I don't think I have done this kind of post before. I saw one like it somewhere and thought it was interesting! This is the evolution of a drawing I recently did for Maisonneuve Magazine.
Because it was a straightforward map, of the Place Des Arts neighborhood in Montreal, it was a reasonably simple progression from sketch to final. Many jobs require three or more rough drawings, if a concept is being hammered out, as well as some revisions and changes to the final piece too. Above is the sketch the Art Director originally sent me, to show which businesses were important to include.
I used Google maps to figure out where everything went- what on earth did people do before that came along? The rough in this case is nearly the same as the final. I then traced it and made it a bit neater and nicer.I scanned it in and colored it up in photoshop, using the colors the Art Director was using in the layout on the facing page. Of course I added a bunch of birds in to make it a teensy bit cute.
I believe this job was passed on to me by my friend Marlena, who sends me map jobs if she is on vacation. Thanks Mar!
That is so nice, Tania!
I love the first one from the art director
was is on a table napkin?
I remember a mapping project in grade 4 that I just loved
we had to make an imaginary neighbourhood
my mom kept mine around for a long time because she just loved it
Your 'final' one is really great
its looks so simple and easy to do
and of course, as you shown us, it is not so
way to go!
Posted by: karina | September 22, 2009 at 11:46 PM
hee hee thanks so much Karina! i would love to see the one you did as a kid!!
Posted by: Tania | September 23, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Hey I love seeing the process you go through! Really interesting. Would love to see more posts like this. And I love your sketch just as much as your final version. Did it take you long to do your sketch? Happy autumn to you! :-)
Posted by: Lesley | September 23, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Hey that's a real nice map Tania. I think, I'll keep it for myself :-) Montreal is a really nice city, but you made it look even better. Cuddos.
P.S. If ever your in Montreal and wish to participate at the Critical Mass, they meet three streets west of Jeanne-Mance (outside of your drawing at the bottom) at Square Phillips last Friday of every month :-)
Sophie
Posted by: Sophie | September 23, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Lovely hand drawn map. It inspires me to visit Montreal and swing by Toronto in October.
Posted by: Grace | September 24, 2009 at 01:05 AM
hey that would be fun Sophie!
Yay Grace! come any time!
:)
Posted by: Tania | September 24, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Cool! I love the behind the scenes details.
Posted by: michelle y | September 29, 2009 at 12:27 PM
tania this really looks great, and it's very cool to see the first sketchings like this. can't wait to see it in print! (whenEVER it gets mailed to me...)
Posted by: Kelly Ebbels | September 30, 2009 at 04:55 PM
this is the cutest map i've ever seen and it's lovely to see your process too!
Posted by: karyn | October 03, 2009 at 12:44 AM
love love love it!
r
Posted by: rhya | October 06, 2009 at 12:27 PM
these are so cute! they remind me of the maps on murmur: http://murmurtoronto.ca. lovely work!
Posted by: elisabetha | October 10, 2009 at 12:54 AM
Tania. I love it. Beautiful work as always... glad the birds made an entrance.
Posted by: lisa | October 10, 2009 at 07:09 AM
:) thanks everyone!
so nice to hear from you all, even when I have been soo quiet!!
♥
Posted by: tania | October 16, 2009 at 10:20 AM