Map illustration
for novels and books
A good illustrated map is not just a visual resource: it’s the first gateway into the world of your story. I’m Pablo Uría, a digital illustrator specializing in maps for fantasy, science-fiction and historical novels. If you’re looking for a map illustrator for your book, you’ve come to the right place. I have designed illustrated maps for publishers such as Editorial Planeta and Minotauro, and for authors from different countries who need an image that places the reader inside their universe before reading the first line.
Among the most recent projects are the illustrated map for La sombra del loto negro, winner of the 2026 Minotauro Award published by Editorial Minotauro, and the map for Sangre de Dragón (Academia Bloodwing 1) from Editorial Planeta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an illustrated map for a novel?
An illustrated map is a visual representation of the world or territory where your story takes place. It can be the continent of a fantasy realm, the deck plan of a spaceship, the layout of a medieval city, or the geography of an imaginary archipelago.
Unlike a functional or cartographic map, an illustrated map for books has a fundamental artistic component: its visual style must match the tone, period and genre of the work. A map for an epic high-fantasy novel is not the same as one for a horror novel or a historical adventure story.
As an editorial map illustrator, my job is to find that balance between narrative functionality and visual coherence with the rest of the book.
Types of maps I design
I work on digital illustrated maps for different genres and editorial formats:
Fantasy maps for novels
The fantasy genre is the natural home of the illustrated map. Kingdoms, continents, travel routes, cities and imaginary territories that give the reader a visual reference for the world they are entering.
Illustrated historical maps
For novels set in past eras, I design maps with an aesthetic consistent with the historical period: period-appropriate linework, suitable typefaces and historical cartographic references.
Science-fiction maps
Star systems, planets, space stations or futuristic territories. The science-fiction map combines technical precision with visual imagination.
Maps for children’s and young-adult books
Magical worlds, treasure islands, enchanted forests. Maps with a more illustrative, colorful and narrative style, designed for young readers.
Maps for self-published authors
Whether you publish with a publishing house or independently, a professional map adds value and credibility to your work.
My work process
Every map is a unique project. This is how I usually work:
1. Briefing and research
We start with a detailed conversation about your story: the places that appear, the routes your characters travel, the visual style you’re looking for and how the map will be used (inside the book, on the cover, digital use).
2. Sketch and structure
I prepare a first sketch with the general layout of the map: territories, geographical features, cities, routes and legend. In this phase we define the composition before moving into detail.
3. Digital development
I work digitally, which allows precise adjustments, scalability to any format, and delivery in the files the publisher or printer needs (high resolution, CMYK, PDF).
4. Revisions and delivery
I include revision rounds to fine-tune details until the map reflects exactly the world of your story. The final delivery includes the files in the agreed formats.
Who is this service for?
Publishers looking for a map illustrator with experience in real editorial projects, able to work with deadlines and technical print specifications.
Self-published authors who want their novel to have the same visual quality as a major publisher’s release.
Agencies and cultural projects that need illustrated maps for editorial materials, exhibitions or digital content.
How long does it take to create an illustrated map for a novel?
Timing varies depending on the complexity of the project. A map with one main territory and moderate detail can be ready in 2 to 3 weeks. More complex projects with multiple territories, detailed cities or several languages may require more time. I always agree on deadlines before starting.
What format will I deliver the files in?
I work digitally and deliver the files in the formats you need: PNG, PSD or TIFF in high resolution for print, vector PDF if necessary, and optimized versions for digital or web use. Color can be delivered in RGB or CMYK depending on production needs.
Can I use the map both inside the book and on the cover?
Yes. If the map is going to be used in multiple places (interior, cover, web, social media), we take that into account from the start to design a composition that works across all formats.
Do you work with international authors?
Yes. I regularly work with authors and publishers from different countries. I communicate in Spanish and English and I’m used to working remotely with international clients.
Can I see examples of maps you've made for publishers?
Yes, you can see examples of real projects in the gallery on this page and in the portfolio on the website. Clients I have worked with include Editorial Planeta, Minotauro, Santillana, Newton Compton Editori (Italy) and WMF Martins Fontes (Brazil).
Do you make maps for authors who don't have a publisher yet?
Of course. Many self-published authors, or those still looking for a publisher, commission the map before publishing so the work is complete. It’s a good investment: a professional map strengthens the credibility of the project with readers and publishers.
Shall we talk about your project?
If you have a novel that needs a map, write to me and tell me about your story. I like to get to know the project before quoting, to make sure what I propose truly fits what you need.
Illustrated maps for fantasy novels,
science fiction and young-adult literature
Map illustration for the Minotauro Award 2026
The novel written by África Vazquez and published by Editorial Minotauro.
Map illustration for the "Academia Bloodwing" saga
The novels written by Briar Boleyn and published by Editorial Planeta.
Map illustration for the "Geralt de Rivia" saga
The novels written by Andrzej Sapkowski and published by Editorial Alamut.
Map illustration for the novel "El Atlas de Fuego"
Novel written by Gabriel Sánchez García-Pardo and published by Munyx Editorial.
Map illustration for the saga "Las guerras del loto"
The novels written by Jay Kristoff “Tormenta”, “Imperio” and “Última”, published by Editorial Hidra.
Map illustration for the "Tramorea" novel saga
Illustrated map for the novel saga “La espada de fuego“, “El espíritu del mago“, “El sueño de los dioses” and “Corazón de Tramorea” written by Javier Negrete and published by Minotauro.
Map illustration for the novel "Por una Corona de Espinas"
Map illustration for the novel “Por una Corona de Espinas,” a young-adult fantasy novel written by Coriant Paguel.
Map illustration for the novel La ciutat del Cel. Porcs
Map illustration for the novel La ciutat del Cel. Porcs, written by Jordi de Manuel.
Map illustration for the novel Nefilim
Map illustration for the novel Nefilim, an epic fantasy novel written by Sergio R. Sánchez.
Map illustration for the novel "Los Caminantes 3 - Hades Nebula"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Carlos Sisí and published by Minotauro.
Map illustration for the novel "El Dárico gris"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Eva Amuedo and published by Obscura Editorial.
Map illustration for the Frontonio winery - Aragón
Illustrated map of the Sierras del Jalón area (Iberian System, Zaragoza) for Bodega Frontonio.
Map illustration for the novel "Fantasmas de verde jade"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Víctor Sellés and published by Obscura Editorial.
Map illustration for the novel "La redención de Agartha"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Alberto S. Torner and published by Kelonia Editorial.
Map illustration for the "Shadowmarch" novel saga
Illustrated map for the saga of El juego de las sombras, El ascenso de las sombras and El corazón de las sombras, written by Tad Williams and published in Spain by Alamut Ediciones.
Map illustration for the novel "El rey trasgo"
Illustrated map for the novels “El Rey trasgo: La Ciudadela y la Montaña” and “El rey Trasgo: Títeres de sangre,” written by Alberto Morán Roa and published by Kelonia Editorial.
Map illustration for novel
Illustrated map for the novel written by Aitor Heras.
Concept behind the design of the maps created.
The author of the novel had created a whole continent across three maps.
We found a solution to preserve his idea without limiting his imagination for future installments, by being able to expand the created universe through the missing parts of the maps.
Map illustration for the novel "La era de la eternidad"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Hector García and published by Editorial Minotauro.
Map illustration for the novel "Ángeles de acero"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Nicholas C. Prata and published by Editorial Alamut.
Map illustration for the novel "La sombra de los dioses"
Illustrated map for the novel written by John Gwynne and published by Minotauro. In the end, due to rights issues, the map was not included in the final edition of the novel.
Map illustration for the novel "El águila en la nieve"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Wallace Breem and published by Editorial Alamut.
Map illustration for the novel "La luz de Egipto"
Illustrated map for the novel written by León Arsenal and published by Edaf (and later by Kokapeli Ediciones)
Map illustration for the novel "La boca del Nilo"
Illustrated map for the novel written by León Arsenal and published by Edaf (and later by Kokapeli Ediciones)
Map illustration for the novel "El laberinto de cristal"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Andreu Llamas and published by Timunmas
Map illustration for the novel "Guerra y Paz"
Illustrated map for the two-volume novel «Guerra y Paz» by Lev N. Tolstoi, published by Alba Editorial.
(See entry on the blog)
Map illustration for the novel "Cincuenta Caballeros"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Teresa Ricardo Frago and published by Kokapeli Ediciones.
Map illustration for the novel "Violant"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Isabel F. Bernabeu and self-published on Amazon.
Map illustration for Fuenlabrada Fantástica Festival
Illustrated maps for the Fuenlabrada Fantástica Festival. The maps have been published in the short-story anthologies of the festival’s annual illustration and writing contest.
Map illustration for the novel "Kobold, señor de las cadenas"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Alfredo Álamo and published by Torre de Marfil Ediciones.
Contact for your project
If you’re interested in having a map illustrated for your novel, story or any other project, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I create all kinds of illustrated maps for novels, exhibitions or private clients. They help readers get their bearings and visualize not just a geography, but a visual style.
Map illustration for the novel "Cruzamundos"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Gabriel Sánchez García-Pardo and published by Editorial Hidra.
Map illustration for the novel "Los Diez Mil"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Paul Kearney and published by Alamut Ediciones.
Map illustration for the novel "Tigana"
Illustrated maps for the reissue of the novel Tigana. In the end, due to rights issues between publishers, the maps were never published in any edition.
Map illustration for the novel "El heredero de la alquimia"
Illustrated map for the novel written by David Mateo and published by Ilarión Ediciones
Map illustration for the novel "Una de vampiros"
Illustrated map for the novel written by Martín Piñol and published by Timunmas.
