Illustrated Maps & Interpretation

I create illustrated maps and artwork for interpretation uses for estates, landowners, charities and heritage organisations who want to help visitors engage more deeply with the spaces and landscapes they’re exploring. My maps are designed not just to show routes and locations, but to tell the story of a place — its wildlife, habitats, history and character — in a way that’s accessible, informative and visually engaging.

This service is particularly suited to organisations that:

• Welcome visitors onto their land or into their sites

• Want to encourage understanding, care and respect for place

• Need to communicate complex information clearly

• Are balancing education, access and environmental responsibility

Typical uses include visitor maps, interpretation boards, leaflets, publications and educational materials.

A well-designed illustrated map can:

• Help visitors orient themselves confidently within a landscape

• Encourage exploration through clearly marked routes and points of interest

• Highlight wildlife, habitats and heritage features

• Support learning and interpretation without overwhelming people

• Create a stronger emotional connection to a place

Unlike standard digital maps, illustration allows you to emphasise what’s important, simplify complexity, and reflect the unique character of a site.

Example Project: Kypie Farm Welcome Board

For Kypie Farm, a 372-acre mixed arable and pedigree sheep farm near the Cheviots, the brief was to create a welcoming, informative board for visitors attending educational visits and Open Farm days.

The project included:

• A hand-drawn illustrated map showing the farm layout and key landmarks

• Four waymarked walking routes to encourage exploration

• A “you are here” orientation panel highlighting visitor facilities

• x15 wildlife and habitat illustrations reflecting how the land is managed

• Copywriting and overall board design

The finished board is now installed at the visitor car park, helping people understand the farm, navigate the landscape and spot wildlife as they explore. A printed version is also planned.

My approach to map and interpretation projects

I take the time to learn about your site, your audience and your aims, combining research with collaborative discussion. Accuracy matters — but so does clarity, tone and accessibility. My process usually includes:

• Research into landscape, wildlife, routes and history

• Careful consideration of how visitors will use and read the map

• Concept sketches and roughs before final artwork

• Regular check-ins and shared progress at agreed stages

With a background in not-for-profit marketing and communications, I understand the need for clear messaging, accountability and work that stands up to public scrutiny.

Illustrated maps and nature- or place-based illustrations are commonly used for visitor welcome boards and signage, walking and trail leaflets, estate or site guides, educational and interpretation materials, exhibitions, websites and digital interpretation, as well as editorial and publishing projects.

Fees and budgets

Fees depend on the scope, complexity and intended use of the work. As a guide, illustrated maps and interpretation projects for organisations typically range from £1,000–£5,000. Larger or more complex projects are quoted individually following discussion. All projects are supported by a clear Commissioning Agreement covering scope, timescales and licensing.

If you’re planning a new visitor map, interpretation board or similar project, I’d love to hear more! Please use the commissions enquiry form to tell me about your site, your audience and how the map will be used.