Illustrator Creates Colorful Hand-Drawn Maps Filled With Playful Details

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Map Illustration Art by Jenni Sparks

London-based illustrator Jenni Sparks creates hand-drawn maps of major cities across the world. However, these aren’t your ordinary tourist maps—the artist breathes new life into the traditional craft of cartography with her colorful, playful style. From London to New York City, ever map illustration showcases the culture and personality of each location with quirky drawings, humorous details, and local knowledge.

Sparks first started drawing maps in 2012 when she was commissioned by Evermade to create a map of London. The finished piece was used for tourist campaigns and was even enlarged to create a huge mural that covered the floor of London Gatwick Airport. Since then, Sparks has created maps of many other destinations and has worked with clients such as Nike, Adidas, and Lonely Planet.

Sparks takes several months to complete each map. Her process begins with extensive research using books, documentaries, and the Internet to note down the city’s landmarks, streets, and transport links. Once she has an idea of the layout, Sparks then visits each location to meet the locals and understand the unique vibe of each place. Every building, path, bridge, river, and park is then drawn by hand, squeezing as much detail as possible into the final map.

Each incredibly detailed piece features charming illustrations next to stylized architecture rendered in black line drawings. The map of “hipster-haven” Williamsburg in New York features hand-drawn coffee mugs, thick-rimmed glasses, and a handlebar mustache. For Berlin, Sparks details the streets of each district with site-specific symbols such as graffiti spray cans, techno music notes, and pints of German beer.

You can buy Sparks’ illustrated city maps from Evermade, and check out more from her portfolio on her website.