Working as a fantasy map illustrator for novels is a creative adventure that combines technical skill with the ability to build imaginary worlds. A map in a fantasy novel helps readers find their place in the world the author has created, and it is also an opportunity for the illustrator to add a personal, artistic touch to the book.
Note: this article is an informative guide to my creative process. If you want to commission an illustrated fantasy map for your novel, you can see examples of my work and how we can collaborate on my map illustration page.
Fantasy map illustrator
Map of Geralt of Rivia’s world, illustrated for The Witcher novels published by Alamut in Spain and in Brazil.
Why a good fantasy map matters
Several things make a good fantasy map essential for a novel. On the one hand, maps help readers follow the characters’ journeys and better understand the places where the story unfolds. On the other hand, they are a tool for writers to present a coherent, detailed world, and for illustrators to make that world visually appealing and easy to read.
Styles and techniques for fantasy maps
There are many techniques and styles an illustrator can use to create a fantasy map. Some illustrators prefer black and white maps, which give an older and more mysterious feel, while others use colour to make the world brighter and more vibrant. Techniques also vary, from watercolour to digital illustration, to achieve a unique and personal look.
For printed novels, black and white usually works best inside the book, because it reproduces cleanly on standard paper. Colour maps are a great option for endpapers, special editions, posters or the author’s website.
A fantasy map as a visual companion to the story
Besides being an essential visual companion to the novel, illustrating fantasy maps is also an opportunity to explore and develop artistic skills. It is a way of creating a world from scratch, using imagination and technique to take readers on an unforgettable adventure. You can see more of my maps on Behance.
This map belongs to the series of four I created for Shadowmarch by Tad Williams. Other examples are the Tigana maps for Guy Gavriel Kay’s novel.
What helps a fantasy map illustrator get started
If you are an author or a publisher thinking about commissioning a map, these are the things that make the process easier and the result better:
- A rough sketch of the world, even if it is drawn by hand. It does not need to be pretty: it only needs to show where things are.
- A list of the places that must appear, with their exact spelling: cities, rivers, mountains, forests, borders and anything the plot depends on.
- The tone of the book: epic, dark, romantic, humorous… The style of the map should feel like the story.
- Technical details: the final size, whether it goes inside the book or on the endpapers, and whether it will be printed in black and white or in colour.
- Visual references you like, from other maps or from the period that inspired your world.
Fantasy map illustrator: frequently asked questions
Do you work with self-published authors?
Yes. I work both with publishers and with self-published authors who want a professional map for their novel.
Can a fantasy map be used in both print and ebook editions?
Yes. A map prepared at high resolution can be adapted to the printed book, the ebook and promotional materials such as posters or social media images.
In short
Being a fantasy map illustrator for novels is a unique combination of technical and creative skills. It is a way of helping writers present a coherent and detailed world, and of offering readers a richer visual experience. For the illustrator, it is an exciting journey of exploration and artistic growth that allows you to create imaginary worlds and leave a mark on popular culture.
If you are publishing a novel and need a map or a cover illustration, get in touch and tell me about your project.
