How to create illustrated maps

In this class, you will learn my method to create illustrated maps that combine analogical (watercolour for me) & digital illustration. 

We will start by understanding what a map is and it's key features. Then we will start to plan what we want to include: the locations and the icons to represent them. We will then move to look for reference, create a customized Google map, define a palette, choose fonts and so on.

The fun part will be to illustrate our icons and the map background individually. We will import them in Photoshop and assemble together to create our map.

Disclaimer: This class is not focused on teaching watercolour or sketching technique itself nor on technical Photoshop skills. It's designed to combine both of those skills to create an illustrated map, that's why is suggested to intermediate level students.

If you want to start learning watercolour sketching and/or how to digitize your artworks from scratch I suggest you take my food sketching series classes first, so you will have all the beginner's skills needed to approach this class successfully.

Class Reference Links

Where to find or create maps:

https://www.google.com/maps

https://d-maps.com/index.php?lang=en

Where to read more about cartography:

https://www.gislounge.com/ten-things-to-consider-when-making-a-map/

https://gisgeography.com/map-elements-how-to-guide-map-making/

http://www.wwu.edu/huxley/spatial/tut/what_all_maps_must_have.htm

https://www.gislounge.com/cartographic-resources/

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Regions_map_template.svg?uselang=it

My Pinterest Board dedicates to illustrated maps:

https://www.pinterest.it/travelingscrap/mappe/

Where to find creative commons licensed images:

https://pixabay.com/

https://www.pexels.com/

https://unsplash.com/

7-days Photoshop free trial:

https://www.adobe.com/uk/products/photoshop.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw-ITqBRB7EiwAZ1c5UzwkyeRUJWtcT58rFWCbJVdScoPzA2Od2RKK5E4_1ctFtB9GKyD-WhoC4wwQAvD_BwE&sdid=88X75SKR&mv=search&ef_id=CjwKCAjw-ITqBRB7EiwAZ1c5UzwkyeRUJWtcT58rFWCbJVdScoPzA2Od2RKK5E4_1ctFtB9GKyD-WhoC4wwQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3085!3!340669891878!e!!g!!photoshop#mini-plans-web-cta-photoshop-card

• Intro
• Materials
• What's a map?
• Planning
• References
• Reference map
• Define fonts & colors
• Illustrating the icons
• Illustrating the background
• Assembling the map on Photoshop
• How to publish on TDAT
• Outro