My toolkit includes several software programs, with some more on my wish-list to streamline my process. I learn from other cartographers who share their map-making tips - cartographers are a collaborative bunch!
Wayfinding signs and maps are everywhere, but you may not have noticed them unless you looked. They can be a directional sign on a post, an information board with map showing trails and park facilities, or a map of an urban area showing streets and landmarks. These maps improve livability and accessibility for everyone.
Herbarella is a quarterly gardening, travel, and lifestyle magazine in Switzerland. I've been working with Gianni Bombèn, the publishing editor, for years now. Each map highlights a specific tourist destination and gives readers a clear picture of the destination at a glance. Read more about our long-time collaboration.
Collin Yarbrough's book, "Paved A Way", discusses infrastructure, policy, and racism, while learning about the history of the Central Expressway in Dallas. I helped Collin create a map showing the neighbourhoods affected by the expressway construction.
I worked with ClimateActionWR to create maps for proposed active transportation hubs to present to the Region and local councils. These hubs are part of a long-term strategy to encourage people to leave their cars at home for short trips within their neighbourhoods.
Maps have always caught my eye but I never thought of making them until I was laid off from an IT job at a large company and realized I didn’t want to do that kind of work anymore – I wanted to do something creative. So I went back to school and fell in love with cartography.
Many micro-businesses don't have time to keep up with social media, or budget to hire marketing companies. I tried many social media schedulers and finally found Publer. I can easily customize posts to all my social media channels. Their free plan is amazing, and their flexible paid plans are a great value.
In the past year I've spent a lot of time expanding my shop and figuring out what's next. I'll add more city and lake maps, more downloadable park maps, and more product types. And, as always, I'm here for you when you want a custom map.
It's been a very good week so far. I've just submitted the final draft for a map of the Philippines for a professor and will soon start a new project for a map of an imaginary world for another client.
My new client liked the work plan I laid out; the professor couldn't believe how easy this was for her. I realized that I've developed a process over the years that is now second-nature to me, and one that my clients consistently appreciate. Here's a look back at how my brand and design process developed over the years.
Many businesses and non-profits use social media as primary marketing channels, but there's still a place for brochures. Whether you mail print brochures or have them as downloads on your website, compelling imagery is important to attract attention. Maps of your locations or service areas can help. And we have some brochure templates to get you started.
Greg Madonna's memoir - The Learjet Diaries - is about his time in the 1970s as a pilot flying in South America and the Caribbean. He wanted a series of black and white maps, simple and clean with a serious tone, to illustrate his story. Read more about the development of these maps.
I worked with Jacob Taylor-Mosquera this past spring on a map to accompany his memoir, "I Met Myself in October: A Memoir of Belonging". He writes about his international adoption from Columbia and his search to find his biological family. Read more about our collaboration on a map of Cali for his book.
