This watercolor illustrated map eCourse is a project that presents a challenge, takes up a sizable chunk of time, and allows you to mentally travel! I never, ever could have imagined that we’d collectively be in a spot where we need all of that. We can’t explore a lot of places in person right now, but we can be adventurous with our paintbrushes!
How I Got Hooked on Illustrated Maps
In 2013, I got my very first map commission. It was from a bride and groom in Kentucky who wanted to include a map as part of their wedding suite. I fell in love with the idea of giving guests a peek into a couple’s life while reiterating pertinent details about the wedding!
After that, I went on to make all sorts of illustrated map commissions, mostly for weddings. I received commissions in a steady flow, but I eventually had to stop taking them. I loved making maps, but making a few on a monthly basis simply demanded too much time!
Still: when I create maps, it helps me to connect with a place. Even if I’m making a map for someone else, I love researching my locations! It’s like getting to travel from the comfort of home. There’s also the puzzle component: you’ve got to figure out where to place your map locations, your lettering, and how/if to add color. Making an illustrated map presents a great opportunity to zone out and tap into your creativity — which I think we all need right now!
Why I Made the Watercolor Illustrated Map eCourse
Watercolor illustrated maps are one of my favorite projects to create, and I notice that every map I make is better than the last. Throughout the years, I’ve learned how to make efficient drafts, incorporate fun little details, and make everything visually cohesive.
And then, there’s the background. That’s the weak point in a lot of illustrated maps! I notice that many artists decide not to add one because it’s so intimidating and can mess up the whole map. However, without a background, a map looks pretty sparse. Other brave souls do attempt to add a background, but it’s flat and takes you out of the experience!
With all that in mind, I set out to create an unprecedented video course. Normally, I use video courses to teach you a skill, which you can then use to create any project you want. In this course, though, I teach you how to create a specific project, and you gain lettering, illustration, and watercolor skills as a result. Then, you can go on to use those skills to create your own watercolor illustrated maps and other projects as well!
About the Course
You can see the complete course layout — and a list of necessary supplies — in the course description. Basically, though, I’ve filmed a series of videos over the past couple of months that will walk you through how to make a map of Paris, France. We’ll go through all the steps to make the map together, and at the end, you’ll have a gorgeous map of Paris that you made yourself!
My goal with the course is to give you all the intellectual tools and techniques that you need in order to make any watercolor illustrated map. After you make your Paris map, you should try making another map of a place that you love. Then, you can go on to make your skills however you’d like! Make more maps for pleasure (they’re a great way to fill up a sketchbook), give maps as gifts, or take commissions.
No matter what you decide to use your skills for, I hope that you love the course. Know that as you’re taking it, I’m always available to answer questions (I respond within 24 hours to Lesson Discussion queries), and I’m rooting for you!
Thanks very much for reading, and have a wonderful and artistic weekend!
Take care of yourself,
Hi Lindsey,
Thanks so much for doing this! I have been wanting to try this since the day I saw your maps! I have 2 questions. I have a Mac. Can the digital part be done on Pages? Also, I have a b&w laser printer. Will this make it hard for me to trace the landmarks?
Thanks again for getting this out to us! Especially at a time like this! Be safe.
Gayle
Hi Gayle! I didn’t respond to your comment in a timely manner (so sorry!), but wanted to share what you commented on Lesson 1 of the course for anyone else who is in a similar situation. 🙂 Thank you so much!
“I have a Mac. I don’t have Photo Shop, but it seems like Pages will work to make the digital draft. Also, a suggestion…I don’t know if anyone is having trouble tracing the landmarks, but I have a black and white laser printer, not a color one, and the image is very hard to see to trace (I’m using the light box you suggested in another post). The black and white image all flows together and is difficult to see. So instead, I am finding good black and white illustrated images of the landmarks to trace, and it is much easier. Then I will use the color photos to copy the detail, and of course to add watercolor. Just a suggestion for anyone having difficulty with the tracing.”
Thank you SO much, Lindsey! I have been so excited to try this and have been hesitant to try on my own, so have been waiting with bated breath for this course. I can’t wait to dive in later today.
Hope you and yours are well and staying safe and healthy!
Warmly,
Jennifer
I would absolutely love to see the result!!
I have worked through the first couple of videos (you know – the ones where you do all the work for us!) and am now ready to start the actual hands-on part! Yikes, I’m nervous! But, you have talked through it SO well. I really feel like I know what to do, but drawing is scary. I think if I just sit down and go slowly, bit by bit, I’ll find it isn’t as hard as I imagine. This weekend was spent in finding groceries for the family, which took a surprising amount of time and effort. I imagine for you (and lots of others) this is a relaxing project, but for me it is really daunting, so I didn’t feel like I could focus or concentrate on such a big challenge until I knew I had found groceries and didn’t need to worry about that for now. Such strange days! Since I have that out of the way, I am hoping to dedicate some time for this project tomorrow. I need to pluck up my courage! (Fingers crossed that I don’t chicken out!)
Thank you again for the wonderful video workshop. While it is way out of my comfort zone, I’m looking forward to it so much. I hope that when I’m done I’ll be proud to share the result. Even if I’ m not, I’ll share it with you. I can tell you worked really hard on this workshop and if it were me, I would want to see how effective my videos had been. Any shortfall will be my own lack of skill rather than any lack of explanation on your part. Everything makes complete sense….it’s just the execution part. 😉
Have a lovely week!
I’m positive you’re doing great! And I hear you — going to the grocery store certainly invokes a fair amount of stress right now. I’m glad that was out of the way (but now it’s probably about time to go again). 🙂 I promise the map isn’t all about relaxation! No matter what your skill level, it is a challenging project … but a good challenge. I am excited to see it when you’re ready, whether that’s tomorrow or two months from now!