art: map prints

"A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there."-H. Stanley Judd

One of my favorite parts of starting any new year is making a list of places I am looking forward to traveling to. But between now and hopping on a plane, some lovely hand drawn map inspired artwork is a great way to stay excited about an upcoming journey. They also serve as good mementos of places you call home, love and have visited in the past. So whether you are packing your bags for a trip this long weekend or just getting ready for a staycation, here are some lovely illustrated maps from around the web to get you inspired.

City Series by Jim Datz (pictured above)
If like many fashion lovers, during the last few days you have New York Fashion Week on the brain, you'll love Jim Datz's city print of Manhattan. He combines fun signs and 1950s inspired illustrations for that print and ones of other glam cities like London and San Francisco.

Lena Corwin
If you have ever picked up an Elle Decor, you can't miss Lena Corwin's lovely city map in the back of the magazine. Forty of her favorite maps (surprisingly Dallas made the cut and that's before Khloe moved here) are in her book Maps. It's always fun to see what an exciting city like Milan has to offer yet a place like Houston that you have called home forever also looks so pretty in Corwin's lovely colors. Makes for a great gift for your favorite map lover or world traveler.

Anne Smith
I am not sure if illustrator Anne Smith's works are available for sale, but I loved looking through her map collection on her site. Doesn't Phuket look so chill?

They Draw & Travel
If all this map perusing has caught your eye, forget that travel guide and check out sibling designers Nate Padavick and Salli Swindell's website that is a collection of illustrated maps with unexpected tips and non-touristy spots. Artists from around the world contribute their maps withs artistic flair.

 image source: threepotatofourshop.com, lenacorwin.com, annesmith.net

-SD

Comments

[amee]

You always find the coolest things and the coolest links. I'm completely absorbed. Where did my morning go??

[Anthrogal]

Have to get that Jim Datz London print..awesome!

[SD]

Thanks, Amee! Sorry for wasting your morning:) I owe you some credit..since you got me thinking about maps with that NG map you told me about:)

[Lola]

I am trying to do something fun each week and visit a different country once a year! X