My Creative Process

I often get asked how I make my maps and other art, and although it can vary from piece to piece, here’s a quick run down of how I work!

• First I make a plan of all of the references, themes and ideas that I have for the map. If it is a fan map, perhaps that includes which characters, locations or key plot points that are important to that fandom. If it is an original work, like my Zodiac maps, then I create a spider diagram of ideas on different research avenues and concepts I wish to include.

• Then, I will sketch out a few different ideas for border layouts, both on paper and using Procreate on my iPad Pro. This helps me to visualise what the map or artwork will look like once I start drawing . It also helps me make accurate measurements with my ruler and pencil!

• Now I am ready to start drawing! First I draft everything out in pencil, and then I will go in and ink! This whole process can take literally hundreds of hours depending on the size of the piece (my Lord of the Rings map took almost 200 hours!)

• When I complete a piece, I will then scan it in so I can make prints and make any small corrections to mistakes I have made using Procreate on my iPad. I try to change as little as possible, but we all make mistakes!

• I have made one or two pieces by drawing them digitally, but 95% of my pieces are done entirely by hand. It’s more fun that way!

• I never use A.I. - and I don’t work with clients who use A.I. either!