Does anyone get the feeling i might be maps obsessed? This is another my library post and today i want to share a book i’ve had for over 6 months and that’s a constant source of inspiration to me. A map of the world according to illustrators and storytellers is another gem from the brilliant gestalten that are experts at publishing visual storytelling. I reviewed the amazing around the world here.
So what makes visual storytelling so compelling? Well, our brains process visual information around 60,000 times faster than text. However, while you can capture someone’s attention with great visuals, you still have to captivate and communicate your message. That’s where the story side comes into play.
In the preface it says: “only a few representation devices have been such a fountainhead of wonderment, controversy, and utility as maps have.” You’ll find an eclectic collection of more than 500 contemporary maps by today’s most sought-after artists, designers and illustrators. Some are accurate and some will be abstract. Whichever, they all represent the creative zeitgeist of contemporary cartography.
Take a look at some of my favourites:
Deanna halsall – an uncle’s guide to london
Jenni sparks – hand drawn map of london
Vic lee – london
Rude – verona from the sky
i love dust – tour de france
Loulou & tummie – smart electrique drive
Jimmy gleeson – we heart melbourne
Mike lemanski – london
Which map style speaks to you? Do you know or own this book? Happy weekend everyone!
30 Comments
Looks like a beautiful book. I have a thing for maps too though haven’t got around to totally indulging it. Probably a good thing.
The Book is really beautiful and a constant inspiration:-) Love Maps……
I had a glance into this book a while ago and loved the colourful map illustrations. Again, I am always drawn to it as I was a world explorer with my Atlas as a kid:-) It triggers all kind of inspiration and reverie…
Isn’t it gorgeous??? Did you see Munich? Love that you were a World explorer as a kid with your Atlas and it’s now happened in reality as an adult:-)
For anyone who wants to win a copy of this book, I’m running a project challenge to map your favorite neighborhood in my Skillshare MAPS class. You’ll also win postcard-sized print outs of your map. The deadline is Nov 18th.
Here’s where you sign up: http://skl.sh/11RQ8Ig
And there’s a discount in this blog post 🙂
http://www.pret-a-voyager.com/2013/10/map-project-challenge/
Tempting BUT I’ve already got the price:-)
I’ve always loved looking at maps too Tina. It’s wonderful how they’ve become real works of art 🙂
You’re so right, they are real works of art x
I really like the way the city maps have been interpreted and re-imagined a in so many different creative ways by the various artists and illustrators.
Yes, hope you get to see the book in real life… astounding!
Love this book Tina, maps are really on the map (pardon) at the mo – these are cool, work of art indeed. Happy weekend love,
Axx
Yes, definitely the Zeitgeist for Maps xx
My husband loves great maps and this book is a great find, thanks for featuring it!
Hello Tina:-)
The format and every page is very impressive…. maybe for Xmas?
For its sheer artistic genius, Jenni Sparks hand drawn map of London is a stunner. I particularly love that is has a focus on south London and I can see where I used to live near Burgess Park 🙂 I also love Mike Lemanski’s London.
Oh and it did cross my mind that might be map obsessed 😉
Gxx
Oh and it did cross my mind that YOU might be map obsessed x
I know, can you imagine hand-drawing all of that? Haha! Glad you saw that:-)
There are so many great maps in there.
Yes, defo Maps obsessed!! xx
It’s your Birthday as I’m commenting back. You’re probably sitting in your Shell Chair now:-)) x
What a fun and differedt way to make maps.
I’m a big fan of maps
You’d love this book Carol!
I find maps fascinating as well Tina. I don’t own this book but love ‘I love dust’ Tour De France and of course the Melbourne map. Thank you for your lovely comment about Emma leaving home. I was touched and agree we should raise children with the skills & confidence to be released into the world when the time is right! Xx :))))
The Melbourne map was really for you:-)) Glad you noticed!
Aww, hope you’re ok xx
Love this – this is going to make a fab Christmas present for a few people I know 🙂
Yes, brilliant pressie. I always find that Books like that are inspirational, fun and very impressive as presents.
Thanks Becky x
Crikey, 60,000 times faster.
As you know, I share that same map obsession – so could stare at these pictures for hours.
Hahaha. I know…. yep, 60.000 times faster!
Maps are so interesting because they can be interpreted in many many ways… the Vic Lee map is my favourite, maybe cause of the writing style. I also have to say that it was nice to see a map of Melbourne in there also ;). xD
Ha. yes, forget you’re Australian:-) There are so many Maps in this Book that I’ll never get bored! xx
I know this book 😉 I love Rude’s Verona from the sky!! Checked out their shop and it’s pretty fun … I like a lot of items, but they’re a bit too colourful to come into my home.
Which map styles speak to me? … I’m not sure what kind of map styles exist so it’S a bit hard for me to say. But depending on the function, I imagine I could respond well to realistic and abstract maps alike.
Another nice book from your shelves … thanks Tina!
Xx.
Ha. It’s great, right? I love their shop. So colourful. I agree, a bit too much for your home:-) LOL
I think what’s so fantastic about this time and the Zeitgeist of Maps, is that anything goes today, thanks to contemporary cartography!
Thanks love xx
Ha, I got this book yesterday in Paris..only took 2 years. But to a beginner map-maker its an essential!
I remembered you had done something..
Yay