Map Illustration by Maria Rabinky

Illustrated Maps

by Rabinky Art, LLC

Hand-drawn illustrated map vs. geographic map

Let's compare a hand-drawn illustrated map and a geographic map

  • What is a hand-drawn map illustration?
  • What is a geographic map?
  • What are the advantages of hand-drawn map illustration?
  • How can we use a hand-drawn illustrated map?

What is a hand-drawn map illustration?

Hand-drawn maps are unique, rare works of an artist working as a map illustrator.

Hand-drawn map illustration can tell us a story, a unique history, and be a fantastic view through which one can observe a particular area. An illustrated map can be sketchy or detailed, filled with fun details and objects that together make an astonishing artwork. Sometimes the scale and proportions of the territory may show some distortion, but the result is always an accurate record of a memory or a place from the artist’s perspective.

South Africa Illustrated Map by Maria Rabinky
Illustrated Map of South Africa

What is a geographic map?

A map is a precise descriptive depiction of relationships between geographical elements of presented space, such as mountains, rivers, roads, objects, regions, or themes. It is correct in proportions and scale and shows the land as it is.

What are the advantages of hand-drawn map illustration?

A hand-drawn illustrated map is like a poem. It tells a story and inspires, and illustrated maps have something very human about them.

An artist created an illustrated map that presents a specific pattern that makes it easier to find the most important and exciting landmarks, wonders of nature, historical features, and other points of interest. A hand-drawn map could help a person looking for a specific object in a district, city, or country. Just by looking and referring to an illustrated map, a person will find their way quite fast. Another characteristic of an illustrated map is that focus is concentrated mainly on specific places, buildings, or landmarks within an area.

The artist can distort the space presented in the hand-drawn map illustration in scale to give more space to those points of interest the artist is focused on and shrink the areas which do not show any good for the viewers and eliminate unpleasant or unimportant distractions.

Map Illustration by Maria Rabinky
Illustrated Map of Costa Rica
Illustrated Map
Fjord Trail on Hudson Illustrated Map
Map Illustration by Maria Rabinky
Hand-drawn map illustration of China
Map Illustration
Map Illustration of Florida
Campus Illustrated Map
Bryn Mawr College Campus Illustrated Map. Detail.
Map Illustration by Maria Rabinky
Tampa Bay hand-drawn Map Illustration
Texas Illustrated Map by Maria Rabinky
Illustrated Map of Texas
Hand-drawn Map Illustration by Maria Rabinky
Experience CHEST 2009 Map Illustration
Bosch Map Illustration by Maria Rabinky
Bosch Map Illustration

How can we use hand-drawn map illustration?

  • Advertising
  • Brochures
  • Framed artwork
    Framed artwork
  • Greeting cards
    Greeting cards
  • Billboards
  • Promotional materials
  • Interactive maps
  • Murals
  • Posters
  • Puzzles
  • Tourist materials
  • And many more...

Conclusion:

Hand-drawn map illustration can tell you a story and be a visual guide, while a geographic map serves not an artistic purpose but rather scientific. A hand-drawn illustrated map is our choice!

Hand-drawn World Map Illustration
World Map Illustration billboard
Vodafone Wold Map Illustration
Vodafone Wold Map Illustration brochure
Illustrated Map of South Africa magazine
South Africa Map Illustration magazine
Map Illustration in brochure
Peirmont, NY. Map Illustration brochure
Map Illustration Walkway
Walkway over the Hudson Illustrated Map
WhistlePig Map illustration
WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Map illustration Board
Memphis Map Illustration
Memphis Map Illustration brochure
Illustrated map of London by Maria Rabinky
Illustrated map of London framed
UVA Map Illustration
Map Illustration of UVA campus brochure
Illustrated map of Wild Turkey display
Illustrated map of Wild Turkey in visitor center
UK Map Illustration by Maria Rabinky
United Kingdom puzzle Illustrated Map
Montpelier Illustrated Map by Maria Rabinky
Montpelier Illustrated Map brochure
More Illustrated Maps
© Rabinky Art, LLC