• Illustrated Wedding Maps

    I love designing a lot of things — but illustrated wedding maps are on my top five list. I enjoy them because they add personality to a wedding suite without being campy or obnoxious. A lot of clients have been asking what the process for my maps is, and I thought it might be interesting…

    2018 update: There’s a newer version of this post that you may find interesting! Check it out by clicking here.

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    I love designing a lot of things — but illustrated wedding maps are on my top five list. I enjoy them because they add personality to a wedding suite without being campy or obnoxious. A lot of clients have been asking what the process for my maps is, and I thought it might be interesting to share with you all as well!

    First, a client provides me with a list of 4-6 locations and addresses, along with a brief explanation of the locations’ significance {e.g. “This is our wedding venue.”}. I research these places online to learn a little bit about them, and then I sent the client links to the photos I plan to use as a reference. As an example, the map I am making with you today is of Houston, and the client wanted to include Brennan’s Restaurant on that map. Dually, I sent over a link to this photo of Brennan’s to the client for approval on angle and accuracy.

    Brennan's in Houston, TX | The Postman's Knock
    Photo courtesy of Brennan’s Restaurant website.

    Once I have approval for all the photos, I create a pencil sketch of the map. I have the client look at the illustration and calligraphy style and the orientation of the locations.

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    Once the client has approved the pencil sketch, I go over it with pen. I use that itty bitty nib that I am so fond of {the same one I used in my line drawing tutorial} and start creating!

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    Once I am finished “inking”, I let the piece dry overnight, then I erase the lines. That drying time is excessive, but it’s better to be safe than sorry; and there’s nothing more devastating than a smudged line that could have been prevented.

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    At this point, the illustrated wedding map design can be left as-is and digitally printed; sent to a letterpress printer; or watercolored. For this map, we are going the watercolor route. The fact that I am watercoloring is the reason that I use India ink — it’s waterproof, unlike many other inks. Even so, it’s vital that the ink is completely dry, or else smudging will occur.

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    When I paint, I use a brush whose bristles I have cut so the stroke is tiny, tiny, tiny. I love being able to fill in little details.

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    Painting takes me a few hours because I like to make sure everything is perfect. For example, when I finished this illustrated wedding map, the buildings didn’t stand out to me enough, so I added just a bit of gray behind all the elements so they would “pop” against the faded green background. I also added some calligraphy curls to bring the design together.

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    At this point, it’s time to work with the map in Photoshop. I always scan my images in to my iMac using a professional printer set to 650 dpi. Then I work within Photoshop to make sure everything is scrupulously perfect. In this map’s case, I wanted the banners to be a little lighter, along with a couple of other changes.

    Once I am satisfied with the digital version of the map, I send a proof to the client. If s/he approves the proof, I have the maps professionally printed on 110#C {read: cover weight} paper. Then the illustrated wedding maps are all packaged up and sent to the client to be included in their wedding suites!

    Illustrated Wedding Maps | The Postman's Knock

    These illustrated wedding maps are so much fun to make, and I get to learn a lot in the process about different cities. From creating wedding maps, I know that if I’m in Napa, I need to try Redd Restaurant. A destination wedding map in Mexico taught me that the Casitas de las Flores are a must-see. A recent Greensboro illustrated wedding map informed me that Crafted’s tacos are among the best in North Carolina. As I am learning all this, I think about how excited invitees must be to be able to experience the area, armed with the suggestions on the illustrated wedding maps.

    I hope that you enjoyed this post — thanks so much for reading!

    XO, Lindsey | The Postman's Knock