tell what you are looking at clearly. In a smaller area I can provide even more detail to the illustration, but when you need to see many, many city blocks I usually have to switch to a less literal rendering approach. I may have to take license with exaggerated scales of buildings or cartoon like renderings of points of interest. This makes for a less literal illustrated map.
With the first scale of maps at a few city blocks I have a standard, tried and true method that I've used many times. This is not to say that I am inflexible or not open to new ideas but generally speaking I can get down to work right away on one of these maps without much conversation. Assuming, of course, that the client wants a similar illustrated map to previous ones I've made.
With the larger scale maps the client has many options right off and I need to ensure that I give them what they want. This necessitates a little more conversation and consulting before I begin.I also create overhead maps including street maps. These range from the simplified to the extremely detailed. Now using Geodata (computerized geographical data that can be used to create maps and add information to those maps) I can add levels of detail, and accuracy that would have been impossible (for me at least) a few years ago.
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.