Illustrated University Campus Maps
Hello! Nice to see you here
Let's face it - university campuses can be very confusing, Block F.2 located next to Building Q in Area 4....and that's where I come in! I design campus maps that are clear to use as well as fun and engaging to look at. With a mix of clear layout, clever details and unique illustrations that vibrate with your university's personality I turn sprawling campuses into inviting, easy to navigate spaces. Whether for Freshers trying to locate the lecture theatre or visitors trying to hunt down a coffee, my maps are made to guide, delight and reflect the unique vibe of each school.
Why commission an illustrated campus map?
- Illustrated university campus maps do much more than a standard map. As well as being a clear and easy way finding tool, they capture life on campus in a playful and engaging way
- The unique illustrations (the selection of which can be chosen by the students themselves) capture the spirit of university life and all that makes your university unique - making it easier for your students to feel right at home
- The finished map is a marketing tool that has a variety of uses: a great giveaway for Freshers, on your website, as a signboard on campus, in your prospectus and on marketing platforms
The process of creating an illustrated campus map
- 1. The Brief This is a document which details your requirements for the map, it can be sent over email or we can talk it through in person. It is helpful if it contains the following:
- What is the desired size?
- What area should the map cover?
- When is your deadline?
- How many illustrated elements should the map contain?
- What facilities/buildings/icons/people should be illustrated?
- 2. Sketch Draft Once I have your brief, I prepare a pencil sketch draft for your feedback, which I send over by email. Once I have your feedback I will prepare a second sketch draft, finalising any tweaks until you are happy to proceed to the final version.
- 3. First colour draft I will send over the colour draft by email again, for your feedback
- 4. Final colour artwork Once everyone is happy with the final design I will issue the final files as JPEG/PDF/PNG or however you need them, and you are good to go!
In the case of the project above for the Royal Veterinary College, the maps were printed and given to graduating students at graduation. The map artwork is ready to use as a marketing tool for their website, social media channels and potentially as a keepsake to purchase in the university shop too.
Timeframe
I recommend allowing a minimum of two months for an illustrated campus map project. In my experience, draft designs need to be reviewed by a fairly large number of faculty staff and it is best to allow plenty of time for this!
"The whole team was delighted with the outcome of the SOAS Gems illustrated Map project. Katherine was a joy to work with and her unique style really struck a chord with our students and professors at the University alike. Throughout the project Katherine was excellent at communicating and consistently came up with creative solutions to our ever-evolving brief . The response to the project on social media has been astounding and we would definitely work with Katherine again on future projects"
Jack Neenan, SOAS University of London
"We couldn't be happier with the illustrated campus map Katherine produced for us. As the project is multifaceted, we presented Katherine with a really complex brief and lots of different ideas that she was able to pull together into one awesome, cohesive design that really captured the tone we were aiming for. Throughout, she was an absolute joy to work with, her vision, talent, and unwavering patience throughout the process made the whole project really enjoyable"
Millie Beach, University of Cambridge
'It was a pleasure working with Katherine on an illustrated map for our new afternoon tea partnership with the Natural History Museum. Not only are Katherine’s illustrations beautiful, but communication throughout the project was consistent and clear, and her suggestions were excellent and helped improve the overall design. Our guests have loved using the map to find their way through Hyde Park from the hotel to the museum – it’s a great addition to the afternoon tea experience!'
Emma Morris, Royal Lancaster London
Interested in commissioning an illustrated campus map?
I'd love to hear from you!
Interested in commissioning an illustrated campus map?
I'd love to hear from you!
Get in touch here
Get in touch here