Why commission an illustrated campus map?

• Illustrated university campus maps do much more than a standard map. As well as being clear and easy to use as a way finding tool, they can 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
• 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 final map artwork is digital and can be updated year on year to reflect changes to the campus

Process of creating an illustrated campus map 

• 1. The Brief Before we start the project I require a brief from you to learn about the project. This is a document which details your requirements for the map and is helpful if it contains the following: what is the desired size? What area should the map cover? When is your deadline? Which type of map illustration would you like? How many illustrated elements should the map contain? What facilities/buildings/icons/people should be illustrated? Would you like a title/key/compass? Is there the requirement for any zoomed in elements to show particular details?

• 2. Sketch Draft Once I have your full brief I prepare a pencil sketch draft for you which I will send over by email, so that you can give me your feedback and any necessary additions and amendments. 

• 3. First colour draft Once you have signed off on the sketch draft I create the colour draft, which I send over by email again, for your feedback and any necessary additions and amendments.

• 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 and 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. 

Timeframe

I recommend allowing a minimum of two months for an illustrated campus map project, which allows for plenty of rounds of reviews with different faculties, as often these projects require input from a multitude of university departments and it is best to plan additional time in for this.